Endocrine Disruptors 101: The Hormone Hijackers in Your Home
Your hormones are like your body’s quiet conductors - keeping sleep, mood, energy, skin, metabolism, and fertility all in harmony without you even noticing.
But here’s the problem: certain chemicals lurking in everyday products can slip in and mess with the whole operation. And they’re sneaky. You won’t always notice the shift straight away - but over time, they can leave you feeling off. Think mood swings, bloating, stubborn weight, brain fog, headaches, eczema, asthma flare-ups, or hayfever that seems to come out of nowhere.
These unwanted guests called endocrine disruptors. And the sooner you spot them, the sooner you can kick them out.
So… what are we actually talking about here?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals - both man-made and natural, that interfere with your hormonal system. And your hormones? They’re responsible for things like:
Your mood
Your metabolism
Your sleep
Your fertility and cycle
Your energy levels
The wild part? They don’t just come from big, obvious chemical spills or industrial waste. Most of the time, they’re hiding in products you use and trust every day - your shampoo, your favourite scented candle, the cleaning spray you swear by.
How do they cause chaos?
Endocrine disruptors are masters of disguise. They can:
Mimic your natural hormones (like estrogen)
Block hormone signals
Mess with how hormones are made, released, or broken down
Think of it like a group of pranksters sneaking into your control room and pressing all the wrong buttons.
Where they’re hiding in your home
You might want to sit down for this. Here are the main hideouts for endocrine disruptors - and a few quick swaps you can make.
1. Synthetic Fragrance
Found in: perfumes, deodorants, laundry powder, candles, air fresheners, cleaning products
Linked to: headaches, asthma, hayfever, skin irritation, hormone imbalance
🌿 Swap it: Go fragrance-free or use products scented with 100% essential oils. Open your windows - fresh air is free and fabulous.
2. Personal Care Products
Found in: shampoo, body wash, moisturisers, sunscreen, makeup
Linked to: eczema, hormonal acne, irregular cycles, mood changes
🌿 Swap it: Look for “paraben-free”, “phthalate-free”, and transparent ingredient lists. If you can’t pronounce the first half of the label… rethink it.
3. Cleaning Products
Found in: multi-purpose sprays, wipes, dishwashing liquids, toilet cleaners
Linked to: asthma, eczema, headaches, hormone disruption
🌿 Swap it: Try simple DIY cleaners (vinegar, bicarb, lemon, essential oils) or buy low-tox brands that list every ingredient.
4. Plastics & Food Packaging
Found in: takeaway containers, cling wrap, canned food linings
Linked to: weight changes, fertility issues, metabolic disruption
🌿 Swap it: Use glass, stainless steel, or silicone. And never microwave in plastic - ever.
5. Candles & Air Fresheners
Found in: paraffin wax candles, plug-ins, sprays
Linked to: hayfever, headaches, respiratory irritation, hormone interference
🌿 Swap it: Beeswax or soy candles with 100% natural scents, or a diffuser with essential oils.
Why you should care
Long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to:
Fertility struggles
Thyroid dysfunction
PCOS & endometriosis
Allergies, eczema & asthma
Hormone-sensitive cancers
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to rip your whole house apart today. Your body is resilient. Every small swap reduces your toxic load and gives your hormones a chance to reset.
Where to start (without losing your mind)
Pick one area first - bathroom, laundry, or kitchen
Swap the products you use the most
Open your windows daily
Get curious about labels - “fragrance” is your red flag word
Aim for progress, not perfection
Remember: small changes add up. Your hormones will thank you.
♡ Let’s make it easy for you
Low-tox living isn’t about fear - it’s about freedom. It’s about knowing what’s in your home and choosing what’s right for you.
If you’re ready to make swaps but feel overwhelmed by where to start, I can help. I offer 1:1 coaching to guide you through it step-by-step, so you can reduce your toxic load and start feeling better in your body.
barebeings@outlook.com
barebeings.com
With love,
Rach x