Endocrine disruptors may cause hormonal dysfunction, which research is now linking to earlier than anticipated menopause. But you can lessen your exposure to these chemicals.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be found in the air, soil, water, food, personal care products, and more.
Some well-known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Because of their ability to interfere with and mimic your hormones, including estrogen, current research is revealing a link between EDCs and menopause.
EDCs are a relatively new discovery. They were first recognized by the scientific community in 1991.
EDCs existed in the environment long before then, but since their first mention in research, the number of studies analyzing their effects has only increased.
What the research says
One study published in 2020 followed 1,120 women between 45 and 56 years old for 17 years.
Researchers found that women with high blood levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” reached menopause 2 years earlier than those with lower levels of PFAS.
A 2022 review suggests that PFAS, polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs), and phthalates may increase the risk of accelerated ovarian aging or failure. This may cause:
- lower fertility
- menstrual cycle irregularities
- earlier age at menopause
- premature ovarian insufficiency
However, why these findings occurred still needs to be explained. Current and future research can help increase our understanding of this phenomenon.
When EDCs “mimic” another hormone, they’re essentially tricking your body into thinking that they are hormones, according to the Endocrine Society.
BPA is
EDCs can also:
- block natural hormones from doing their jobs
- influence hormone levels by affecting how they’re made, broken down, or stored in your body
- change your body’s sensitivity to different hormones
A slowed production of estrogen, a female sex hormone, is often indicative of menopause.
While menopause happens, on average, between the ages of
EDCs exist all around us. Some you can’t completely control your exposure to, such as those in:
- soil
- air
- water
It’s unclear how much exposure to EDCs causes adverse health effects. Most studies on this topic typically look at high levels of exposure and exposure in animals.
More studies in humans with typical exposure levels, therefore, are needed.
Limiting exposure to endocrine disruptors
While the average person may not need to worry so much about exposure, the Endocrine Society suggests taking precautions to protect yourself, especially if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Precautions may include:
- choosing products that are labeled phthalate-, BPA-, and paraben-free
- avoiding plastic containers designed #3, #6, and #7
- avoiding heating plastic
- using a water filter
- replacing nonstick pans with ceramic-coated pans
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have also taken — and continue to take — steps to protect consumers from EDCs.
In 2024, the
The EPA runs the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program to gather information and evaluate the effects certain chemicals can have on the endocrine system.
Recent research links high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to menopause earlier than expected. Examples of EDCs include BPA, PFAS, PCBs, phthalates, and parabens.
Some EDCs can mimic, alter the production and breakdown of, and change your body’s sensitivity to certain hormones, including estrogen, which has a big role in menopause.
You can help minimize the amount of EDCs you’re exposed to by using a water filter, selecting products labeled BPA-, phthalate-, and paraben-free, and opting for ceramic-coated pans over nonstick pans.
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