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
NAILPOLISH
FRAGRANCE
PLASTICS
CHEMICALS
FOOD
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.
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
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