Xenoestrogens: what you need to know about these endocrine disruptors

Xenoestrogens are synthetic chemicals that mimic natural oestrogen (oestradiol). By synthetic, we mean they are not produced by the human body. You can't see xenoestrogens, but they are present in many commonly used products, including some foods, medicines, plastics, tins, cosmetics and personal care products, detergents, clothing, building materials and pesticides. Xenoestrogens are also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), or endocrine disruptors, because they interfere with natural hormones in the body and can harm your health. 

What does scientific research tell us about xenoestrogens? What impact do they have on menopausal symptoms and overall health?

What are xenoestrogens and what is their impact on the body?

Xenoestrogens are not real hormones but cause a reaction similar to hormones in the body. Xenoestrogens bind to oestrogen receptors (receptors are proteins where molecules can bind as a way of communication with other cells to initiate processes in the body). This makes it difficult for your natural oestrogen to do its job. They also act as anti-oestrogen, blocking the effects of natural oestrogen in the body. This is known to have effects on health and may contribute to the development of cancers. 

Xenoestrogens are all around us. It is impossible not to be exposed to these chemicals. The xenoestrogen BPA is widely used in the manufacture of, for instance, plastics. Do you drink from a plastic bottle all day? Then you're ingesting xenoestrogens. Exposure also occurs through breathing contaminated air or the use of personal care products containing parabens.  

However, research shows that the main route of exposure is ingestion through food. For example, by eating fruit and vegetables that are sprayed with pesticides, dairy products and meat (from animals that eat grains with pesticide residue), and food packaged in plastic or tin cans. 

💡  Tip one: opt for organic food to avoid xenoestrogens.  

Xenoestrogens and oestrogen dominance

Excessive ingestion of xenoestrogens can lead to or worsen oestrogen dominance. Oestrogen dominance occurs when oestrogen levels are elevated relative to progesterone. Xenoestrogens are difficult for the liver to break down. Sometimes they cannot be eliminated altogether and keep circulating in the body. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, or further contribute to hormonal imbalances due to menopause. 

How to tell if you have oestrogen dominance

People suffering from oestrogen dominance may experience the following symptoms: 

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 
• Decreased sex drive 
• Headache or migraine 
• Heavy periods 
• Overweight or difficulty losing weight 
• Mood swings 
• Breast soreness 
• Fatigue 
• Fluid retention 
• Abdominal pain and bloating 
• Anxiety 

Over time oestrogen dominance can lead to issues like breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, obesity, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. 

How to avoid xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are used in many products we depend on daily, so they are impossible to avoid completely. Fortunately, our body has its own detoxification system: the liver.  

If your liver is under too much strain – for example due to excessive exposure to endocrine disruptors or toxic substances like alcohol or medication – it cannot do its job properly and oestrogen can accumulate. This is what you need to avoid if you want to stay healthy. 

Is it possible to minimise exposure to xenoestrogens? Absolutely. It all starts with awareness. If you understand what xenoestrogens mean for your health, where they are found and how they enter your body, you can then make changes to your lifestyle accordingly. Here are some things you can do: 

• Choose pure and unprocessed foods, preferably organic. 
• If you cannot get organic then wash or peel the vegetables. Add vinegar to the water when cleaning produce. 
• Avoid foods and fluids packaged in plastic or tin cans. Both tins and plastic contain BPA. Opt for glass packaging, where possible, and drink water from stainless steel bottles. 
• Filter your water. 
• Do not use pans with a non-stick coating. Instead, use pans made from 100% ceramic. 
• Do not drink hot coffee or tea from plastic cups. 
• Do not use air fresheners. If you want your house to smell nice, opt for natural fragrances, such as ethereal oils. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser.  
• Consider your choice of cosmetics carefully. Use natural and organic products as much as possible. Check if the products you use don't contain harmful substances, such as parabens.  
• Protect your skin with sunscreen with a high protective factor. Benzophenone and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are known to contain xenoestrogens. 
• Many household products contain chemicals. Make sure products such as tampons, toilet paper and coffee filters are free of chemicals, haven't been bleached and are chlorine-free. Always check labels to be certain. 

Give your body the support it needs

A healthy body recovers faster and provides protection against internal and external pathogens. Support your health as you go through menopause with high-quality supplements.  

Choose your products

Sources

• Paterni I, Granchi C, Minutolo F. (2017) Risks and benefits related to alimentary exposure to xenoestrogens. PMID: 26744831. 
• United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization. (2013). State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals – 2012. 
• Wang X, Ha D, Yoshitake R, Chan YS, Sadava D, Chen S. (2021). Exploring the Biological Activity and Mechanism of Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens in Cancers: Emerging Methods and Concepts. PMID: 34445499. 
• Fucic A, Gamulin M, Ferencic Z, Katic J, Krayer von Krauss M, Bartonova A, Merlo DF. (2012). Environmental exposure to xenoestrogens and oestrogen related cancers: reproductive system, breast, lung, kidney, pancreas, and brain. PMID: 22759508. 

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