Did you know that some of the everyday products we use—like our favorite shampoo, plastic containers, and even store receipts—might be quietly interfering with our hormones? It sounds overwhelming, but don’t worry! Small, intentional changes can make a huge difference.
Let’s break down what endocrine disruptors are, where they hide, and how they can impact fertility and pregnancy. Most importantly, we’ll share easy swaps so you can start reducing your exposure today.
What are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mess with our hormones by mimicking or blocking them. They’re found all around us—in plastics, personal care products, food packaging, and even in our water supply.
The biggest fertility offenders
Two of the most notorious endocrine disruptors when it comes to fertility are phthalates and bisphenols (like BPA). Here’s why they matter:
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Phthalates: These are in everything from food packaging to perfumes. In men, they lower testosterone, which can lead to lower sperm count and decreased libido. In women, they’re linked to early menopause, miscarriage, and even preterm birth. If you’re pregnant, exposure can also affect your baby’s brain development.
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Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastic water bottles, canned food linings, and receipts, BPA mimics estrogen and can throw off reproductive hormones. Men exposed to BPA have been shown to have lower sperm quality and a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. For women, BPA exposure has been linked to lower egg quality and difficulty getting pregnant.
Related: Glyphosate: A hidden threat to fertility and how to reduce your exposure
Where endocrine disruptors lurk in daily life
It can feel like these chemicals are everywhere, but being aware of them is the first step! Here are some common places they hide and how they sneak into our daily routines:
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BPA (Bisphenol A): This chemical is commonly used in plastic containers, canned food linings, and store receipts. When food is stored in plastic or canned goods, BPA can leach into what we eat and drink—especially when heated. Store receipts contain BPA that can be absorbed through the skin, so it’s best to decline receipts or wash your hands after handling them. Studies show women going through IVF, who were in the highest quartile for BPA exposure were shown to have impaired fertility and increased risk for miscarriage.
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Dioxins: These toxic compounds are a byproduct of industrial processes like paper bleaching and herbicide production. They can be found in some disposable paper products, meaning everyday items like coffee filters and napkins may carry traces of them. Dioxins can also accumulate in animal fat, making conventionally raised meat and dairy products a common source of exposure.
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Perchlorate: This chemical, used in rocket fuel and explosives, can end up in groundwater, contaminating drinking water and certain crops like leafy greens. Because it disrupts thyroid function, it can interfere with metabolism and hormone regulation—both of which are crucial for fertility.
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PFAS (“forever chemicals”): PFAS are found in nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, waterproof clothing, and even some cosmetics. These chemicals don’t break down easily, meaning they can accumulate in the body over time. Studies suggest PFAS exposure may lead to decreased fertility in women and lower sperm quality in men.
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Phthalates: These plasticizers are used to make plastic more flexible and can be found in food packaging, fragrances, nail polish, shampoo, and even children’s toys. They are easily absorbed through the skin, inhaled through scented products, or ingested through contaminated food.
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PBDEs (Flame Retardants): Found in furniture foam, carpets, electronics, and baby products, PBDEs can be released into household dust, making them easy to inhale or ingest. They have been linked to hormone disruption, lower IQ in children, and reproductive challenges in adults.
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PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls): Though banned in the U.S., these chemicals were widely used in electrical equipment and still persist in the environment. PCBs can accumulate in fish and animal products, making them another source of exposure through diet.
How endocrine disruptors affect fertility
One of the biggest ways these chemicals impact fertility is by increasing oxidative stress, which damages cells—including eggs and sperm. This oxidative damage creates an imbalance in the reproductive system, leading to hormonal disruptions, reduced egg and sperm quality, and an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Over time, prolonged exposure to endocrine disruptors can make conception more difficult and increase the likelihood of fertility struggles.
How they impact men
Men’s reproductive health is particularly vulnerable to endocrine disruptors, especially those that lower testosterone levels. Some of the most concerning effects include:
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Lower sperm count and motility: Studies have shown that exposure to endocrine disruptors can decrease sperm production and reduce the ability of sperm to move effectively, making fertilization more challenging.
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Higher risk of testicular cancer: Some endocrine disruptors have been linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer, potentially due to their ability to interfere with normal hormone signaling.
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Increased chances of erectile dysfunction: Hormone-disrupting chemicals may impact blood flow and testosterone levels, contributing to issues with libido and sexual function.
How they impact women
For women, endocrine disruptors can throw off the delicate balance of hormones needed for a healthy reproductive system. Some of the major concerns include:
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Disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation: Chemicals like BPA and phthalates can interfere with estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to irregular cycles and making it harder to predict ovulation.
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Increase risk of PCOS and endometriosis: These conditions are already linked to hormonal imbalances, and exposure to endocrine disruptors may worsen symptoms or increase the likelihood of developing them.
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Raise chances of miscarriage and pregnancy complications: Exposure during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and developmental issues in babies.
6 simple swaps to reduce exposure while TTC
The great news? You don’t have to eliminate all endocrine disruptors overnight. Start with these simple swaps:
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Ditch plastic containers → Use glass or stainless steel for food storage and heating.
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Choose organic produce → Shop at local farmers’ markets when possible.
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Skip receipts → If you must take one, wash your hands after handling.
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Go hormone-free → Opt for hormone-free dairy and meat products.
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Switch to natural cleaners → We love brands like Branch Basics!
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Upgrade your personal care routine → Use the EWG or ThinkDirty app to find safer beauty and hygiene products.
For more clean swap ideas be sure to check out our WeNatal Clean Brand Database.
Related: 7 detox tips to improve your odds of getting pregnant
A Note from WeNatal on limiting exposure to endocrine disruptors
Even when you make healthier swaps, some exposure is unavoidable—that’s just the world we live in. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless! Providing your body with the right nutrients can help counteract some of the damage.
That’s where WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him come in. Our prenatal supplements are packed with antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals caused by endocrine disruptors. By supporting egg and sperm quality, these nutrients support your body’s natural fertility processes and give you the best chance at conception.
At the end of the day, small changes really do add up. You don’t have to be perfect—just be mindful. Your future family is worth it!
Related: Why your preconception care should include detoxification
References
Cohen NJ, Yao M, Midya V, et al. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and women's fertility outcomes in a Singaporean population-based preconception cohort. Sci Total Environ. 2023;873:162267. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162267
Ehrlich S, Williams PL, Missmer SA, et al. Urinary bisphenol A concentrations and early reproductive health outcomes among women undergoing IVF. Hum Reprod. 2012;27(12):3583-3592. doi:10.1093/humrep/des328
Lahimer M, Abou Diwan M, Montjean D, et al. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: from physiological to molecular effects. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1232646. Published 2023 Oct 10. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1232646
Matuszczak E, Komarowska MD, Debek W, Hermanowicz A. The Impact of Bisphenol A on Fertility, Reproductive System, and Development: A Review of the Literature. Int J Endocrinol. 2019;2019:4068717. Published 2019 Apr 10. doi:10.1155/2019/4068717
Rattan S, Zhou C, Chiang C, Mahalingam S, Brehm E, Flaws JA. Exposure to endocrine disruptors during adulthood: consequences for female fertility. J Endocrinol. 2017;233(3):R109-R129. doi:10.1530/JOE-17-0023
Sun M, Cao X, Wu Y, Shen L, Wei G. Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and thyroid function in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2022;231:113215. doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113215
