It is known that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine or hormonal disorder, which means that many women with PCOS have too much or not enough of certain hormones. This imbalance is much of what causes PCOS symptoms. It’s also known that many of the products we use in our homes and on our bodies contain chemicals and substances that can mimic hormones and/or disrupt hormone balance. Women are exposed to hundreds of these substances every single day! You can imagine the damage that these substances cause, especially within women with hormone-related disorders. We often give more attention to food, movement, supplements, or medications to help us manage PCOS, but reducing exposure to known hormone disruptors can make a world of a difference in many aspects of health.
The GOOD NEWS: You can make simple switches to decrease your exposure to these hormone disruptors!
Take these simple steps to reducing the hormone disruptors you come in contact with each day:
Switch out your non-stick pans for cast-iron.
Need a cast-iron skillet? Here’s the one I use every day.
Pitch your plastic containers and bottles (even the BPA-free ones) and opt for glass and stainless steel, and plastic bags for reusable silicone. If you’d like, you can slowly phase them out. At the very least, DO NOT heat your food in plastic.
Some of my favorites:
Filter your water. You can use a pitcher like this, a refrigerator filter, or a faucet filter.
Switch to non-toxic beauty and body care products. Check the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to search for good brands. There are tons of products out there, but be aware that some may seem “green” but they may not be. Check ingredient labels for substances like parabens, formaldehydes, fragrances, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, lead, BHA and BHT. Check your makeup, soap, face wash, shampoo, moisturizers, sunscreen, and deodorant (and anything else you put on your body).
Switch to non-toxic cleaning and laundry products. You might consider making your own cleaning solutions or using essential oils. Choose fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergent, and opt-out of softeners and dryer sheets. Consider using a homemade vinegar-based “softener” and wool dryer balls instead.
Diffuse essential oils or choose soy candles, over other candles or air fresheners.
NOTE: There is NO WAY to remove all hormone disruptors and you do not have to do all of these suggestions at once! Choose just a couple switches to make, and go from there!
For an individualized approach to improving hormone balance and confidence with PCOS without dieting and overwhelm, book a discovery call for 1:1 PCOS Nutrition Coaching!
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