Reducing Xenoestrogens

WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS? Xenoestrogens are chemicals which mimic oestrogen by binding to hormone receptors (oestrogen receptor alpha) and altering the function of our natural hormone. Xenoestrogens are stored in fat cells. WHY ARE THEY HARMFUL?

Xenoestrogens bind to oestrogen receptor alpha and stimulate cell and tissue growth which is associated with endometriosis, fibroids, fibrocystic breasts and oestrogen dependant cancers (including breast, testicular and prostate cancer).

SOURCES OF XENOESTROGENS

SKINCARE

• Parabens - methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben

• Phenoxyethanol

• Phthalates

SUNSCREEN

• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC)

• Benzophenone

NAILPOLISH

• Phthalates

• Benzophenone-3

• Homosalate

• 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)

• Octyl-methoxycinnamate

• octyl-dimethyl-PABA

FRAGRANCE

• Perfume

• Deodorisers

• Air fresheners

• Body Spray

• Aftershave

PLASTICS

• Bisphenol A (BPA)

• Phthalates

• DEHP (found in PVC)

• Soft Plastics

CHEMICALS

• Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) flame retardant

• Chlorine

FOOD

• Erythrosine (FD&C Red No3)

• Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

• Hormones used in meat and dairy products

Cleaning products, paints, adhesives, oils, sanitary products (containing chlorine, fragrance, surfactants).

HOW TO DECREASE YOUR EXPOSURE

Food

• Reduce artificial hormones by choosing hormone free meat and dairy products

• Choose wild caught fish rather than farm grown fish

• Store food in glass or ceramic containers - avoid plastic food containers

• Choose glass or metal (not aluminium) water bottles - avoid plastic water bottles

• Never heat or freeze foods in plastic containers or bags, and avoid plastic takeaway containers where possible

• Use a glass or ceramic reusable cup for takeaway coffee - takeaway cups have a plastic lining

• Choose loose leaf tea rather than tea bags

• Peel non-organic fruit and vegetables before eating. Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly.

Cleaning

• Replace chemical cleaning products and laundry products with natural alternatives

• If using bleach or chlorine is unavoidable, wear gloves to prevent contact with skin, open all the windows and wear a face mask to avoid inhaling the chemicals

Personal Care

• Stop using perfume, air fresheners and fragrance sprays. Consider using essential oils or choosing a natural perfume made from essential oils.

• Replace chemical skincare and makeup with natural, organic alternatives

• Choose organic sanitary care items

• Reduce the use of nail polish and nail polish remover

TIP: Replace products one at a time.

As you run out of the old product, select a natural, organic product to replace it with.

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Jodie works with patients to offer personalised evidence based strategies to support your hormonal health and improve conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, menstrual irregularities and pain. Find out more about Jodie here or book a naturopathic consultation here

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Fucic, A., Gamulin, M., Ferencic, Z. et al. Environmental exposure to xenoestrogens and oestrogen related cancers:

reproductive system, breast, lung, kidney, pancreas, and brain. Environ Health 11 (Suppl 1), S8 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-069X-11-S1-S8

La Rosa, P., Pellegrini, M., Totta, P., Acconcia, F., & Marino, M. (2014). Xenoestrogens alter estrogen receptor (ER) α intracellular levels. PloS one, 9(2), e88961. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088961