The Hidden Hormone Disruptors in Your Daily Routine (and What to Do About Them)

When it comes to hormone imbalances, most of us think about aging, stress, or maybe a poor diet as some of the worse culprits. However, there is a more obvious offender that hides in plain sight —endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These compounds are a common part of our daily lives from our morning showers to our plastic-wrapped lunches, and they can interfere with your body’s natural hormone function in ways that are both subtle and profound. The great news is that you have all the power in the world to change this!

Let’s explore the most common hidden hormone disruptors in your everyday routine and, more importantly, discuss simple, evidence-backed things you can do to minimize your exposure. Some you you may want to read my previous post on the early signs of hormonal imbalance most women miss (and what to do about them) first.

1. Personal Care Products

What’s the disruptor?
Many conventional shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and perfumes contain ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals can mimic estrogen or interfere with hormone signaling.

What to do instead:

• Look for products labeled fragrance-free (not just “unscented”).

• Use EWG’s Skin Deep database to check product safety.

• Simplify your routine: fewer products = fewer exposures.

• Opt for trusted clean brands that avoid EDCs (Beautycounter, True Botanicals, Native, etc.).

2. Plastic Containers and Wraps

What’s the disruptor?
BPA (and its cousins BPS, BPF) leach from plastics into food and drinks especially when heated. These compounds are linked to fertility issues, metabolic disruption, and hormone-related cancers.

What to do instead:

• Store food in glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers.

• Never microwave food in plastic even if it says "microwave-safe."

• Avoid bottled water when possible; opt for filtered tap water in a reusable bottle.

3. Nonstick Cookware

What’s the disruptor?
Teflon and other nonstick coatings may contain PFAS, a class of “forever chemicals” associated with thyroid disruption, low birth weight, and hormone interference.

What to do instead:

• Choose cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.

• If you use ceramic pans, avoid scratching the surface and replace them when worn.

4. Household Cleaners

What’s the disruptor?
Ammonia, chlorine bleach, and synthetic fragrances in cleaners can act as hormone disruptors and irritate the lungs and skin.

What to do instead:

• Switch to non-toxic, plant-based cleaners (like Branch Basics or Seventh Generation).

• Make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

• Avoid aerosol sprays and heavily fragranced products.

5. Scented Candles and Air Fresheners

What’s the disruptor?
Most are made with paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) and contain phthalates or synthetic musks, which can disrupt hormones and affect reproductive health.

What to do instead:

• Use beeswax or coconut oil candles scented with essential oils.

• Open windows and use air-purifying plants like peace lily or snake plant.

• Try simmering herbs, citrus peels, or essential oils in water for a natural scent.

6. Receipts

What’s the disruptor?
Thermal paper receipts are often coated with BPA or BPS, which can be absorbed through your skin.

What to do instead:

• Decline receipts when possible or opt for digital versions.

• Wash your hands after handling receipts.

• Don’t let receipts come into contact with food or your mouth.

7. Pesticide Residues on Produce

What’s the disruptor?
Many pesticides act as xenoestrogens, external compounds that mimic estrogen. Chronic low-level exposure adds up over time.

What to do instead:

• Prioritize organic for items on the EWG Dirty Dozen list.

• Wash produce thoroughly with baking soda and water.

• Buy local and seasonal when possible to reduce pesticide load.

Why It Matters

These small exposures might not seem like much on their own. And in fact, they’re not since our bodies are built with natural detox systems. However, collectively, they create a kind of "toxic burden,” a background level of hormone interference that can worsen symptoms like:

• Fatigue

• Irregular periods

• Infertility

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Weight gain

• Mood swings

In a world we can't fully control, your daily routine is one place you can take back the reins.

What You Can Do Today

Don’t worry. You don’t need to toss everything overnight. Here’s a realistic approach:

• Swap one product at a time. Start with what you use daily (deodorant, water bottle, moisturizer).

• Open your windows daily to improve indoor air quality.

• Store leftovers in glass or stainless steel containers.

• Download the Think Dirty or EWG app to check your products.

• Consider a gentle seasonal detox to support your body’s natural clearance pathways.

👉 Want to explore what to eat to support your hormones and detox? Check out: How to Eat for Hormone Health.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to go all out and get rid of everything. Just consider reducing your exposure where it counts and giving your hormones a little breathing room. Whether you’re working on fertility, balancing your cycle, or simply aiming for better energy and mood, low-tox living can make a real difference.

And remember this: your body was designed to heal and rebalance. Just let it do its thing. Sometimes, though, when it asks for a little help and you remove the a few of the things that interfere, amazing things can happen.