When Chemicals Hijack Our Hormones: The Hidden Threat of Endocrine Disruptors
- Sharon Clapp
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
We like to think we’re in charge of our bodies - but the truth is, an invisible cast of man-made chemicals is quietly rewriting the script.
They’re called endocrine disruptors - substances that interfere with our hormones. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, controlling everything from metabolism to mood, brain function, reproduction and even how we store fat. Endocrine disruptors can mimic, block, or scramble these signals, throwing finely tuned systems into chaos.
How They Work
Think of your endocrine system as a postal service delivering important letters. Now imagine someone slipping in fake letters, stealing others, or putting them in the wrong mailbox. That’s what endocrine disruptors do - they intercept, block, or mimic hormonal messages.
Where They’re Hiding
You’ve probably heard of PFAS - “forever chemicals” found in non-stick pans, waterproof fabrics, food packaging and even drinking water. But they’re not alone. Other offenders include BPA in plastics, phthalates in fragrances, pesticides and flame retardants in furniture.
These chemicals don’t just vanish - they build up in our bodies over time. Even if you eat organic and avoid obvious sources, they can sneak in through the air you breathe, the water you drink and the packaging your food comes in.
Not Just a Women’s Issue
Endocrine disruptors affect everyone, but here’s the kicker - most testing has been done on men and very little on women. (Surprise, surprise.) That means we’re likely underestimating how much these substances contribute to female-specific issues like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), infertility and hormonal mood swings.
Men aren’t spared either. According to neurologist Dr David Perlmutter, today’s average 50-year-old man has 50% less testosterone than a 50-year-old man just 40 years ago, and our genetic make up hasn't changed. And here’s the important part - testosterone isn’t just a “male hormone”. Women need it too for muscle tone, bone health, brain function and libido. So a global drop in testosterone impacts everyone.
The Body Burden
Researchers now use the term “body burden” to describe the total load of chemicals stored in a person. It’s not just about single exposures - it’s about the cumulative effect over years and decades.
And it makes you wonder... when you talk to older generations about menopause and they say, “Oh, I didn’t suffer much”, is it because people didn’t talk about it back then? Or is it because the symptoms truly weren’t as severe - before decades of chemical build-up in our bodies and the environment made hormonal shifts so much more intense today?
What We Can Do
While we can’t live in a bubble, we can reduce our exposure:
Choose organic produce when possible
Filter your drinking water
Skip non-stick cookware in favour of stainless steel or cast iron
Avoid fragranced products unless you know what’s in them
Use tools like the “Think Dirty” app to scan products for hidden toxins
Your Next Step to resetting hormones
Here’s the truth - removing toxins is only one part of the puzzle. You also need to reset your hormones, nourish your body and live in a way that supports long-term balance. That’s exactly what my Reset Programme is designed to do. We’ll cover healthy living from the inside out - nutrition, environment, mindset and daily habits - so your body can thrive despite the chemical chaos around us.
If you’re ready to take back control of your hormones and health, let’s get started. Work with me here
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