Reproductive Milestones Are Under Assault
Part 2 of 4 – Causes
Some study authors are considering the abundance of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our environment as an explanation for the newest worldwide trend towards an earlier onset of puberty, menarche, perimenopause, and menopause, as well as lowered testosterone levels in young men. Cosmetics have been linked to decreased egg counts and a rise in the FSH hormone that increases in menopause. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), found in stain resistant treatments, food packaging, and non-stick cookware, have been linked to earlier menopause. PFCs have also been implicated in changing fat cells in a way that makes them almost impossible to shed. Hormone-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), diethyl phthalate, triclosan, phenols, and parabens are found in personal care and household products. They are outgassing from building materials in walls, paints, and carpets. They are in flame retardants on clothing and mattresses. They are in the fish that get exposed to them in ocean waters. They also come from food in shrink wrapped plastic or plastic-lined cans and food stored in plastic that has been washed in a dishwasher. In addition, synthetic estrogens are added to animal feed to enhance growth and taste. Today’s chemical soup mimics, amplifies, blocks, and alters our own natural hormones.