Most people know that hormones are powerful and have a basic idea that excessive hormones can cause difficulties, like some women experience during menstruation, or teenagers experience during puberty. Fewer people are aware that the lack of certain hormones can cause problems.
Hormones may be out of balance, with some at levels that are too low. This can happen due to various factors, such as aging, but it can also occur at any age when certain chemicals block hormone production in the body.
What are hormone-disrupting chemicals?
Hormone-disrupting chemicals are also referred to as endocrine disruptors or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The endocrine system in the body is responsible for producing and managing hormones.
EDCs sometimes mimic hormones to replace them or block them. This causes adverse effects on the endocrine system and hormonal balance, disrupting bodily functions. The exposure to excessive EDCs can lead to health issues and disease in some cases.
The most common EDCs that are known to cause trouble as hormonally active agents are:
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Dioxins
- Phthalates
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Bisphenol A (BPA)
This chemical has been used in many plastics since the 1950s. The Mayo Clinic reports that research has linked BPA to increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and high blood pressure.
Dioxins
Dioxins are highly toxic pollution chemicals that are found in the food supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that dioxins can cause cancer, reproductive, and developmental issues in children.
Phthalates
A report published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) says that phthalates are endocrine disruptors and therefore bad for human health.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that although PCBs were banned from production in the 1970s in the USA, there are still problems with PCBs being found in the environment. These chemicals are toxic to humans due to their hormone-disrupting properties.
Where are these chemicals found?
EDCs are everywhere. That’s why you need to learn about them, find ways to avoid them, and seek hormone balancing therapy to restore your endocrine system when it is damaged. You can find EDCs in these items:
- Personal Care Products
- Food Packaging
- Household Cleaners and Fragrances
- Pesticides and Non-Organic Food
- Flame Retardants and Nonstick Coatings
Personal Care Products
EDCs may be found in some nail polishes, perfumes, and hairsprays.
Food Packaging
Takeout food containers and plastic water bottles may contain EDCs.
Household Cleaners and Fragrances
EDCs are found in strong household cleaning products, such as oven cleaners and fabric fresheners.
Pesticides and Non-Organic Food
Environmental contamination brings EDCs into our food supply.
Flame Retardants and Nonstick Coatings
Mattresses and furniture with foam cushions, such as sofas, upholstered chairs, and ottomans, may be treated with flame retardants that contain EDCs. Cookware with nonstick surfaces can leech EDCs into food when heated in the pan.
How do EDCs affect hormonal health?
Examples of some problems caused by EDCs include the following:
- Early Puberty and Reproductive Issues
- Decreased Testosterone and Low HGH Production
- Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance
- Thyroid Dysfunction
- Mood Swings and Anxiety
Early Puberty and Reproductive Issues
Hormonal changes in a child’s body may trigger the early onset of puberty. More serious hormonally active agents may cause reproductive issues and affect a young person’s proper physical development.
Decreased Testosterone and Low HGH Production
This is a common condition among middle-aged men that worsens with age. Some women may also experience these problems. A lack of sexual desire (libido) and erectile dysfunction are common symptoms in older men. Also, the inability to retain muscle mass, which is vital for continued good health, is a problem for both men and women who are experiencing low levels of HGH.
Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance
Hormonal balance is responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism. If you seem to gain weight no matter how much you moderate what you eat, even with a strict diet, the cause may be a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance may also lead to insulin resistance, which is a cause of Type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid Dysfunction
People who lack a well-functioning thyroid gland may find themselves gaining excessive weight, which leads to chronic obesity.
Mood Swings and Anxiety
The classic effect representing this challenge is when a woman is menstruating. During her “time of the month,” she may feel anxious, moody, or cranky because of excessive hormones. Men can also experience mood swings and may feel frustrated without needing an apparent reason, which can lead to angry outbursts.
Can hormone disruption impact HGH?
Several research studies found that exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lower your body’s natural production of human growth hormone HGH. Since HGH is crucial for fat metabolism, muscle growth, cellular repair, and energy levels, any disruption can quickly impact how you feel and look.
For individuals dealing with persistently low levels of HGH, medically supervised HGH injections may help restore hormonal balance, support healthy aging, and improve quality of life.
Reach out to us for a medical consultation and advice from the health specialist about things you can do to rebalance your hormones and the benefits of HGH therapy.
