Many couples don’t have to try very hard to conceive, while others struggle and are faced with the trials and tribulations of infertility. For either case, taking control of environmental factors that interfere with conception or proper fetal development not only promotes normal hormone balance but can also be a key factor in optimizing natural and interventional fertility success. In addition, there is the added benefit of reducing the risk of reproductive cancers in both men and women.
The Role of Xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogens are environmental chemicals considered to be endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) also referred to as “environmental hormones.” These chemicals have been introduced to the environment over the last 70 years affecting food and water supplies, and while many have been banned, they are still very prevalent with sometimes lasting effects from chronic exposure on both humans and the environment. EDC’s are found in food packaging, foods treated with pesticides, foods processed with chemicals, the actual food itself (contaminated fish or livestock) plastic food and beverage containers, soda cans and drink box liners, in food wrapping, cosmetics, health and beauty products, cleaning agents as well as in many household items. Exposure can be through air, water, food, hand to mouth ingestion, or absorbed directly through the skin.
The Endocrine Society considers xenoestrogens to be a serious environmental hazard that has hormone disruptive effects on both wildlife and humans. The effect on reproduction is theorized as either alteration of the hormone feedback loop in the brain, pituitary (master gland), ovaries, testes, and thyroid and/or by binding to the actual hormone receptor and rendering a different signal than natural hormones would have produced. Early puberty is just one of the indicators of possible xenoestrogen exposure, but reproductive problems may also pose a clue later on in life.
Endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids are all associated with excessive estrogen activation of the tissue. These are also interfering factors in many cases for fertility to naturally occur without intervention of some kind. Not only is it important to establish normal serum levels of hormone, but also to have the normal cycle ebb and flow, peaks and valleys, of each hormone produced. Xenoestrogens can artificially elevate the estrogenic signal which can interfere with the timing of a normal menstrual cycle or prevent ovulation from occurring on time or at all.
The most common EDC’s encountered in your daily life are store register receipts, cleaning products, city tap water, artificial fragrances, health & beauty products and plastics. Studies have shown that when you eliminate your known exposure that you can lower the toxin residue in your urine by as much as 60%. Unfortunately, some of these toxins are stored in fat cells and have a longer lasting effect with a possible risk of re-entering circulation during times of weight loss. This is of significant clinical importance during the first trimester of pregnancy when nausea or vomiting may put the woman at risk for inadequate caloric intake prompting the release of fat stores. Providing nutritional and hormone balancing support is of utmost importance to maintain the pregnancy during those delicate weeks.
Common Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are several commonly used household cleaners that are negatively associated with reproductive health and fertility. Borax/Boric acid in laundry and dish detergents and sodium perborate, a form of oxygen bleach that releases sodium borate, are both reportedly banned by the European Union (E.U.) for being reproductive toxins. Boric acid has also been demonstrated to cross the placenta and affect fetal development and birth weight. EWG also reports that the solvent and degreaser Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGME) is suspect by the E.U. of damaging fertility or the developing fetus and have also banned its use in cleaners. There are several other glycol ethers that are suspect of reproductive toxicity, some of which are listed in California’s Prop 65 male reproductive toxins that we are currently exposed to in the U.S. Switching to truly natural cleaning products that do not contain chemicals is of utmost importance for reproductive health and optimal fetal development. These natural products are often enzyme based and use pure essential plant oils instead of artificial fragrances and chemicals.
Below are the most common and somewhat avoidable EDC’s we are exposed to. It is important for everyone to learn how to read labels, find brands that are more natural and become an informed consumer to avoid these known exposures. Not only does this affect fertility but also fetal development and the lifelong risk of reproductive cancers.
• Parabens- butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic hormone disruptors. Parabens affect hormone levels by mimicking estrogen that we normally produce and have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer and may disrupt fertility. Look for products clearly labeled “paraben-free” and be diligent about reading labels on products for other known EDC ingredients.
• Dioxins- Dioxins are a class of chemical contaminants that are formed during combustion processes such as waste incineration, forest fires, and backyard trash burning, as well as during some industrial processes such as paper pulp bleaching and herbicide manufacturing. The most toxic chemical in this chemical group is 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD), but also includes PCB, PCDF, and PCDD and are known estrogen disruptors. The highest environmental concentrations of dioxin are usually found in soil and sediment, with much lower levels found in air and water. Humans are primarily exposed to dioxins by eating food contaminated by these chemicals such as fatty meats, fish, dairy products and through breast milk. Dioxin accumulates in the fatty tissues, where they may persist for months or years. Studies of highly exposed populations show that dioxins can cause reproductive and developmental problems as well as cancer. A primarily vegetarian or Mediterranean style diet including organic foods and deep wild caught fish is most advantageous to avoid dioxin exposure.
• Phthalates- Phthalates are a group of EDC’s commonly used to produce soft and flexible plastics, color enhancers and also for artificial fragrances. They are found in a wide variety of common products including plastics, cosmetics, medications, baby care products, building materials, modeling clay, automobiles, cleaning materials and insecticides. Phthalates are readily absorbed through the skin and can also be absorbed through inhalation or from medical injections. Phthalates are considered to be endocrine disruptors because of their complex effects on several hormonal systems including the estrogen and androgen hormone systems. Some phthalates, including BBP and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), act as weak estrogens, can bind to estrogen receptors (ER), induce estrogen cell responses and act additively with the natural estrogen estradiol in altering these tissues. Phthalates also bind weakly to the androgen (testosterone) receptors disrupting their normal cellular function. DBP and BBP bind most strongly to the androgen receptor, and therefore might be expected to exert the greatest effects through this pathway. A good first measure is to avoid all fragranced products including candles, potpourri, air fresheners, fabric deodorizers, commercial hair and body products, laundry products, and cleaning products. Use only pure plant essential oils as scents. These can be added to unscented products, added to plant oil as natural perfume, or diffused with an ultrasonic mist or tea light diffuser to freshen your home, car or office.
• Bisphenols- Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an EDC used in polycarbonate plastic products or epoxy liners that has been detected in 92% of the general populations’ urine. BPA has also been detected in breast milk and in body fat of women. The FDA and researchers have at least expressed concern that BPA is an environmental estrogen which potentially adversely affects the brain, behavior, and prostates of fetuses and children. You can avoid BPA by drinking out of clearly labeled containers that are BPA-free or glass, avoid heating any food in plastic bags or containers, select fresh or frozen foods instead of canned or lined boxes, have your store receipts emailed to avoid the frequent exposure of BPA of register receipts, reconsider dental sealants which are a source of BPA in favor of more thorough dental cleaning & healthy eating habits, and avoid using aluminum foil (dull side) and canned drinks as good first measures.
• Suncreens- UV screen ingredients in products that are suspected EDC’s are benzophenone-1, benzophenone-2, homosalate, octinoxate, oxybenzone (when hit by sunlight, oxybenzone breaks down to an estrogen mimic), sulisobenzone, and 4-MBC (European products). These chemicals are also used in other health and beauty products such as face creams, hair products, nail polish, foundation and lipstick. Instead of using chemical SPF products, select natural brands that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as natural non-toxic sun blocking agents. They do go on a bit thicker but are much healthier and more effective.
• Placenta- Naturally occurring animal hormones in placental tissue are one of the reasons the cosmetic industry likes to use these in their products. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Protein Hydrolysate are potentially placental derived ingredients as well. Placental Extracts contain the hormones estrogen, estrone, and progesterone as contaminants. They are found in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and astringents, body and skin creams. Purchasing VEGAN is the safest way to go on this one. Reading the labels for any ingredient other than a plant is the other way to decipher if the product may have placental extract present.
• Perflurooctanoic Acid (PFOA) – Also known as C8 or perflurooctanoate, is found in Teflon, stain resistant sprays, and the lining of microwave popcorn bags. In 2009, a study from UCLA Researchers showed that infertility is linked to elevated blood serum levels of PFOA. This study has shown that PFOA is linked to infertility in both women and men. In order to avoid PFOA, use stainless steel cookware, avoid protectant upholstery sprays, and use the old fashioned method of stovetop or an air popper for making popcorn.
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)- Also known as flame retardant, is considered to contain hormone disrupting properties and has been banned since 2004 but remains active in our environment. According to a report from Environmental Health News, “Women exposed to high levels of flame retardants take substantially longer to get pregnant, indicating for the first time that the widespread chemicals may affect human fertility…” PGDE’s are present in furniture cushions, carpet padding and other household items. Select household products using natural and organic fabrics.
• Metalloestrogens- this is a class of metal contaminants from tobacco smoke residue and according to the Endocrine Society, “researchers have found that metals present in tobacco smoke mimic the effects of estrogens and activate the body’s estrogen receptor, an action that may increase the risk of breast cancer.” While there is no mention of the impact on fertility, there are clear indications that fetal development is adversely affected by tobacco use or exposure during pregnancy.
The simplicity of natural hormone balance without toxicity is to use organic and natural ingredients and products in your home. Plain distilled white vinegar and water for cleaning is also a simple, good start to detoxifying your home or workplace. Eat simply, clean simply, and beautify simply. When it comes to living with city tap water, use a dechlorinating shower filter, dechlorinating bath balls and a water source filter at the very least.
Lastly, be patient. Ill effects of xenoestrogens/EDC’s can last for weeks or months. If you are faced with hormone imbalances or difficulty getting pregnant, consult a natural practitioner to discuss additional measures such as specialty lab testing, hormone balancing, or cleansing and detoxification to help rid your body of any accumulated toxins that affect hormone clearance or metabolism.
Dr. Anastasio is the owner and Clinical Director of New England Naturopathic Center in Cheshire, CT. www.nenaturalmed.com Dr. Anastasio is available for seminars and infertility treatment using natural fertility enhancement measures at www.dranastasio.com and can be reached by calling 203-271-1311.