Four summer products that may cause imbalanced hormones

Summer is finally upon us and we could not be more excited for longer days and warmer weather! However, common summer products can contain chemicals that are suspected to disrupt the balance of your hormones. 

Known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), these chemicals mimic natural hormone production and trick our bodies to produce increased or decreased levels of hormones to compensate. Additionally, they can also change how sensitive our bodies are to different hormones (1, 2).

Why does this matter? While our bodies can tolerate small amounts of toxins, EDCs are found in nearly every corner of our lives like our food, water, cosmetics, and cleaning products, just to name a few. The repeated, long exposure to these chemicals have been linked to several adverse health conditions including certain cancers, respiratory conditions, metabolic issues, and more (2). 

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), EDCs can even intensify your symptoms because of the effects they have on testosterone levels, glucose metabolism, and weight gain (3). Read more about the relationship between PCOS and EDCs here.

EDCs can trigger a plethora of health issues, especially if you have PCOS, so we want to bring attention to the following four products so that you can keep your body healthy and focus on living your best summer life!

1) Insect repellent

If you plan on spending time outdoors in nature this summer, insect repellents are probably on your packing list! Because pesticides are the active ingredient in these products, bug sprays and repellents are closely regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Pesticides commonly found in bug repellents can affect female hormone production, which may negatively impact reproductive health. It is also possible that pesticide exposure may adversely affect hormone synthesis, hormone release and storage, hormone transport and clearance, thyroid function, hormone post receptors and activation, and the central nervous system. Furthermore, females exposed to pesticides may have irregular or longer menstrual cycles (4).

Below is a list of commonly problematic ingredients used in bug spray and repellents. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather some of the more common ones (5):

• DEET: Deet may cause skin irritation, memory loss, seizures, headaches, and joint pain.
• Cyfluthrin: This chemical has been associated with neurotoxicity, decreased glucose levels, decreased red blood cell counts, impaired liver function, and behavioral changes. 
• Permethrin: Depending on the formulation, permethrin has been associated with psychological effects and behavioral changes.
• Pyrethroid: In high amounts, pyrethroid has been linked to changes in blood sugar, loss of coordination, and changes in behavior.

Additionally, bug sprays and repellents may contain other hormone disrupting chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

To limit exposure, we recommend using safe and non-toxic products when possible. When looking for bug repellents this summer, look out for the MADE SAFE label. The MADE SAFE certification ensures that a product does not contain any ingredients that may harm humans or the environment.

While we are not affiliated with these brands, we are happy to share a few non-toxic and safe bug repellent products so that you can feel safe this summer. Here are a few brands:

• Kosmatology
• Alba Botanica 
• Primally Pure
• MamaEarth
• Buhbli Organics 

If you are looking for more natural ways to repel bugs you can plant a citronella or use essential oils such as oil of lemon, eucalyptus, thyme, or clove. 

2) Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must for all four seasons to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it is especially essential during summer months when you are spending more time outdoors and require more frequent application.

Ingredients in sunscreen have raised concerns in the last couple of years partly due to the damage it has caused to marine ecosystems but also due to absorption (6). Recent research shows that the common active ingredients in sunscreen are absorbed into the body’s bloodstream after just one use. However, more research is needed to determine what levels would be considered toxic (7). 

Although there are several common active ingredients in sunscreen, oxybenzone and octinoxate are of particular interest because of their suspected endocrine disrupting properties. In addition to being found in sunscreen, oxybenzone and octinoxate can also be found in cosmetics, plastics, fragrances, and drinking water. Current literature shows elevations of oxybenzone and octinoxate does not have effects on fertility, and fetal and neonatal development, but further data is needed to determine the effects it has on reproductive hormones, pubertal development, and the function of the immune system, thyroid, and kidneys (7). 

It is evident there is still a significant amount of research needed to help us further understand the effects of the absorption of the active ingredients in sunscreens, but for now, we suggest finding sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate (especially if you have PCOS or issues with your immunity, thyroid, and/or kidneys). As mentioned previously, you can look for sunscreens with the MADE SAFE label and also utilize the shade when you can or check out some of these non-toxic sunscreens below!

• All Good
• Babo Botanicals
• Think
• Earth Mama Organics
• Badger Balm

3) Waterproof and long-wearing makeup

Next on our list is waterproof and long-wearing makeup. If you plan on sweating or doing any sort of water activity this season, you most likely would opt for waterproof cosmetics! According to a new study that tested 200+ cosmetic products, over half contain potentially harmful chemicals, with waterproof makeup and long-wearing cosmetics having the highest levels of toxins called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (8). 

PFAS are found in a wide variety of cosmetic products such as mascara, foundation, sunscreen, lipsticks, and concealers to increase durability and water resistance, which is why they are found in high amounts in specifically waterproof mascara (9). In addition to increasing durability in cosmetics, PFAS are also commonly used in nonstick cookware, furniture, cellphones, and more.  These chemicals have been linked to cancer, immune suppression, developmental difficulties, and reproductive issues (10).

How can you tell if the cosmetics you are currently using contain PFAS? Take a look at the ingredient list on the back! The ingredients in cosmetics are listed in order of prominence, so from the highest percentage to lowest percentage. Other ingredients to be cautious of include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, and perfluorohexane (11).  

You can reduce the risk of PFAS by using nontoxic and clean beauty products and visit the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website to learn more about the toxicity levels of the beauty products you are currently using. 

4) Summer fruits and vegetables

Although the last item on our list is not a product, we want to bring awareness to the potentially harmful pesticides that are found in our food. This includes some summer favorites including strawberries, cherries, and nectarines, of which 90% of samples tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides (12). 

To help guide us navigate the grocery stores, the EWG releases a “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce” which lists the fruits and vegetables that have the highest and lowest pesticide residues. This empowers us as consumers to make the best decisions for our health. You can access the list for 2022 here.

We earlier discussed the possible health implications of pesticides in insect repellents, but pesticides used in farming have their own set of potential health risks as well.  Higher urinary pesticide residue in the body has been linked to negative health effects like increased risk for cardiovascular disease and lower fertility. (12) On the other hand, lower urinary pesticide levels are linked to improved fertility and birth outcomes, reduced incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lower BMI and reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. (12) Research has shown that making the switch from conventional to organic results in reduced urinary pesticide concentrations. (13)

So how can you safely consume your favorite summer fruits and veggies? When possible, opt for organic fruits and vegetables. However, we understand that this is not always feasible and shopping in a way that supports your chronic condition often comes with challenges. Read more about how to nourish your body in a sustainable way here. In the meantime, below are some quick tips on how to reduce your exposure to pesticides found in food.

• Choose produce from the Clean 15 when shopping conventional fruits and vegetables.
• Whether you are purchasing organic or conventional produce, it’s important to wash your produce before consuming. Washing your produce is essential to remove dirt, bacteria and pesticides it may have come in contact with along the way.
• When washing produce it’s best practice to rinse under flowing water in a strainer. This is more effective at removing residue than soaking produce. For firmer produce you can also scrub using a vegetable brush to remove even more residue.
• When consuming produce from the Dirty Dozen, taking the extra step and soaking the fruits and vegetables in a homemade vegetable wash may help to remove more residue from the surface. You can make this solution by combining 2 cups distilled water, ½ cup distilled white vinegar, and 1 tsp baking soda. Soak your produce in the solution for 15 minutes and then rinse well.

What does this mean for me?

If you are feeling discouraged by all this information, that is completely understandable! These chemicals are unfortunately in all aspects of our environment and exposure to EDCs is often out of your control. Removing all chemicals from your life is likely unrealistic, so we recommend implementing small changes into your lifestyle in a way that works for you. You can begin by examining either your food, clothing, cleaning products, beauty/hygiene products, or another area of your life where you feel like you could start minimizing exposure. The small things really do add up and can make a difference! 

At Pollie, we believe there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to limiting your exposure to daily toxins. Our care team is here to help you find a solution that works for you and your goals! Sign up for our virtual PCOS program here. 

References

1. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022, March 7). What is endocrine disruption? United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.epa.gov/endocrine-disruption/what-endocrine-disruption 
2. Ruiz, D., & Patisaul, G. (Eds.). (2022, April 26). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (edcs). Endocrine Society. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/edcs 
3. Angela Grassi, M. S. (2020, May 25). PCOS and endocrine disrupting chemicals: Reduce your exposure. Verywell Health. Retrieved January 6, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-4067076
4. Bretveld, R. W., Thomas, C. M., Scheepers, P. T., Zielhuis, G. A., & Roeleveld, N. (2006). Pesticide exposure: the hormonal function of the female reproductive system disrupted?. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 4, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-4-30
5. Chemicals of Concern in Bug Repellent. MADE SAFE. (2019, July 2). Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.madesafe.org/education/chemicals-bug-repellent/
6. Suh, S., Pham, C., Smith, J., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). The banned sunscreen ingredients and their impact on human health: a systematic review. International journal of dermatology, 59(9), 1033–1042. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.14824
7. Food and Drug Administration . (2020, January 21). Shedding more light on sunscreen absorption. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/shedding-more-light-sunscreen-absorption 
8. Heather D. Whitehead, Marta Venier, Yan Wu, Emi Eastman, Shannon Urbanik, Miriam L. Diamond, Anna Shalin, Heather Schwartz-Narbonne, Thomas A. Bruton, Arlene Blum, Zhanyun Wang, Megan Green, Meghanne Tighe, John T. Wilkinson, Sean McGuinness, and Graham F. Peaslee Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2021 8 (7), 538-544DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00240

9. Sieff, J. (2021, June 15). Use of PFAS in cosmetics 'widespread,' new study finds. Notre Dame News. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://news.nd.edu/news/use-of-pfas-in-cosmetics-widespread-new-study-finds/ 
10. MADE SAFE. (2021, November 18). New Study Finds Toxic PFAS in Makeup. MADE SAFE. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.madesafe.org/new-study-finds-toxic-pfas-chemicals-in-makeup/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8O-VBhCpARIsACMvVLO1Sz1JYFGY9K_A-kmtW9zXsnkrVUUlJ_pSjOn-QHy34jW-e87ykjwaAoC2EALw_wcB
11. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (2022, February 5). Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-cosmetics
12. EWG Science Team. (2022, April 7). EWG's 2022 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Environmental Working Group. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php 
13. Rempelos et al. Diet and food type affect urinary pesticide residue excretion profiles in healthy individuals: results of a randomized controlled dietary intervention trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Feb 9;115(2):364-377. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab308.

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