Endocrine disruptors and fertility: what connections?
Laboratoire AiméeInfertility has become a major health issue in France and worldwide. Today, one in six people globally faces infertility problems. In this context, where no population is spared, researchers continue to study possible causes. It turns out that substances likely to interact with our hormonal system, such as pollutants, are increasingly present in the environment, food, and everyday products.
One factor in this growing infertility: endocrine disruptors. These substances, to which we are exposed daily, are extremely harmful to health. In this article, we explore their effects on the endocrine system and their role in infertility.
How endocrine disruptors affect fertility
It is no longer a secret that endocrine disruptors are harmful to our health and environment. They represent an even more worrying issue because it is practically impossible to avoid them today, given how much they have invaded our surroundings. Food, cosmetics, air, clothing, furniture, wall and floor coverings… These chemical and toxic agents are everywhere.
Capable of disrupting our endocrine (hormonal) system by mimicking hormones, blocking receptors, or interfering with their production, they impact growth, metabolism, mood, and of course, reproduction. Endocrine disruptors seriously affect both female and male fertility.
In women
Fertility problems in women are becoming increasingly common. While causes were previously mainly linked to environmental factors such as smoking, recent scientific studies have highlighted the impact of endocrine disruptors.
These substances, such as parabens or aluminum salts, can block certain mechanisms and alter the secretion of estrogens and progesterone, leading to:
- Irregular cycles, making ovulation prediction more difficult.
- An alteration of ovulation itself, or even its absence.
- A decrease in ovarian reserve, meaning the number and quality of oocytes available in a woman’s life.
- An increased risk of miscarriage, related to a weakened hormonal environment.
Moreover, significant exposure to endocrine disruptors is among the factors promoting the onset and worsening of certain hormonal diseases directly impacting fertility, such as endometriosis or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
In men
Contrary to popular belief, fertility problems do not only affect women; many men also suffer from infertility. Several studies have observed a correlation between exposure to certain endocrine disruptors and:
- A decrease in sperm concentration. According to a study published by the Tenon Fertility Center of Paris Hospitals, “the concentration of sperm in semen has decreased by more than 50% in less than forty years.”
- A reduction in sperm motility, which is necessary for fertilization.
- A decrease in testosterone production, essential for spermatogenesis.
Some endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, are particularly implicated in the general decline in sperm quality observed in many countries.
This alteration of reproductive hormones occurs within a broader context, where the effects of endocrine disruptors on men's health concern fertility as well as metabolism and the development of certain hormone-dependent diseases.
It is also important to emphasize that, in addition to disrupting fertility in both men and women, endocrine disruptors are recognized by the WHO for their effects on:
- The development of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Developmental disorders in children: from a very young age, babies and children show consequences such as developmental delays or fertility problems following exposure during the prenatal period, that is, during pregnancy, which is referred to as a transgenerational impact.
How to limit their impact on fertility?
Overall, to minimize the negative effects of endocrine disruptors on the body and reproductive system, it is necessary to reduce exposure and adopt the right habits to limit their impact on health. This is true even though they are omnipresent in our lives. For this, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach.
Adjust your diet
Food is one of the main sources of exposure to endocrine disruptors: between pesticide residues, migration from packaging, and ultra-processed foods, they appear more often than we think on our plates.
Several studies have shown that temporarily replacing processed and packaged foods reduced urinary levels of certain phthalates, highly polluting molecules, by up to 60%. When shopping, prefer raw and fresh foods not stored in plastic, and remember to thoroughly wash your vegetables before eating to reduce health risks.
To improve fertility in both men and women, adopt targeted dietary habits such as:
- Favoring a diet rich in fiber, cruciferous vegetables, and antioxidants: this supports natural liver detoxification and thus improves the elimination of endocrine disruptors from the body.
- Adopting an antioxidant-rich diet (berries, nuts, green vegetables…), which supports spermatogenesis.
Choose the right products
Cosmetics, household products… Endocrine disruptors hide everywhere, for example, in many deodorants with aluminum salts, in sunscreens with chemical UV filters, or in perfumes.
So take the time, before choosing a product, to read the label and the INCI list to avoid compounds like parabens, benzophenone, and phthalates. Using organic, certified options can be a good alternative to conventional products to avoid as many harmful substances as possible.
Replace your traditional perfume, which is extremely harmful, with a plant-based and organic alternative. You will find options for both men and women in our natural and respectful perfume shop.
Cleanse your home
Although it may seem surprising, homes are often polluted by many endocrine disruptors. Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air due to dust loaded with harmful particles, industrial indoor fragrances, and chemical products used.
To limit exposure:
- Ventilate every room in the house daily;
- Clean floors regularly;
- Avoid candles, incense, and indoor fragrances of unknown or industrial origin.
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The link between endocrine disruptors and fertility is no longer in doubt: these substances interfere with hormones and can disrupt both female and male reproduction. The good news is that there are many simple actions to take to reduce our daily exposure.
Stay informed, choose healthier products, ventilate, avoid food plastics… These accessible actions help protect your hormonal health, fertility, and your loved ones.