If you're on social media, you've probably heard about endocrine disruptors—whether it’s toxins in beauty products or concerns about plastics. But how do these everyday exposures really affect your hormones?
To break it down, we spoke with Lauren Welling, a Certified Physician Assistant, who explained that endocrine disruptors interfere with our natural hormone processes, preventing them from doing their job.
“There’s been a significant increase in infertility and cancer, particularly among younger generations,” Lauren shares. “Multiple studies—and what I see in practice—show more individuals of all ages developing chronic illnesses, cancers, autoimmune disorders, gut dysbiosis, chronic fatigue, inflammation, thyroid issues, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.”
These health concerns are increasingly linked to endocrine disruptors—chemicals found in many everyday products. While this might sound overwhelming, we’re here to break it down so you can take simple, practical steps to reduce your exposure.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic or interfere with your body’s hormones, potentially impacting fertility, metabolism, and overall health.
Common Culprits & Where They're Found:
BPA – Plastics, canned goods (mimics estrogen)
Phthalates – Fragrances, plastics
Pesticides – Non-organic produce
PFAS – Non-stick pans ("forever chemicals")
Parabens – Cosmetics, skincare (preservatives)
Dioxane – Some feminine hygiene products
Women, in particular, face a higher risk due to daily exposure from personal care products and cosmetics.
Want to know if your daily products contain these chemicals? Check out the EWG Skin Deep Database to see how your products rank.
You can’t eliminate endocrine disruptors completely, but you can make small swaps over time. Lauren recommends:
Choose Non-Toxic Brands:
Body care: Just Ingredients, Primally Pure
Cleaning products: Branch Basics
Cookware: Caraway
Fragrances: Dime Beauty, essential oils
Simplify Ingredients: The fewer, the better.
Eat Organic When Possible: If you can’t buy organic, wash produce thoroughly to remove pesticides.
Swap Plastic for Glass: Avoid plastic food storage and reheat meals on plates instead.
Read Labels: Research ingredients before buying.
Get Your Household on Board: Reducing exposure works best when everyone participates.
Small swaps make a big difference. Try replacing one product at a time.
It’s easy to assume that if past generations used these products without issue, we’ll be fine too. But as Lauren points out, our exposure levels today are far higher.
“The goldfish crackers we ate as kids aren’t the same as the ones on shelves today,” she says. “Our bodies simply can’t detox fast enough to keep up.”
Feeling overwhelmed? Start small. “You don’t have to throw everything out,” Lauren reassures. “When you run out of something, replace it with a better option. Buy organic when you can. Swap deodorant for a cleaner brand. Take it one step at a time.”
Endocrine disruptors are everywhere, but small, gradual swaps can significantly reduce your exposure over time. By being mindful of what you buy, eat, and use daily, you can support your long-term health without feeling overwhelmed.
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