Hormone Disruptors: Safe in Moderation, Risky in Excess My Journey into Wellness & Awareness

Over the past few years, my journey with wellness has gone far beyond simple lifestyle choices. I’ve faced major life challenges and learned to be intentional about the products I use and the environments I live in. That search for healing and balance led me to dig deeper into what’s hidden in everyday products—things like plastics, lotions, and even receipts.

That’s when I began to learn about hormone disruptors—chemicals that can interfere with the body’s natural hormone system. What I discovered surprised me: some of these substances aren’t necessarily dangerous in tiny amounts, but when used too often or at sensitive times in life, they can have lasting effects.

This blog is my way of sharing what I’ve learned—so you can be more aware, without being overwhelmed. Disclaimer - I am not a medical professional, this is based on research articles listed below.

Understanding Hormone Disruptors

Hormones are your body’s messengers. They control mood, growth, metabolism, fertility, and more. When outside chemicals mimic or block these signals, it’s like static on a radio—you don’t always get the right message.

The tricky part? Hormone disruptors don’t always follow the “dose makes the poison” rule. Sometimes small or repeated exposures can be just as disruptive as higher doses—especially for pregnant women, infants, and teenagers.

Common Hormone Disruptors in Everyday Life

1. BPA (Bisphenol A)

Where it’s found: plastics, can linings, receipts.

Safe in moderation? Yes—small amounts are usually fine.

Risks when overused: May affect hormone signaling and development.

Everyday examples: canned soups, plastic water bottles, thermal receipts.

2. Phthalates

Where it’s found: plastics, fragrances, cosmetics

Safe in moderation? Small exposures are tolerated.

Risks when overused: Linked to reproductive, metabolic, and developmental issues.

Everyday examples: fragranced lotions and shampoos, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, plastic wraps.

3. BPS (Bisphenol S)

Where it’s found: BPA substitute in plastics and receipts

Safe in moderation? Marketed as safer, but still disruptive.

Risks when overused: Mimics estrogen, affects development.

Everyday examples: BPA-free plastics, receipts, recycled paper products

4. Nonylphenol

Where it’s found: detergents, industrial cleaners

Safe in moderation? Minimal exposure for most people.

Risks when overused: Estrogen-like effects, especially in aquatic life.

Everyday examples: older detergents, some industrial-strength cleaning agents

5. TBBPA (Tetrabromobisphenol A)

Where it’s found: flame retardants in electronics

Safe in moderation? Trace exposure okay.

Risks when overused: May interfere with thyroid and immune systems.

Everyday examples: circuit boards, TV and computer casings, appliance housings

Tips

You don’t need to overhaul your life all at once. Start small with simple changes:

• Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic for food storage.

• Limit direct handling of receipts.

• Choose fragrance-free or phthalate-free personal care products.

• Ventilate your home when bringing in new furniture or electronics.

Little steps add up—and protecting your hormones means protecting your overall health.

Bibliography (Lay-Friendly Sources)

• Vandenberg, L. N., et al. (2012). “Low dose effects and endocrine disrupting chemicals.” Endocrine Reviews.

• Gore, A. C., et al. (2015). “EDCs: Current knowledge and future directions.” Environmental Health Perspectives.

• European Food Safety Authority (2012). “Thresholds for endocrine disruptors.” [EFSA Report]

• Rochester, J. R. (2013). “Bisphenol A and human health: A review of the literature.” Reproductive Toxicology.

• Heindel, J. J., et al. (2017). “Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility.” Nature Reviews Endocrinology.

• Soto, A. M., & Sonnenschein, C. (2010). “Environmental causes of cancer: Endocrine disruptors as carcinogens.” Nature Reviews Endocrinology.

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). “Endocrine Disruptors.” [Public Resource]

© 2025 LTE Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.