About 13% of women who are of childbearing age still have difficulty conceiving. Male fertility may be at risk as well. In the past 40 years, sperm counts have decreased over 50%. What could be causing this? Increased age, weight, smoking, and stress can contribute to infertility. However, another factor that many people are not aware of is exposure to everyday toxic chemicals. These chemicals, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (or EDCs), can mess with your hormones and your ability to conceive.
What are “everyday toxic chemicals?”
There are toxic chemicals all around us, in personal products, food and beverages, tap water, and even in dust. We are exposed to them daily. While everyone should try to avoid these chemicals, it is especially important if you are trying to conceive or you are pregnant. Why? Because some of these chemicals mimic our natural hormones. This can trick the body and cause it to block real hormones, such as estrogen. As you know, estrogen and other hormones play a huge role in conception and pregnancy. If these hormones are messed with, then your chances of conceiving and having a child decreases.
Which toxic chemicals are hormone disruptors?
Bisphenol A, or BPA, and phthalates are the two most studied endocrine disrupting chemicals. These chemicals can be found in:
- Food and food packaging
- Food/drink cans
- Cosmetics
- Perfume, fragranced products, and air fresheners
- Some hard plastics
- Soft plastics, such as in shower curtains and children’s toys
- Cash register receipts
How does exposure to these chemicals affect health?
These chemicals mimic estrogen, which means they can affect everything from menstrual cycles to conception, to becoming pregnant and having a baby. Exposure can cause:
- Higher rates of infertility
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Increased chance of miscarriage
- Problems with the eggs in a woman’s ovaries
- Reduced IVF success (embryo is not able to attach to the uterus)
- Later diseases/disorders in children when exposed in the womb, including neurological disorders and breast cancer
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Low birthweight
At-Home testing can help!
Learn how many of these hormone disruptors are in your body with a discreet At-Home DNA Methylation Test. This test dives deep into your body's methylation processes by examining key genes. This crucial biological process influences gene expression, DNA repair, and detoxification pathways, impacting your reproductive health and wellbeing. Understanding your methylation status helps us tailor dietary and lifestyle adjustments, potentially revealing hidden health issues or optimizing your fertility to ensure optimal health outcomes.
What else can you do?
Although our test kit is the best way to “learn what’s inside” and know for sure your toxic chemical exposure levels, here are some recommendations for other ways you can limit your EDC exposures.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING
- Processed and packaged foods
- Plastic, especially with food and drink
- Cash register receipts
- The ingredient “fragrance” or “parfum”
- Capsule vitamins
GET EDUCATED
If you are trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, or have a newborn, it is important to educate yourself on toxic chemicals and their health effects. Check out our blogs and guides.
BUY TOXIC-FREE PRODUCTS
Our List of Approved Products is dedicated to sharing everyday products that are free of toxic chemicals. Our list has products from cleaning kits to kitchenware, and we are continually adding more categories. Or jump start detoxing your life with our curated personal care detox kits!
