A lot of women have periods that seem to change from cycle to cycle. Or maybe your period has changed after you started a new job. This could be because of changes in your environment. There are different things that you are exposed to in your environment can play a role in period problems – known as environmental toxins. Read this post below written by the best naturopaths near Bendigo and Castlemaine to learn how does environmental toxins around us affect our period health.
Environmental toxins can be found in your food, cosmetics, cleaning products, and other household products. They can cause disruptions to your period at low doses because they are endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals as Environmental Toxins
Another name for environmental toxins is endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are chemicals that are known to cause an adverse effect on your health. They can change the normal function of your hormonal system. Substances known to do this include pesticides, metals, industrial pollutants, solvents, food additives, and personal care products.
The hormones your body naturally produces and responds to are present at low doses. Similarly, an EDC can disrupt your normal hormones at a low dose. It can be a dose as low as a few parts per million.
What to Look For
Keep an eye out for these EDCs:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) which is used to make some plastics.
- Dioxins are an industrial by product that accumulates in animal foods.
- Atrazine is an herbicide.
- Phthalates are used in the manufacture of plastics, shampoos and other household products.
- Perchlorate is a component of rocket fuel.
- Fire retardants are sprayed on furniture, mattresses, and carpets.
- Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are used for non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing.
- Organophosphate pesticides.
- Glycol esters found in paints, cleaning products, and cosmetics.
- Lead, Arsenic, and Mercury are also problematic for your hormonal system.
Wellbeing for Your Period Health
So, what can you do every day? Be aware of the foods you are eating and the products you are using. Consider the area you live in and the work you do. What are you likely to be exposed to? Where are the largest problem areas in your life and what can you do to change things?
Limiting your exposure and staying away from EDCs is a great start but your body can also help you clear what you may have already been exposed to. One of the biggest things your body is designed to do is detoxify. If you want to support this process even further, have a chat to your naturopath.
