Why does it feel like everyone’s hormones are messed up? 🤔 It’s probably not ONE thing. Our hormones are constantly receiving signals from our food, light environment, sleep, stress, movement, medications, and the chemicals we’re exposed to every day. And some of those exposures genuinely matter. Certain chemicals found in plastics, fragrances, cosmetics, household products, pesticides and nonstick coatings can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals…meaning they can interfere with the way hormones are produced, transported or received by the body. Researchers have specifically raised concerns around chemicals like phthalates, BPA and certain PFAS. (NIEHS) Perfume and personal-care products can be one source of exposure to certain phthalates and other chemicals of interest. PFAS have historically been used in some nonstick and stain-resistant products, and research has associated some PFAS exposures with effects involving thyroid, reproductive and metabolic health. (NIEHS) Then there are things that affect hormones through completely different pathways. Alcohol can interfere with sleep, metabolism and reproductive physiology. Hormonal birth control intentionally changes hormone signaling to prevent pregnancy—it isn’t accurate to simply label it a “toxin,” but women deserve to understand how the medication works and discuss its benefits, risks and alternatives with their doctor. And LIGHT is massively underrated. Your brain uses the light-dark cycle to regulate your circadian rhythm. Bright artificial light late at night can disrupt the biological signals that normally tell your body it’s nighttime, while getting outdoor light during the day and keeping nights darker helps reinforce a healthy circadian rhythm. The point isn’t to become terrified of everything around you. It’s to become more intentional. Use glass or stainless steel when practical. Choose simpler fragrance-free products when you can. Cook with quality cookware. Limit alcohol. Get outside during the day. Dim the lights at night. Eat mostly whole foods. Sleep consistently. Move your body. You will never eliminate every environmental exposure—and you don’t need to. But reducing unnecessary exposures while giving your body the fundamental inputs humans have always needed is a pretty reasonable place to start. Don’t live scared of your environment. Build an environment that supports you.