Detox Your Daily Life: A Guide to Reducing Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals for Better Health & Fertility

If you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, managing a hormonal issue (like hypothyroidism, hormonal acne, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, or reproductive cancers), or simply interested in protecting your health, this guide is for you. Reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can support reproductive health, hormone balance, and long-term well-being. It can feel overwhelming, but the goal isn’t to panic—it’s about taking manageable steps to reduce your toxic load.

What Are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can mimic or interfere with your body’s hormones, impacting the thyroid, and reproductive hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and more. These chemicals, such as BPA in plastics and phthalates in scented products, can bind to hormone receptors and trick your body into thinking it’s naturally produced the hormone. For example, a testosterone receptor may react to a “look-alike” phthalate and signal to reduce testosterone production, resulting in lower testosterone levels…. and this is just one way in which EDCs wreak havoc on the system!

EDCs are found everywhere—from plastic food packaging and canned food linings to flame-retardant furniture, non-stick cookware, and personal care products. EDC exposure is linked to various issues, including reduced fertility, lower sperm counts, increased miscarriage rate, smaller genitalia, early menopause and lowered egg quality.

Dr. Shanna Swan, a leading researcher on EDCs, covers these effects in her book Countdown. Her research suggests that sperm counts are dropping by about 1% each year, testosterone levels are declining, and miscarriage rates are on the rise. An example of this is maternal smoking, which has been shown to reduce a male child’s future sperm count by up to 40% due to chemical exposure in the womb. Alarmingly, male exposure to certain toxins, including smoking within the 70-day sperm development window, can also reduce their offspring’s sperm count. Alarmingly, this impacts not only that child, but also their own child’s fertility!

How EDCs Affect Reproductive Health and Beyond

These chemicals have widespread effects on human health and fertility. Studies show that men and women exposed to higher levels of phthalates experience reduced sexual satisfaction, while EDC exposure in animals has caused disordered sexual development, ambiguous genitalia, and even shifts in mating preferences. This has raised questions among scientists, including Dr. Swan, about potential links between EDCs and gender dysphoria or shifts in sexual orientation, though research is still in the early stages.

For individuals undergoing IVF or other forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART), reducing EDC exposure is especially crucial. These chemicals don’t just affect natural conception —they also lower the chances of success with ART treatments.

Tips for Reducing EDC Exposure in Daily Life

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start by swapping out one item at a time, maybe even use Black Friday or holiday wish lists to prioritise your purchases. Here are some practical swaps and changes to start lowering your EDC load. Apps like Yuka or Think Dirty and websites like the EWC - Environmental Working Group allow you to scan or type in products and will give you a rating, and explanation of why things aren’t so good for you.

Food and Cooking

1. Avoid plastics: Plastics labelled with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7 (the number in the little triangle on the bottom of e.g. plastic water bottles) are the most harmful. When you buy food, transfer it to glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone containers.

2. Non-stick cookware: Teflon and other non-stick coatings contain EDCs. Switch to cast iron, which is affordable, heats well, and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. I love these ones by Green Pan

3. Canned foods: Many cans are lined with BPA, an EDC. Choose produce in glass jars instead, or look for BPA-free cans (though these may contain similar harmful compounds).

4. Utensils: Opt for metal or wood instead of plastic cooking utensils and chopping boards.

5. Foil and cling film: Use glass containers or greaseproof paper instead.

Home and Cleaning Products

1. Furniture: Flame-retardant and scotch guarding chemicals on furniture can release harmful EDCs. If possible, choose products without these treatments or look for brands that prioritise safer materials.

2. Laundry detergent: Choose fragrance-free or low-toxin options, like Faith in Nature products.

3. Dishwasher tablets: Look for eco-friendly or low-chemical alternatives.

4. Surface cleaners: Vinegar or natural cleaners like those from Purdy and Figg are great replacements for harsh, scented cleaning products.

Personal Care Products

1. Period products: Swap conventional pads, tampons, and pantyliners for chemical-free options, like those from Daye, or try menstrual cups or period underwear (be mindful as some may contain chemicals).

2. Deodorant: Opt for natural deodorants that don’t contain harmful chemicals; I recommend the one by Saneux, which is free of parabens and phthalates.

3. Body and hand wash: Faith in Nature offers gentle, natural options.

4. Shampoo: Consider brands like John Masters Organics.

5. Body cream: Weleda products are excellent, especially for sensitive skin. I also love their products for babies and use their nipple balm, nappy rash cream and bath wash for my daughter!

6. Face care: Look for brands with clean ingredient lists, like Soho Skin.

7. Hair oil: Moroccan oil is a popular choice for chemical-free hair care.

8. Suncream: It’s hard to find a good one, I love this one by Mustela for babies which I use on myself and my daughter!

Extras

1. Receipts: Request digital receipts to avoid BPA-laden paper receipts.

2. Reusable coffee cups: Bring your keep cup to avoid disposable coffee cups.

3. Water bottles: Choose glass or stainless steel over plastic, and consider filtered or distilled water at home. This reusable glass water bottle with time markings is toxin-free and helps you drink more water!

4. Organic produce: Buy organic where possible & budget allows, to reduce pesticide exposure.

5. Open food options: Opt for fresh or bulk items to avoid plastic packaging.

The Long-Term Effects of EDCs

EDCs are practically everywhere on Earth, and they’re known to persist in the environment. Some accumulate in body fat, adding to what’s called your “body burden” of toxins. Long-term exposure is linked to early menopause, reduced egg quality, and declining testosterone in men—leading to an increase in younger men seeking testosterone replacement therapy. However, testosterone therapy can also act like an EDC, telling the body it doesn’t need to make its own testosterone, which negatively impacts sperm production…. you can see how the cycle continues!

Start Small, Start Now

Remember, it’s about reducing your exposure bit by bit, not an all-or-nothing approach. Every small change counts toward decreasing your body’s toxic load. By setting reminders, swapping out one product per month, and asking for clean products as gifts, you can make a significant difference in reducing your exposure to EDCs over time.

Good luck!