Could Your Everyday Products Push You Into Early Menopause Symptoms?

The latest research says yes. Dr. Natalia Grindler, MD, an instructor and fellow in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and her fellow authors reviewed data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2008, covering 31,575 women. The results from this research state that women exposed to Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, surfactants and organophosphate pesticides experienced Menopause 1.9 years to 3.8 years earlier than women with lower levels of the same chemicals.

EDC’s are thought to alter hormone balance by replicating the activity of naturally occurring estrogen. The same chemicals linked to earlier menopause symptoms may lead to an early decline in ovarian function. A decline in Ovarian function not only leads to altered fertility but can also lead to early development of Heart disease and Osteoporosis. Other diseases have already been linked to these chemicals such as; certain Cancers, Metabolic syndrome (Prediabetes) and in younger females, early puberty.

So where are these chemicals? Check labels on your household products for the following:

phthalates (found in plastics, common household items, pharmaceuticals and personal-care products including lotions, perfumes, makeup, nail polish, liquid soap and hair spray); phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens); polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, coolants); phenolic derivatives (phenols, industrial pollutants); organophosphate pesticides; surfactants; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (combustion products).