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What are the effects of endocrine disruptors on men's health?

Laboratoire Aimée

Cancers, fertility issues… We keep hearing about endocrine disruptors and their harmful impact on human health. Yet, these invisible substances are hidden in many products and remain poorly understood by the general public, especially regarding their effects on male health. In this article, we take stock of the topic to help you better understand and take action.

 

 

Understanding endocrine disruptors

In a world where health and well-being are increasingly prioritized, endocrine disruptors stand out negatively. These chemical substances, with strong polluting power, alter the body's functioning by interfering with the hormonal system, also called the endocrine system.

As a reminder, the endocrine system includes all endocrine glands: thyroid, ovaries, testicles, pituitary gland… This biological system acts on many levels in the body and plays numerous essential roles: it regulates growth, energy, sleep, reproduction, metabolism, mood… When endocrine disruptors enter our body, they can mimic, block, or modify the action of natural hormones, thus creating an imbalance.

Phthalates, bisphenol also known as BPA, parabens, triclosan, pesticides, or even phytoestrogens… There are many endocrine disruptors hidden in numerous everyday objects. In France, according to ANSES, there are more than 800 substances with endocrine-disrupting properties. This omnipresence can create dangerous mixtures for health and cause multiple problems. Although women often feel particularly concerned by this issue, men are just as affected: hormone-dependent cancers, fertility issues, disrupted metabolism…

 

 

What are their effects on male health?

The effects of endocrine disruptors on women's health are often cited and studied, yet they affect men's health and well-being just as much. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Decreased fertility

As explained above, endocrine disruptors can mimic the function of hormones, including male reproductive hormones, which leads to fertility problems.

Phthalates, mainly found in plastics, primarily impact male fertility by reducing testosterone synthesis and the quantity and quality of sperm. According to a 2022 meta-analysis, sperm concentration in semen has halved over the past 45 years.

 

Metabolic risks and hormone-dependent cancers

Today, many studies have highlighted the link between endocrine disruptors and cancer risks. Long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors can indeed promote the development of so-called hormone-dependent cancers. For men, this includes testicular and prostate cancer.

But that’s not all; exposure to endocrine disruptors can also potentially cause in men:

  • metabolic disorders such as the onset of diabetes;
  • immune and inflammatory system disorders: asthma and allergies.

 

Hormonal imbalance

Male hormones are not only essential for reproduction. Hormones like testosterone also broadly regulate energy metabolism, growth, mood… starting from the earliest stages of a man’s life; in utero (during pregnancy) or early childhood.

In cases of early, repeated, and/or significant exposure, many metabolic reactions can be affected, which may:

  • Delay puberty: some endocrine disruptors block testosterone action, which delays the onset of the first signs of puberty or causes inconsistent development.
  • Cause feminization: endocrine disruptors like phthalates or bisphenols mimic estrogen action. This overactivation of female hormones in the male body can lead to feminization of tissues.
  • Promote genital malformations at birth: during in utero life, exposure to endocrine disruptors can cause deeper disorders such as genital malformations due to insufficient androgen levels. Most commonly observed are:
    • cryptorchidism: a failure of testicular descent;
    • hypospadias: a malformation of the urethra.

Be careful, the goal is not to spread fear; these effects do not affect all men. These are cases observed in a number of studies to finally recognize the real challenge of endocrine disruptors and enable as many people as possible to adopt the right habits.

 

 

How to reduce your daily exposure?

It is important to understand that our exposure to these substances is often linked to our consumption habits. Today, we prioritize speed, convenience, or low cost over durability, and it turns out that these so-called “fast” products contain the most endocrine disruptors.

To limit the impact of these toxic substances on human health and the planet, it is necessary to return to more consistent lifestyle habits and carefully choose the products we buy.

Here are our simplest tips to put into practice:

  • Eat raw, fresh, and organic products (since pesticides also contain their share of endocrine disruptors).
  • Limit plastic packaging and containers, and favor reusable materials like glass or stainless steel.
  • Use certified cosmetic products that use natural active ingredients without petrochemical additives.

Looking for a men’s fragrance without controversial substances? Discover Aimée de Mars’ 100% natural men’s perfumes. With them, take care of your soul and the planet while expressing your personality.

The home is also a key battleground when you want to significantly reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors. Contrary to popular belief, the home is a real nest for endocrine disruptors. We therefore recommend:

  • ventilating each room daily for 5 to 10 minutes;
  • regularly cleaning floors;
  • favoring simple cleaning products like black soap and white vinegar;
  • avoiding textiles or furniture that have undergone chemical treatments.

These small actions may seem insignificant, but when combined, they create a real change in your environment. Adopt a holistic approach that will allow you to take care of yourself, your close ones, and our planet.

 

 

Endocrine disruptors represent a real challenge, but by understanding their effects and adopting simple habits, everyone, men and women alike, can improve their health, enhance their well-being, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Ultimately, reducing our exposure means choosing a more consistent, healthier daily life, more in harmony with ourselves and the Earth.

 

 

Sources

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