Endocrine disruptors are substances that can mimic the action of one of the hormones in our body or, on the contrary, can block their action. Examples of hormones are insulin, testosterone, oestrogen, thyroid hormone and cortisone. These are molecules produced by different glands or endocrine tissues in the body (pancreas, ovaries, testicles, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, etc.) and circulating in the blood to act at a distance on other cells in the body. They serve to trigger biochemical mechanisms in target cells, such as increasing or decreasing the production of a particular molecule, modifying their metabolism or making them more or less sensitive to other substances. For example, sex hormones are responsible for changes in our bodies during sexual maturation and menstrual cycles in women, as well as for fertility. Thyroid hormones are indispensable for the control of our metabolism and for the development of the foetal brain during pregnancy.
Another peculiarity of hormone action is that it is not always dose-dependent. In other words, when the concentration of a hormone is higher in the blood, this does not mean that its action will be greater. Some hormones do act more if they are more present, but others have the opposite effect, decreasing their action at higher concentrations. Others may have a peak of action at low concentrations and a blocking peak at slightly higher concentrations. Still others only act if their concentration fluctuates during the day or week, and block their mechanism of action if their concentration remains stable in the blood (Figure 18).
Thus, understanding the mechanism of action of hormones is very complex indeed. What we do know, however, is that virtually every cell in our body has receptors for different types of hormones. Therefore, any external substance that can act by mimicking or blocking the effect of a hormone can potentially trigger or block chemical reactions in almost every part of our body.
In the case of the bladder, its cells have numerous hormone receptors and are particularly sensitive to oestrogen. It is therefore easy to imagine that it is not a good idea to be intoxicated by endocrine disruptors if we want good bladder health. If, in addition, some of these substances disrupt the immune system, the "breeding ground" for cystitis is served. Moreover, as I have already explained, the effect on our body is not dose-dependent, so exposure to small amounts of these substances can be sufficient to cause significant effects on the functioning of our organs. Nor should we forget the "cocktail" effect, as it is believed that the combination of several of these compounds can have very different effects to the action of each one separately, and at different doses. Considering that all of us are exposed to many of these toxins, and that they accumulate for years in our bodies and in soils and waters, we can get an idea of the importance of the problem.
Bisphenol A
You have probably heard of Bisphenol A. This substance present in many plastics is a clear example of an endocrine disruptor. It mainly interferes with sex hormones and insulin. Bisphenol A, although it has been eliminated by law from some products such as the plastic used in baby bottles, is still present in many of the products we use every day such as plastic drinks bottles, tupperwares, supermarket tickets and others, and it is transmitted to our food and drinks continuously. Numerous scientific studies have proven that virtually all humans excrete these endocrine disruptors in our urine, including young children.
Phthalates
Phthalates interfere with insulin and glucose metabolism. They are present in plastics and also in cosmetic products (they are used to make the fragrances of these products last longer). It should be noted that cosmetic products contain numerous substances that act as endocrine disruptors, not only phthalates. Another example would be parabens, which I talk about in another article, which are preservatives, and which are also used as food preservatives. They have oestrogenic power.
Pesticides
Some pesticides also have an endocrine disrupting effect, such as chlorpyrifos or methoxychlor, as well as the sadly "famous" DDT, banned years ago but still accumulating in soils. Their effect is usually on sex hormones and, in the case of chlorinated compounds, they also alter the functioning of the immune system.
Due to the high toxic power of pesticides, it is always preferable to consume organic products. Despite their higher price, they are better for our health because, although we can eliminate the toxins accumulated in our soil and water, we know at least that (in theory) organic products will not have had even more toxins added to them voluntarily.
Perfluorinated substances
One type of endocrine disruptor that is very present in our environment is perfluorinated substances. You have probably heard of PFOA. These substances are released from the non-stick surface of frying pans and pots and go directly into our food. Perfluorinated products are also found in cleaning products, varnishes, paints, carpets and are used as waterproofing agents for textiles. These products interfere with lipid metabolism and glucose tolerance, acting as obesogens (yes, yes, they make you fat). This is why it is important to avoid non-stick pans and frying pans and preferably use stainless steel or cast iron utensils. There are plenty of videos on the internet with tips on how to make these types of pans non-stick, and I assure you that they work.
Flame retardants
Brominated flame retardants are substances with high flame retardant properties. They are therefore commonly used in the production of electronic appliances, electrical wiring, furniture or decorative items, in order to reduce the risk of fire in the home or workplace. These substances act at the level of thyroid hormones.
Dust from sofas and armchairs, for example, is full of these substances. It is better to vacuum it up than to sweep it up, because sweeping up raises a cloud of toxic dust that you will breathe in. Electronic devices that are switched on also give off these products. It is therefore important not to leave them on "standby" if you are not using them, but to switch them off completely. It is also important to ventilate your home or office regularly. There are air purifying devices that help to remove these products from the air.
Triclosan
Among endocrine disruptors I briefly mention triclosan.
A compound used as a disinfectant (bactericide) in many cosmetic products, mainly toothpastes and mouthwashes, soaps and gels, deodorants, make-up, etc. It acts as a thyroid endocrine disruptor. It also has another disadvantage, and that is that, when used in oral hygiene products, due to its bactericidal effect, it can alter the microbiota of the mouth. Today we know that the oral microbiota is extremely important for our health. Alterations in this microbiota have been linked to cardiovascular pathologies or pregnancy problems, among many others.
Bibliography:
Olea N (2019). Free yourself from toxins. RBA libros.
Pombo Arias M, Castro-Feijóo L, Barreiro Conde J, Paloma Cabanas Rodríguez P. A review on endocrine disruptors and their possible impact on human health. Rev Esp Endocrinol Pediatr 2020; Volume 11. Number 2.
Vandenberg LN, Colborn T, Hayes TB, Heindel JJ, Jacobs DR, et al. Hormones and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Low-Dose Effects and Nonmonotonic Dose Responses. Endocrine Reviews, March 14, 2012 er.2011- 1050.
Demeneix B (2017). Cocktail toxique. Éditions Odile Jacob.
