Last week I watched a documentary about microplastics in our environment and how they negatively affect both men’s and women’s hormonal balance and fertility. I started wondering - if microplastics can affect hormones in our earlier reproductive years, how do they impact on perimenopause and menopause?
Microplastics are now everywhere in our environment, and they act as both carriers and reservoirs of endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemicals, or EDC’s. Found in our food, water, air and household items, they mimic our natural hormones and bind to hormone receptor sites in our bodies, changing our normal physiology.
Common EDC’s include BPA, phthalates, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PPA’s).
Once absorbed, eaten or inhaled, the microplastics stay in our bodies and release the EDC’s over time. It’s like a dam of contaminated water that is gradually leaching into the river system and affecting downstream wildlife.
So what about microplastics and menopause? I found that there is limited medical research published at present as this is an emerging area of concern. Some studies have shown an association with exposure to EDC’s and earlier menopause onset, and also increased severity of menopause symptoms (including hot flushes, increased weight gain, and sleep disruption).
Other problems such as reduced fertility, PCOS and endometriosis (BPA associated), increased obesity (BPA and phthalates), fibroids and premature ovarian insufficiency (premature menopause under the age of 40 years old) have also been linked to exposure to these chemicals.
So what actions can we take to reduce our exposure?
The dilemma is, because these chemicals are now so widespread in our environment, lifestyle changes can reduce but not eliminate our exposure to them. New plastics are constantly being introduced to our environment all the time. Structural (eg: food production and distribution) and environmental root causes in our society need to be addressed in order to fix this.
As a first step, I’ve decided to completely stop buying any drinks in plastic bottles - choosing glass options or taking my own stainless steel drink bottle instead. I have been doing this for a while, but not 100%, so this information has motivated me to push this habit further!
My challenge to you this week is: What’s one simple step you could take to reduce your exposure to EDC’s?
It takes time for EDC’s to leave your body, so it might take some weeks to feel an improvement with sleep, for example.
If you want to learn more about this topic, here is some further online information:
Curr Environ Health Rep. 2022 March; 9 (1) : 53-79. doi : 10.1007/540572-022-00334-y.
Ready to take the next step in your menopause journey? 📅 Book a consultation 🌐 liferenomedic.com
Stay happy and healthy!
Erika.
