Women’s hormones are a delicate balance that can be affected by everything from the weather to overall health. Marla Ahlgrimm says there are also many factors we don’t often think about that can have a significant impact on hormonal health, including common household items we use every day.
Common Endocrine Disruptors In The Home
Our homes are supposed to be a safe haven, but many everyday products can do as much harm as good. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these include:
- Makeup: Some cosmetic products contain hormone disruptors known as phthalates.
- Canned foods: BPA, another common endocrine disruptor, is often found in canned goods and some plastic drinking bottles.
- Produce: Commercially grown produce may contain industrial runoff, herbicides, and pesticides. Even produce labeled as organic can sometimes contain trace amounts of these chemicals.
- Kitchen products: Many kitchen tools, including nonstick cookware and plastic containers, may contain BPA or similar compounds.
- Cleaning products: Industrial chemicals found in laundry detergents and multipurpose cleaners often utilize nonylphenol ethoxylates, another class of endocrine disruptors.
All of the items above may contain chemicals that can mimic, block, or alter how the body naturally produces hormones. Although these exposures often occur in low doses, the body is highly sensitive to even small amounts of hormonal interference. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that it’s almost impossible to completely avoid these chemicals in modern daily life.
Why This Matters
A woman’s body operates through a finely tuned hormonal system. When even one hormone falls out of balance, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, estrogen dominance, fertility challenges, and more. Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals have also been linked to PCOS, early menopause, thyroid dysfunction, and other chronic health concerns.
Marla Ahlgrimm further explains that these issues are difficult to diagnose because exposure typically occurs in small amounts over long periods. The effects aren’t always immediate; however, chronic, low-level exposure can have a lasting impact on hormonal balance and overall longevity.
What You Can Do
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women are not completely helpless when it comes to reducing exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals. She recommends:
- Choosing safer food containers. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead of plastic when possible. Many manufacturers now also offer BPA-free plastic. Look for recycling codes 3, 6, and 7, which often indicate higher-risk materials to avoid.
- Reading product labels carefully. Be wary of vague terms such as “fragrance” or “perfume,” which may hide chemical additives that haven’t been fully disclosed.
- Being mindful of cleaning and kitchen products. Some can release trace elements into the air or food, which Marla Ahlgrimm says adds up over time.
While it’s impossible to completely avoid every chemical, a few lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. Just as small exposures can add up to a negative effect, small improvements can have a positive influence on overall health.
Marla Ahlgrimm recommends that women who are concerned about endocrine disruptors in their daily lives consult with their healthcare providers to identify additional strategies for minimizing exposure and protecting long-term hormonal health.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,