Did you know that some of the products you use daily could be affecting not only your fertility but also your overall women's health?
From plastic containers to cosmetics, hidden chemicals in our environment are under scientific scrutiny for their links to hormonal imbalances, gynecological diseases, and metabolic disorders. In this article, we explain which toxins to avoid, how they act, and what safe alternatives you can adopt to protect your overall well-being.
1. What are "everyday toxins," and where do they hide?
These are chemical substances found in objects, food, or the environment that, with prolonged exposure, disrupt hormonal balance (endocrine disruptors) or damage cells in the body.
The most common ones:
-Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastics (bottles, food containers), canned goods, and receipts.
-Phthalates: Used in perfumes, nail polishes, and cleaning products.
-Pesticides: Residues in non-organic fruits and vegetables (such as glyphosate).
-Parabens: Found in creams, shampoos, and makeup.
Key fact: A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives linked high BPA levels in the blood to menstrual irregularities and reduced egg quality in women undergoing fertility treatments.
2. How do these chemicals affect women's health?
Prolonged exposure to endocrine disruptors can impact various aspects of women's well-being:
-Menstrual cycle: They can cause irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or amenorrhea.
-Gynecological diseases: They increase the risk of endometriosis and fibroids.
-Fertility: They disrupt ovulation and reduce ovarian reserve.
-Metabolic health: They are linked to insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction.
-Emotional well-being: They affect neurotransmitters, contributing to anxiety and mood swings.
Real-life example: A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that women with high exposure to phthalates were twice as likely to experience severe dysmenorrhea symptoms and hormonal imbalances.
3. 5 Practical steps to reduce exposure.
You don’t need to live in a bubble—small changes can make a big difference.
-In the kitchen:
Use glass or stainless steel containers.
Avoid heating food in plastic (heat releases toxins).
Choose organic fruits and vegetables, especially those with "thin skin" (strawberries, apples).
-In the bathroom:
Check cosmetic labels: avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, or PEG.
Opt for clean beauty brands or natural products (e.g., coconut oil as a moisturizer).
- At home:
Clean with vinegar, baking soda, or eco-friendly products.
Ventilate daily to eliminate volatile compounds from paint or new furniture.
-At the table:
Filter tap water (it may contain pesticide residues or heavy metals).
Reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods (which contain additives and plastic packaging).
-In your clothing:
Wash new clothes before wearing them (removes anti-wrinkle chemicals or dyes).
Prioritize natural fabrics (organic cotton, linen).
4. The impact of toxins on female epigenetics.
Epigenetics is the science that studies how environmental factors can modify the expression of our genes without changing the DNA sequence. Endocrine disruptors can influence this process, affecting not only the health of the exposed individual but also future generations.
-Transgenerational inheritance: Studies on animal models have shown that exposure to BPA can alter fertility in offspring up to three generations later.
-Hormonal modifications: Certain chemicals have been found to silence or activate genes responsible for hormonal balance, increasing the risk of conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
-Chronic inflammation: Pesticides and plastics can modify the expression of genes related to inflammation, increasing the risk of metabolic and autoimmune diseases.
Epigenetic evaluation: Understanding your health at a cellular level.
Epigenetic tests, like those offered, help assess how your environment and lifestyle influence your genetic health.
What is an epigenetic test? With a simple hair sample, these tests analyze over 90 health parameters, providing insights into: Food sensitivities, nutritional needs, metabolic system balance and exposure to toxins.
Benefits:
- Identification of food sensitivities.
-Personalized nutritional recommendations.
- Evaluation of the balance of major metabolic systems.
-Detection of exposure to environmental toxins.
Application in women's health: Understanding how environmental factors affect gene expression makes it possible to implement lifestyle changes that improve hormonal and reproductive health.
Note: At Mater Clinic, we offer guidance on these tests to provide you with a personalized wellness plan based on your epigenetic needs.
5. What if I already have hormonal or reproductive symptoms?
If you are experiencing female health issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, or infertility, the key is to minimize toxic exposure and support your body's natural detoxification process.
-Consult a specialist about toxic load analysis and epigenetic testing.
-Adopt detox habits to reduce these substances and promote healthy gene expression, such as stress reduction and moderate exercise.
Many effects of endocrine disruptors can be reversed by reducing exposure! It’s never too late to start.
Frequently asked questions.
Do toxins affect men and women the same way?
Yes, but some (like pesticides) have a greater impact on sperm quality.
Are "BPA-free" plastics safe?
Not always—some use substitutes like BPS, which can be just as harmful. It’s best to avoid plastics altogether.
Can epigenetic tests predict diseases?
No, they don’t predict diseases, but they can identify vulnerabilities and help personalize preventive strategies.
Protecting your fertility and women’s health depends not only on what you do but also on what you avoid. Small changes in your daily routine can create a safer environment for your hormonal and reproductive well-being.
The advances in epigenetics allow us to understand how environmental factors influence health at the cellular level, providing key insights to improve your quality of life. At Mater Clinic, we guide you with personalized epigenetic tests and science-based strategies to optimize your well-being.
Want to learn more? At Mater Clinic, we combine functional medicine and epigenetics to help you take control of your hormonal and reproductive health. Book your consultation and start transforming your well-being from the root! If you have any questions or need more information, contact us at care@mater.clinic or visit our website www.mater.clinic.
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