Scent is a powerful thing. Certain aromas have the unique ability to evoke vivid memories and associations, or produce powerful emotional responses, like feelings of happiness, ease, or even nostalgia.
But not all scents are created equal. Just because a fragrance smells good doesn’t mean it’s actually good for you. In fact, the chemicals in your favorite perfume might just be messing with your hormones.
What are problems with common fragrances used in everyday products?
Synthetic fragrances can be found in most household products, from perfumes, shampoo, candles and room fresheners to tampons, diapers, and cleaning products. Synthetic scents are a combination of chemicals used to produce specific fragrances.
The main issue with Fragrance and Perfume Related Hormone Disruption?
The U.S. fragrance industry is completely unregulated. This means that manufacturers don’t have to disclose what’s behind the fragrance. They can simply label it as “fragrance,” even if there are a dozen different chemicals in the blend. As a reference point, over the last decade, the European Union has banned the use of more than 2,000 chemicals found in everyday household products, while the United States has banned only 11.
The lack of transparency means you may be unknowingly exposing your body to chemicals that have been banned in other countries due to their known human health hazards.
How are fragrances disrupting your hormones?
Ever wonder why so many people are struggling with hormone-related symptoms? It’s true that our environments and the products we use on a daily basis could be messing with our endocrine systems in a big way. The endocrine system is made up of a group of glands, including the pituitary gland, thyroid, ovaries and testes. These glands secrete hormones that enter the circulatory system and bind with receptors in various parts of the body, signaling to your organs and tissues what to do and when to do it.
The main issue with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is that they can “trick a receptor by mimicking a hormone,” according to the Endocrine Society. This can then inappropriately turn on a hormone response or actually block activation, preventing appropriate hormonal processes in the body.
Some of the specific ways these EDCs can affect our hormone health include:
- Infertility. EDCs can mimic or block estrogen and testosterone, which can interfere with the body’s normal reproductive functioning. This can cause issues like decreased sperm and egg quality, damage to the DNA in sperm, longer menstrual cycles and more.
- Thyroid Dysfunction. There are several chemicals known to interfere with the normal balance of thyroid hormones, which can adversely affect human development, behavior and reproduction. There is particular concern when it comes to babies and young people – especially girls. One study found that exposure to phthalates in childhood was associated with lower levels of active thyroid function in 3-year-old girls, potentially leading to neurological and behavioral issues later in life.
- Estrogen Dominance. Many conditions are thought to be associated with or exacerbated by estrogen dominance, including endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, painful periods and more. One study found that, due to the structural features of estrogen receptors, 100 different chemicals – including synthetic estrogens and many EDCs – were able to bind to the receptor, altering the normal functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
- Increased Risk of Hormone-Related Cancers. EDCs have been linked to a number of different types of cancer, including thyroid, prostate, testicular, uterine, ovarian and breast cancer. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners published a report in 2018, testing 338 different fragrance chemicals found in 25 popular personal care products. They found that a number of chemicals were known carcinogens, and that 99 of the chemicals had links to at least one health concern.
- Neurological Effects. Some experts say that endocrine disruptors, especially for pregnant women and young children, have the potential to affect brain development, and have been linked to decreased IQ and an increased risk for neurobehavioral outcomes, like ADHD.
What are the most common endocrine-disrupting chemicals to look out for?
- Parabens. A preservative linked to metabolic and reproductive health issues.
- Phthalates. A preservative known to affect thyroid function and reproductive health.
- Octoxynols and Nonoxynols. Emulsifiers known to affect hormone balance and cause allergic reactions.
- Synthetic Musk Compounds. Chemicals that mimic the natural scent of musk. Known to be carcinogenic and create endocrine disruption and allergic reactions.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Gasses, like formaldehyde, emitted from perfumes and other products. Short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancer.
What can you do?
Until laws change or the FDA begins to ban more endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the best way to protect yourself is by making informed choices. Here are some suggestions:
- Choose products labeled “phthalate-free,” “paraben-free” or “BPA-free.”
- Avoid fragrances and personal care products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient.
- Opt for natural essential oils and botanical extracts. (NOTE: Just because a product uses the work “natural” does not mean that it is. Be sure to check the label.)
- Seek out companies and brands that are transparent about their sourcing of ingredients.
- Avoid fragranced products altogether.