Teresa Branco
Director of TO BE.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals found in the water we drink, in food packaging, in the cosmetics we keep on our bathroom counters, and even in the air we breathe. That’s why endocrine disruptors pose one of the silent threats to women’s health in our time—and yet, most women have never even heard of them.
At TO BE., we believe that information is the first line of defense. That’s why this article brings together everything you need to know about endocrine disruptors and women’s health: what they are, how they work, where they “hide,” and what you can do today to protect your hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive balance.
What They Are (and How They Work in Your Body)
Endocrine disruptors are external chemicals—whether natural or synthetic—that interfere with the endocrine system. However, they do not act like a traditional poison: instead, they mimic natural hormones, block their action, or alter the way the body produces, transports, activates, and eliminates them.
As a result, hormonal imbalances arise that affect the menstrual cycle, fertility, weight,and metabolism; in the case of pregnancy, they can also affect fetal development.
What makes endocrine disruptors such a concern for women's health?
Endocrine disruptors are effective even in minute quantities. Furthermore, their effects do not follow a linear dose-response relationship; in other words, a small dose can sometimes have a greater impact than a larger dose.
The exhibition takes place primarily through three main channels:
- Ingestion —food, water, packaging;
- Inhalation —air, household dust, chemicals;
- Skin contact —cosmetics, personal care products, plastics. Over time, these substances accumulate in our bodies. In fact, they have been detected in blood, urine, adipose tissue, amniotic fluid, and breast milk.
The usual suspects
Among the most common endocrine disruptors in everyday life, the following stand out:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) and analogs – plastics, resins, can linings;
- Phthalates – plasticizers, fragrances, cosmetics;
- Parabens – preservatives in personal care products;
- Pesticides – herbicides, fungicides, insecticides;
- Triclosan – antimicrobials in hygiene and cleaning products;
- Heavy metals – lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic;
- POPs – dioxins, PCBs, flame retardants.
Real Impact on Women's Health
The scientific evidence regarding the impact of endocrine disruptors on women’s health is becoming increasingly robust. Among the associations already documented are:
- Difficulty conceiving and/or may cause infertility;
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS);
- Endometriosis and uterine fibroids;
- Early menopause;
- Increased risk of breast cancer;
- Pregnancy complications, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia;
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes;
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome.
There are indeed compounds that science refers to as “obesogens”: they promote fat storage even without significant changes in diet, because they interfere with the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure.
Critical windows: when the body is most vulnerable
There are stages in life when the body is particularly sensitive to the effects of these compounds: fetal development, early childhood, puberty, and pregnancy. During these periods, even minor hormonal changes can have lasting effects. Furthermore, many of these chemicals cross the placenta, so ideally, reducing exposure should begin even before pregnancy.
Warning Signs in Your Body
There is no single symptom that indicates “there are disruptors circulating.” However, there are patterns that should be evaluated:
- Persistent fatigue with no apparent cause;
- Unexplained weight changes;
- Hormonal acne in adulthood;
- Irregular menstrual cycles;
- Reproductive difficulties.
TO BE's clinical approach.
Reducing the impact of endocrine disruptors on women’s health requires more than just a list of products to avoid. That’s why, at TO BE., we take a preventive, personalized, and multidisciplinary approach that includes:
- Individualized hormonal assessment and cycle regulation;
- Functional clinical nutrition, featuring fresh, seasonal foods rich in antioxidants;
- Supports the body’s natural metabolic and elimination processes—the liver, intestines, and kidneys;
- Lifestyle—sleep, stress management, and regular physical activity;
- Conscious reduction of daily exposure.
Small changes make a big difference
It's not possible to completely eliminate exposure, but consistent choices do make a difference:
- Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel;
- Never heat food in a plastic container in the microwave;
- Cut back on canned, packaged, and ultra-processed foods;
- Choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible;
- Choose cosmetics with short, easy-to-read ingredient lists;
- Air out the house every day;
- Avoid synthetic fragrances in air fresheners, perfumes, and detergents;
- Stay well-hydrated and stay active—your body will flush it out.
Awareness is the first step
Every conscious decision reduces the impact of endocrine disruptors on women’s health and, in turn, protects hormonal balance in the long term.
If you notice signs such as persistent fatigue, weight changes, irregular cycles, or reproductive difficulties, schedule your diagnostic appointment at TO BE.
Watch our workshop here on: The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Women's Health
What are endocrine disruptors, and what effects do they have on our health?
These are chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system by mimicking, blocking, or altering the action of natural hormones. Furthermore, they are effective at very low doses—and for this very reason, the risk stems primarily from cumulative exposure over the course of a lifetime.
Documented effects in women include: infertility, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, early menopause, increased risk of breast cancer, pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational hypertension), insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In fetuses, they may also impair neurological and behavioral development.
How can we avoid exposure to endocrine disruptors?
The rule is simple: reduce daily contact whenever possible.
- Replace plastic with glass, ceramic, or stainless steel;
- Never heat food in plastic containers;
- Reduce consumption of canned, packaged, and ultra-processed foods;
- Choose organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables that are more likely to be exposed to pesticides;
- Filter tap water;
- Choose “fragrance-free” cosmetics and personal care products with short ingredient lists;
- Ventilate indoor spaces thoroughly every day;
- Avoid old or scratched nonstick cookware (PFAS);
- Reduce household dust.
How can we identify endocrine disruptors?
First of all, read the labels carefully.
In cosmetics and personal care products, ingredients to avoid include:
- Parabens: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.
- Phthalates: DEHP, DBP, BBP—often hidden under the terms “fragrance” or “parfum.”
- BPA and analogs: BPA, BPS, BPF, in plastics with codes 3, 6, and 7.
- Triclosan and triclocarban in antibacterial soaps and toothpastes.
- Formaldehyde and its releasers: DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea.
- Chemical UV filters: oxybenzone, octinoxate.
- PFAS in nonstick cookware and grease-proof packaging.
To make things easier, apps like Yuka, INCI Beauty, or Think Dirty help you decipher ingredient labels at the point of purchase.
How can we eliminate endocrine disruptors?
The body has its own mechanisms for metabolism and elimination—the liver, intestines, kidneys, and skin. Therefore, the goal is to support these systems:
- Plenty of fluids every day.
- Fiber and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage): support phase 2 of liver detoxification.
- Sulfur-containing compounds (garlic, onion, egg): essential cofactors for hepatic conjugation.
- Antioxidants (red berries, nuts, green tea).
- Healthy microbiota and regular bowel movements.
- Restorative sleep: the peak of elimination occurs at night.
- Regular physical activity: stimulates circulation, sweating, and metabolism.
- Clinical follow-up Multidisciplinary when symptoms persist—thus, an individualized assessment at TO BE allows us to develop a personalized plan.
What are the most recommended beauty products that are free of endocrine disruptors?
More important than a brand is knowing what to look for—and, above all, what to avoid.
Look for:
- Trusted certifications: ECOCERT, COSMOS Organic, NATRUE, BDIH, EU Ecolabel, Soil Association.
- Clear labels: “paraben-free,” “phthalate-free,” “fragrance-free,” “PFAS-free.”
- Short, easy-to-read INCI lists —ingredients you recognize.
- Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) instead of chemical sunscreens.
- Glass or plastic packaging labeled as number 2, 4, or 5.Always avoid:
Parabens, phthalates, triclosan, oxybenzone, PEGs, sulfates (SLS/SLES), BHA/BHT, formaldehyde and its releasers, synthetic fragrances.Beware of greenwashing:
The word “natural” is not regulated. Therefore, without independent certification, it means little. When in doubt, simplify your routine—fewer products, chosen more carefully.
