What are xeno-oestrogens?
Xeno-oestrogens are synthetic, man-made compounds that mimic the action of naturally occurring oestrogen produced in our cells and can alter hormonal balance and activity.
Xeno-oestrogens are exacerbating any oestrogen related condition. This can be a serious problem for anyone with pre-existing oestrogen dominance (very common for a lot of women these days) and related conditions such as;
- uterine fibroid tumors,
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- fibrocystic breasts,
- breast cancer,
- glandular dysfunction,
- male infertility,
- endometriosis,
- hair loss,
- weight gain,
- depression
Some of the problems xeno-oestrogens are associated with include;
- mimicking the natural hormones in our bodies, such as oestrogens
- blocking production of our natural hormones, such as androgens (male hormones), thyroid hormone, and progesterone
- altering the way in which natural hormones are produced, eliminated or metabolised
- modifying the number of hormone receptors we have and thus the amount of hormonal signaling in our bodies
- stimulating the release of hormones or other natural substances that affect the balance of our hormones in our bodies
- girls and boys are reaching puberty too early as a result of these disrupters.
- hormonal stimuli that contributes to inappropriate growth of mammary tissue cells, resulting in a problem society is calling “man boobs.”
Here is a list of some of the chemicals that are xeno-estrogens:
Skincare:
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
- Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as a preservative)
- Benzophenone (sunscreen lotions)
Industrial products and Plastics:
- Bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)
- Phthalates (plasticizers)
- DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)
- Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (flame retardants used in plastics, foams, building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles).
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Food:
- Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3
- Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)
- Butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)
- Propyl gallate (anti-oxidant)
Building supplies:
- Pentachlorophenol (general biocide and wood preservative)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)
Insecticides:
- Atrazine (weed killer)
- DDT (insecticide, banned)
- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (one of the breakdown products of DDT)
- Dieldrin (insecticide)
- Endosulfan (insecticide)
- Heptachlor (insecticide)
- Lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide, used to treat lice and scabies)
- Methoxychlor (insecticide)
- Fenthion
- Nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)
Other:
- Chlorine and chlorine by-products
- Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill)
- Metalloestrogens (a class of inorganic xenoestrogens)
- Alkylphenol (surfactant used in cleaning detergents)
How to reduce your exposure to xeno-oestrogens;
Food
- Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
- Choose organic, locally-grown and in-season foods, wherever possible.
- Wash and peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.
- Buy hormone-free meats and dairy products to avoid hormones and pesticides.
Plastics
- BPA plastics have been replaced with BPA-free plastics (Bisphenol-S) but are just as toxic as they are still endocrine disruptors and in some cases these new plastics are even worse than the original BPA!
- Reduce the use of plastics whenever possible.
- Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
- Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing, freezing or microwaving.
- Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.
- Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun.
- If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away.
- Don’t refill plastic water bottles.
- Avoid freezing water in plastic bottles to drink later.
- Open the windows in your car to remove xeno-oestrogens released from the plastic on the dashboard etc, before turning on the circulating air-conditioning.
Home and Household Products
- Use chemical free, biodegradable laundry and household cleaning products.
- Choose chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products (i.e. tampons, menstrual pads, toilet paper, paper towel, coffee filters).
- Use a chlorine filter on shower heads and filter drinking water
- Open windows and avoid being in the house (as much as possible) for a few days after it’s been painted.
Health and Beauty Products
- Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and oestrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearalkonium chloride.
- Minimize your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removers.
- Use naturally based fragrances, such as essential oils.
- Use chemical free soaps and toothpastes.
- Read the labels on condoms and diaphragm gels.
At the Shops and Office
- Cash Register Receipts are coated in BPA, and a new study finds that the carcinogenic chemical quickly contaminates the blood of anyone who handles one.
- Be aware of noxious gas such as from copiers and printers, carpets, fibreboards, and at the petrol station.
