By Georgia Hartmann
Women's health specialist
The endocrine system is a group of glands distributed throughout the body (as demonstrated in the image below) that produce hormones for normal bodily function.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are group of chemicals that interfere with the action of hormones.
Phthalates Are An ‘endocrine-disrupting Chemical’
Phthalates are a class of man-made chemicals widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. By widely used, I mean over 6 million tons are produced worldwide every year.
In their pure form, phthalates are colorless, odorless, oily liquids. During their use, phthalates are leached into the environment (due to non-covalently bonds) allowing for ubiquitous human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact.
Phthalates Cause Hormonal Imbalance
As phthalates interfere with hormonal balance, constant exposure (particularly from your personal care products) is associated with:
- Early puberty, which may not sound problematic, but longer exposure to hormones such as oestrogen might increase the risk of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers.
- Endometriosis
- Shorter luteal phase (the second half of your cycle)
- Fibroids
- Early menopause, affecting fertility and quality of life
- Reduced fertilisation rates and poorer blastocyst quality when undergoing IVF
Personal Care Products That Contain Phthalates:
- Body wash
- Moisturiser
- Cleanser
- Body lotion
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Deodorant
- Perfumes
- Hairsprays
- Nail polish
- Makeup
Avoid These Chemicals In Your Personal Care Products:
If phthalates are present in your personal care products, they are likely to be labelled as one or more of the following and are best avoided:
- DBP (dibutylphthalate)
- DEP (diethylphthalate)
- DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate)
- DiBP (diisobutyl phthalate)
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
- DnBP (dinbutyl phthalate)
- MBP (mononbutyl phthalate)
- MCPO (monocarboxyoctyl phthalate)
- Phthalate
