When we think about hormone health, fertility, or conditions like PCOS and menopause, most of us immediately think about diet, exercise, or maybe supplements. But there’s another big piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked - the environment around us.
Our homes, where we spend so much time, can be hiding all sorts of chemicals that quietly interfere with our hormones. These everyday toxins can contribute to hormone imbalances that make symptoms worse, affect fertility, or even slow down recovery during menopause.
I want to share six common environmental toxins you’ll often find in the household that are known to disrupt hormones and how you can start reducing your exposure right now.
BPA and plastics: the sneaky estrogen mimic
Many plastics contain chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) that act like estrogen once inside the body. This is what scientists call an endocrine disruptor. If your body is getting extra “fake estrogen” signals, it can throw off your natural hormone rhythm. That might look like heavier periods, mood swings, worsening PCOS symptoms, or even trouble conceiving.
Even BPA-free plastics often have similar chemicals like BPS that behave the same way, so the safest bet is to switch to glass or stainless steel containers and avoid heating food in plastic.
Phthalates: the hidden chemicals in synthetic fragrances and plastics
Have you ever noticed how many products are fragranced? From air fresheners to shampoos to candles - many of these contain phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make scents last longer or plastics more flexible.
Unfortunately, phthalates can mess with your hormone signaling too. They’re linked to lowered fertility, irregular cycles, and thyroid issues. And for women going through menopause, they might make hot flashes and other symptoms feel more intense.
Choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented products can make a big difference. Opt for quality essential oils (not cheap ones as they're most likely poor quality and/or full of synthetic fillers). It’s also worth swapping out plastic shower curtains and vinyl flooring if you can.
Pesticides: not just on the farm
We often think pesticides are just an agricultural problem, but traces of these chemicals end up in our fruits, veggies, and even around the home. Many pesticides act like xenoestrogens - meaning they mimic estrogen and disrupt how our bodies regulate hormones.
That’s especially important for anyone trying to conceive or managing PCOS. Pesticides can reduce egg quality and affect sperm health, making fertility more challenging.
Switching to organic produce for the most pesticide-heavy fruits and vegetables, washing your fresh produce well, and avoiding chemical sprays around your home are all simple steps to lower your load.
The EWG's Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen is a good resource.
Flame retardants: the hidden chemicals in furniture
It’s a little scary to think about, but many couches, mattresses, and carpets are treated with flame retardants to meet safety standards. These chemicals, called PBDEs, don’t just stay in your furniture - they build up in household dust and then in our bodies.
What makes this tricky is how they disrupt thyroid hormones. Since thyroid health is crucial for metabolism, mood, and reproductive health, these flame retardants can contribute to fatigue, weight issues, and hormone imbalances - things we definitely want to avoid.
A good habit is to vacuum often with a HEPA filter and dust regularly. When buying new furniture, look for flame-retardant-free options. It’s not always easy but worth asking about.
Heavy metals: old threats still lurking
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium have been known for years to cause serious health problems - and hormone disruption is no exception. They can interfere with how your body’s hormone receptors work, which messes up menstrual cycles, ovary function, and thyroid hormone processing.
Lead can still be found in old paint, mercury in certain types of fish, and cadmium in cigarette smoke and contaminated water. Being mindful of these exposures, filtering your water, and choosing low-mercury fish can help protect your hormones.
Parabens: the preservatives in your bathroom
If you’re like many of us, you probably have a bathroom full of skincare, makeup, deodorant, and hair products. But many of these contain parabens - preservatives that also mimic estrogen in the body.
Over time, this added estrogen-like effect can worsen conditions linked to estrogen dominance like endometriosis, PCOS, and certain cancers.
The good news is that paraben-free products are easier to find than ever. Reading your labels carefully and choosing clean beauty brands can cut down this exposure dramatically.
So what's my advice going forward...
Start small. Replace plastic containers with glass. Swap out synthetic fragranced products for fragrance-free or quality essential oils. Choose organic when you can, especially for fruits and veggies you eat often or follow the EWG Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen and ensure you're washing your produce thoroughly. Dust and vacuum regularly. And when buying personal care products, read the labels and look for those without parabens, phthalates and fragrances (parfum).
Reducing your toxin load supports your hormones, your fertility, and your overall wellbeing - now and into the future.