Xenoestrogens and an increased risk of endometriosis

I can hear you asking, “And what on earth are xenoestrogens?”

I know that not everyone has heard about these environmental compounds with oestrogenic activity. Once inside the body they can mimic our own natural oestrogens. They are dangerous and disrupt the hormone environment, which in turn will interfere with the reproductive system, going on to create numerous reproductive health problems.

Are any of you having trouble conceiving? It may not be you, it could even be your partner. Excess xenoestrogens in the body can harm both ova and sperm! Something to think about!

Xenoestrogens have been seen to cause poor prostate health (in men), irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis.

How to avoid xenoestrogens

Believe it or not, many xenoestrogens are found in products that you use every day. The daily exposure to these oestrogen-like compounds are putting your health at risk. Although it may be impossible to eliminate all of these products from your daily life, it is always good to try. You cannot do this if you are not well informed, so here you are:

• Parabens are everywhere, they are used as a preservative. Look for them on the ingredient list when buying face creams, body creams, sunscreens, shampoos etc. And especially, methylparaben, proplyparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben.
• Food dyes and preservatives, such as, butylated hydroxanisole, and FD & C #3 (a synthetic cherry-coloured dye used in cake decorating gels, candies, and popsicles.) Red dye #3 is also used as a colour additive for ingested drugs – beware – double whammy! All are bad news!
• Chlorine and products containing chlorine – not good!
• Polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin such as flame retardant materials, some home furnishing, cars and electronics.
• Weed killer and insecticides.
• Ethinylestradiol, found in combined oral oestrogen birth control pills.
• Cleaning detergents – many contain surfactant (one of the many different compounds that make up a detergent).
• Building supplies – which can include, pentachlorophenol found in wood preservatives and polychlorinated biphenyls found in adhesives, lubricants, paints and electric oils.

So what have all these Xenoestrogens got to do with Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition that is found in the female reproductive system. What happens is tissue grows outside of the uterus rather than within it. Of course, this overgrowth can happen in several other places as well, including the vagina, bladder, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the side of the pelvic wall – all cause discomfort. With endometriosis the tissue outside the uterus is affected by the hormonal changes of menstruation just as the uterine lining is affected by hormonal changes. You may then experience excess bleeding and cramping, along with fatigue, bloating, painful intercourse, and pain in the pelvic area.

The thing is when xenoestrogens enter the body by way of drinking out of plastic bottles (plastic is a no, no in my household – a definite NO! banned, vietato!), by applying sunscreen, or being exposed to any of the above mentioned, they can cause endometrial symptoms simply because xenoestrogens over-stimulate the cells which then go on to cause excess tissue growth. The name for an excess of oestrogens is commonly known as oestrogen dominance. Having an excess or dominance of any oestrogens can cause the development of endometriosis. For the majority of women diagnosed with endometriosis, it is the first indication that they have a hormonal imbalance.

If you are suffering from or recognise any of the aforementioned endometrial symptoms, it is important that you consult with a restorative hormone specialist so you can get to the root cause. Your restorative specialist can then determine the best and most appropriate treatment helping you to avoid any other further and/or more serious problems, and get you back on track to start feeling better!

To your health!