How to prevent endocrine disruptors from altering your hormones

Endocrine disruptors: how they affect you even if you don't see them

Endocrine disruptors are chemical compounds capable of altering the normal functioning of the human body's hormonal system. Although it may seem surprising, they are found in objects we use every day. And while avoiding them completely may seem impossible, specialists insist that it is essential to minimize exposure as much as possible.

At the recent Congress of the Argentine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SAEM), these compounds were the focus. Doctors, researchers, and health professionals agreed in defining them as “the enemies of the 21st century,” due to the adverse effects they cause, even in minimal concentrations.

Dr. Osvaldo Ponzo, an endocrinologist, researcher, and university professor, has dedicated his career to studying the impact of these chemicals on human health. During the event, he shared evidence of their presence in plastics, cosmetics, cleaning products, and pesticides, and how they act on the human body.

What endocrine disruptors are and why they are so concerning

Endocrine disruptors are not conventional toxins. Unlike other pollutants that require a high dose to affect the body, these substances can cause harm even in small amounts. This is because they mimic or block natural hormones, interfering with essential processes such as growth, reproduction, or neurological development.

These compounds are found in plastic packaging, especially those containing bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates — used to make plastic more flexible. They are also present in sunscreens, cosmetics, detergents, canned foods, and pesticides.

Once they enter the body, whether through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin, they are distributed through the bloodstream and bind to hormonal receptors, generating abnormal responses in the systems that regulate hormones.

How they harm reproductive health

The reproductive system is one of the most affected by exposure to endocrine disruptors. In men, there has been a progressive decrease in both the number and quality of sperm over the past few decades. Recent studies reveal that this decline began in the 1960s and 70s, when the use of industrial products with synthetic chemicals intensified.

“Sperm is not only less in quantity, but it also has lower mobility and abnormal morphology. This directly translates into male fertility problems,” explained Dr. Ponzo. The World Health Organization (WHO) has had to readjust its reference values to define what is now considered normal spermatogenesis.

In women, exposure to these chemicals has been associated with an increase in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition that can prevent ovulation, cause acne, hair loss, excessive hair growth, and, in many cases, infertility.

The risks that go beyond fertility

Although the main focus is on reproduction, the effects of endocrine disruptors go much further. They are linked to an increase in certain types of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, even in young people aged 30 to 40 years.

A relationship has also been observed between exposure to these substances and thyroid disorders, metabolic problems, behavioral disorders, precocious puberty, and neurological diseases such as autism.

“The hormonal and immune systems are deeply connected. When a chemical alters hormones, it can also weaken the body's immune response,” noted Ponzo. This field of study, known as psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology, has begun to demonstrate how these alterations can have profound consequences on overall health.

We are already seeing the effects

Far from being a future prediction, specialists claim that the effects of these compounds are already being observed in the current population. “Today, oncologists know they must ask during consultations if there is exposure to plastics, cosmetics, creams, or other products with hormonal chemicals,” explained Ponzo.

Cases of precocious puberty in girls, gynecomastia in men (abnormal growth of breast tissue), or hypothyroidism in young adults are on the rise. Behavioral problems in children that could be related to early exposure to these compounds have also been detected.

“There is a clear temporal correlation between the increase of these products and the rise of these diseases. It is not the only cause, but it is one of the most important,” the expert asserted.

A clinical case that reveals much

One of the most revealing examples shared by the specialist was that of a patient with continuous menstruation and altered hormonal values. After several unsuccessful medical interventions, the doctor analyzed her daily habits: she ate chicken several times a week and used moisturizer every day. She was advised to stop both for two months. The result was that her hormonal levels returned to normal.

“This does not mean that this will always be the cause, but it is a variable that doctors must start to consider more seriously,” he stated.

Individual measures to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors

Although completely eliminating contact with endocrine disruptors is difficult, there are several simple actions that can help reduce the risk:

• Avoid heating food in plastics: Heat releases toxic compounds. It is preferable to use glass or porcelain containers.
• Do not reuse plastic bottles: Over time, they release more chemicals. Use stainless steel or glass bottles.
• Choose cosmetics without parabens or artificial fragrances: Many products already indicate if they are free of these components.
• Use natural cleaning products: Baking soda is a good option. If traditional detergents are used, it is better to wear gloves.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with hot water: Helps remove pesticide residues.
• Do not consume chicken skin: Many of these compounds are stored there.
• Avoid makeup in young girls: Their hormonal system is more vulnerable.
• Read labels: More and more products include information on whether they contain hormonal disruptors.

Sunscreens: how to use them without risking your hormones

Although sunscreens are important for preventing skin cancer, many of them contain chemicals with estrogenic capacity. Ideally, prioritize the use of physical barriers such as hats, UV-protective clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure during critical hours. Only after that, use sunscreen.

A study showed that after applying sunscreen several times a day for five days, testosterone levels in men dropped significantly. “In less than two hours, the components were already in the blood. And they are stored in body fat, where they can remain for years,” detailed Ponzo.

The key role of the State and regulation

Countries like those in the European Union have made progress with stricter laws to limit the use of endocrine disruptors. But in Latin America, there is still much to be done. “It is urgent for governments to regulate, set limits, and remove the most harmful products from the market,” emphasized the expert.

Education is another key pillar. Scientific societies must take on the role of informing both the medical community and the general public. “When people know the risk, they start to demand changes. But if they are not informed, everything remains in the scientific realm,” concluded Ponzo.