Xenoestrogens & Menopause: 7 Surprising Ways Chemicals Are Messing with Your Hormones

Hello, thanks for stopping by to our world of peri and post-menopause info. If you’ve never heard of xenoestrogens and EDCs this might by one of the most important thing you’ll read on your journey. 

So, why do xenoestrogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals impact menopause?

And what the heck are they anyway?

We’re so glad you asked.

It’s no secret we live in a toxic world, is it? Indeed, we’re exposed to a multitude of chemicals every day in everything from our food to our personal care.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s)

Many toxins are found in our environment and food(1). What’s more, our personal care and cleaning products are also laden with them. Known as EDC’s, a lot of chemicals play havoc with our hormones. And this is the last thing we want as we go through the massive natural fluctuations of perimenopause, and, just as importantly, as we transition through into post-menopause.

Xenoestrogens

The scary thing is a lot of beauty and personal care products contain a sub-category of these endocrine disruptors known as xenoestrogens. And xenoestrogens mimic the actions of the hormone estrogen and bind to our estrogen receptors. Furthermore, they may contribute to estrogen dominance and exacerbate menopausal symptoms.

Some common xenoestrogens include BPA which is found in plastic containers and canned foods, and phthalates, which are widely used in skincare and fragrances.

So, let’s take a look at:

7 ways xenoestrogens & endocrine disrupting chemicals impact your menopause

Before we get into it, menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life when your reproductive hormones decline, leading to various physical and emotional changes. However, recent studies(2)(3) have uncovered the impact of xenoestrogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on menopause, potentially exacerbating symptoms and disrupting hormonal balance. Yikes. 

It’s important stuff, so let’s dive into seven ways xenoestrogens and EDCs can affect your menopause journey. Remember, knowledge is power.

1. Hormonal imbalance

Xenoestrogens and EDCs are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. These substances can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance during peri/menopause, leading to irregularities in menstrual cycles and exacerbation of symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

2. Disruption of hormonal processes

Xenoestrogens found in certain plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can interfere with natural hormonal processes during menopause. Indeed, they can disrupt the liver’s natural hormonal detoxification – part of its job is to eliminate excess estrogen and if it can’t, these nasty estrogens may be recirculated. And this interference can magnify menopausal symptoms, the last thing we want or need.

3. Increased hot flushes

Hot flushes are a common symptom of menopause, but exposure to xenoestrogens and EDCs may intensify their frequency and severity. These compounds disrupt the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, leading to more frequent and intense hot flushes.

4. Bone health

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and its decline during menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis. Xenoestrogens and EDCs can further compromise bone health by interfering with the body’s natural bone-building process, potentially accelerating bone loss.

5. Mood swings and depression

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can contribute to mood swings and feelings of depression. Xenoestrogens and EDCs can exacerbate these symptoms by disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, impacting mood regulation.

6. Weight management challenges

Many women experience weight gain or changes in body composition during menopause. Xenoestrogens and EDCs can disrupt the metabolism and promote fat accumulation, making it more challenging to manage weight during this life stage.

7. Increased breast cancer risk

Research(4) suggests a potential link between xenoestrogens and EDCs and an increased risk of breast cancer. These synthetic compounds can stimulate abnormal cell growth and interfere with the body’s natural defense mechanisms against cancer.

Conclusion

As you navigate sometimes murky waters, it’s crucial to be aware of xenoestrogens and EDCs impact on your menopause journey.

As well as their potential influence on your hormonal balance and overall well-being because that’s what you need to be during times of hormonal chaos – a well being!

Taking steps to avoid exposure to these substances as much as possible might help lessen menopausal symptoms and reduce potential long-term health risks. Now, doesn’t that sound good?

And it’s being able to make informed choices as well as opting for natural alternatives in some areas that’ll empower you to manage your menopause transition like a Queen. 🙂

We hope this was helpful. For more peri, post-menopause and midlife intel visit our library here. It’s pretty extensive!

Related Women On Fire podcast: Exploring The Impact of EDC’s and Xenoestrogens on Menopause. Listen here or watch here.