Struggling with fatigue, weight gain, irregular cycles, mood swings, or low libido? 

Your hormones may be out of balance—and your environment might be part of the problem.


Hormone-disrupting chemicals (known as endocrine disruptors) are hiding in everyday items like shampoo, cookware, and cleaning supplies. The good news? You can reduce your exposure with simple swaps.


Let’s break down 7 common hormone-disrupting toxins—and what to use instead.

A group of viruses with female symbols on them are floating on a red background.

⚠️What Are Endocrine Disruptors? 

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormone. They’re linked to:


  • PMS, PCOS, and infertility
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Early puberty and menopausal symptoms
  • Mood swings and fatigue
  • Weight gain and insulin resistance

🧪7 Everyday Toxins That Could Be Messing with Your Hormones

plastic products

1. BPA (Bisphenol A) 


Where it hides: Plastic bottles, food cans, receipts 


Why it’s harmful: BPA mimics estrogen and can contribute to estrogen dominance, weight gain, and infertility

✅Swap it:

  • Use glass or stainless-steel containers
  • Look for “BPA-free” (but avoid BPS too!)
  • Say no to receipts or use gloves 

phtalates chemical illustration

2. Phthalates


Where it hides: Fragrance in perfumes, lotions, candles, and cleaning products


Why it’s harmful: Phthalates interfere with testosterone and can impact fertility and mood.

✅Swap it:

  • Choose products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free”
  • Use essential oils for scent
  • Clean with vinegar and baking soda

a man reading the shampoo label

3. Parabens


Where it hides: Makeup, lotions, sunscreen, shampoo


Why it’s harmful: Parabens act like weak estrogens and can disrupt hormone-sensitive tissues.

✅Swap it:

  • Choose products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free”
  • Use essential oils for scent
  • Clean with vinegar and baking soda

washing hands

4. Triclosan


Where it hides: Antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, deodorants


Why it’s harmful: Triclosan may suppress thyroid function and contribute to antibiotic

resistance.

✅Swap it:

  • Choose products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free”
  • Use essential oils for scent
  • Clean with vinegar and baking soda

teflon pans and ladle

5. PFOAs (Teflon/Chemicals in Nonstick Cookware)


Where it hides: Non-stick pans, stain-resistant carpets, microwave popcorn bags


Why it’s harmful: Linked to thyroid disruption, weight gain, and immune dysfunction.

✅Swap it:

  • Switch to cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware
  • Use silicone baking sheets instead of Teflon
  • Make your own popcorn in a glass bowl

a beaker labeled and filled with formaldehyde

6. Formaldehyde


Where it hides:  Furniture, nail polish, hair straightening treatments, wrinkle-free fabrics


Why it’s harmful: Carcinogenic and can trigger hormone disruption and respiratory issues.

✅Swap it:

  • Buy solid wood or second-hand furniture (off-gasses less)
  • Air out new clothes or furnishings
  • Look for formaldehyde-free polish and hair products

dairy products, beef, and pork

7. Synthetic Hormones in Animal Products


Where it hides:  Non-organic meat, dairy, and eggs


Why it’s harmful:  These can contribute to estrogen overload and inflammatory hormone

patterns.

✅Swap it:

  • Choose organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised animal products 
  • Reduce conventional dairy if dealing with hormonal acne or PMS 

🌿How to Start Detoxing Your Home (Without Overwhelm)

You don’t have to throw everything out at once. Start small:


1. Swap one product per week

2. Focus on what touches your skin and what you eat/drink

3. Open windows daily to improve air quality

4. Use an air purifier and water filter (like Berkey or Aquasana)

⚡Functional Medicine Tip: 

If you’re dealing with hormone imbalances, consider running a ZRT Hormone Panel, Salivary Hormones or toxin panel. It gives insight into how well your body is detoxing and processing

hormones.

📞Ready to detox your hormones naturally?

Let’s build a personalized hormone support plan. 

Aurora Functional Healthcare

June 23, 2025
The Truth About Inflammation: What’s Causing It & How to Heal Naturally
June 11, 2025
You’re exhausted. You sleep, but it doesn’t help. Your labs come back “normal,” yet you barely make it through the day. Sound familiar?
May 27, 2025
Here's a natural nutritional approach
May 18, 2025
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance are conditions that can lead to a wide range of symptoms due to an overproduction or improper breakdown of histamine in the body. A functional medicine nutrition approach for managing these conditions involves addressing the root causes, optimizing gut health, and reducing the inflammatory triggers associated with histamine production.
May 6, 2025
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight while reducing inflammation are essential components of overall well-being. For United Healthcare PPO members residing in the following Illinois communities—Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oswego, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, North Aurora, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Plainfield, Warrenville, Lisle, Bolingbrook, West Chicago, Yorkville, and Downers Grove—there are numerous local resources available to support these health objectives.​ Our clinic can set you up on virtual telehealth or in person
By Courtney Andresen April 28, 2025
Unlocking Your Best Health:  Why Working Professionals in Aurora, IL and Surrounding Areas Should Use United Healthcare PPO for Functional Medicine and Nutrition
A healthy food pyramid is sitting on a wooden table.
April 21, 2025
As a busy professional, maintaining your health can often feel like an afterthought—especially when juggling work, personal life, and everything in between. However, your nutrition is an integral part of your overall health, and with the right approach, it can actually help you become more productive and energized throughout your day. If you’re covered by United Healthcare PPO, you might be able to use your insurance to access nutrition counseling and other related services. Here’s why you should consider using your United Healthcare PPO insurance for nutrition practices.
A man and a woman are walking in a park.
April 14, 2025
Libido, or sexual desire, is a complex mix of physical, psychological, and emotional factors. It's natural for libido to fluctuate over time due to stress, lifestyle habits, or hormonal changes. While libido can be influenced by many factors, there are natural ways to enhance sexual desire and improve your overall sexual health. This blog explores practical and healthy ways to boost libido without the need for synthetic drugs or treatments.
A group of scientists are working in a laboratory with a microscope and test tubes.
April 7, 2025
Here's an explanation why. Consider Functional range tests coupled with conventional range testing for accuracy to assess your inflammation markers. We offer both testing methods. You may purchase online or give us a call 630-214-1810
A woman is sitting at a table eating a salad with a fork.
March 31, 2025
The vegetarian diet, which excludes meat and sometimes other animal products, has gained popularity over the years due to its potential health benefits, ethical considerations, and environmental impact. However, just because a vegetarian diet works for some people doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for everyone. The decision to adopt a vegetarian diet is personal and should take into account individual health needs, preferences, and lifestyle.  In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of a vegetarian diet and whether it might be a good fit for you.
More Posts