Endocrine System
The endocrine system is responsible for releasing and regulating hormones in the body. This system effects almost all functions in the body including metabolism, growth, development, emotions, fertility, sleep, and blood pressure.
Common imbalances related to the endocrine system: adrenal fatigue, diabetes, thyroid dysregulation (Graves', Hashimotos, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Human made chemicals found in certain products can disrupt or change the way hormones work in the body and cause a wide range of health issues. EDCs are found in everyday items like cosmetics, food, food packaging, and pesticides.
Here are five common EDCs to be aware of:
Parabens:
Found in: cosmetics, sunscreen, body care products, food, gum
Effects: These chemicals can mimic estrogen and are damaging to fertility, increase cancer risk (especially breast cancer), and can decrease the effect of the breast cancer pharmaceutical tamoxifen.
Look for paraben free on products!
Phthalates:
Found in: cosmetics, body care products, packaging, medication coating, cleaning products, vinyls flooring, and end up widespread in indoor dust and air. They have also been found in food such as dairy, seafood, meat, produce, fast food leached from packaging and processing.
Effects: These EDCs alter reproductive hormones causing early puberty in girls and reduced fertility in males. They are also linked to asthma, ADHD, estrogen positive breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and poor brain development.
Avoid products that have "fragrance" or "parfum", avoid plastics #3, #7, don't heat food in plastic, and avoid pesticides.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Found in: plastic food containers, plastic water bottles, canned food, receipt paper, menstrual products, dental sealants, epoxy resin (which can be in drinking water pipes)
Effects: BPA can mimic estrogen and alter male and female fertility, fetal development, cause early puberty, increase breast and prostate incidence, and cause PCOS.
BFRs: These flame retardants used in clothes, electronics, and furniture can alter endocrine and thyroid function and increase immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and effect fetal and child development.
Manufactures aren't required to report the chemical use, but look for labels that say no added flame retardants.
PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances found especially in nonstick cookware, fast food wrapper, microwave popcorn bags, cosmetics and waterproof clothes.
Because it leeches into groundwater it can be found in drinking water, produce, and freshwater fish. Effects include decreased fertility, increased chance of thyroid disease, kidney or testicular cancer, and altered immune response.
Test your drinking water, use cast iron or stainless steel cookware, check labels for body care products that show PFA, PFTE, or ingredients that start with fluoro.
Chinese Medicine and endocrine regulation
Acupuncture: When there are signs of endocrine issues, acupuncture can stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and help balance hormones, regulate mood and energy, support reproductive health and sleep, and reduce inflammation.
Cupping: The gentle suction draws fascia away from the body, invigorating circulation of blood, oxygen, and lymphatic flow to the area to stimulate healing. Cupping therapy helps encourage tissue repair, remove cellular waste, reduce inflammation, and promote muscle relaxation.