What are Xenoestrogens?

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Xenoestrogens are a type of xenohormone that imitates estrogen. They can be either synthetic or natural chemical compounds. Synthetic xenoestrogens are widely used industrial compounds, such as PCBs, BPA and phthalates, which have estrogenic effects on a living organism.

What is Going On in My Body?

By Any Other Name:

Xeno means foreign, so the term xenoestrogen simply means estrogen that comes from a foreign source. Xenoestrogens are also referred to by many other names, including the following:
 
  • Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC's)
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Hormone Disrupting Chemicals
  • Hormone Disruptors
  • Xenobiotics
  • Fake Estrogens
  • Estrogen Mimicking Chemicals

Recent Research on Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens wreak havoc on your hormonal balance and can create numerous problems. Recent research indicates that xenoestrogens are affecting the world we live in, from male alligators unable to reproduce to parabens linked to breast cancer in women. These chemicals can cause physical discomfort by suppressing hormones in your thyroid which lead to fatigue, muscle and joint pain. Additionally, endocrine disrupting chemicals may cause breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, thyrodid cancer, endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cysts, migraines, severe PMS, uterine cysts and fibroids, infertility, diabetes, reduced testosterone in males, behavioral changes, allergies, and many more diseases.       
Most personal care products like shampoo, hair spray, lotions and perfumes are riddled with xenoestrogens that come in the form of phthalates, parabens and petroleum chemicals. These fake estrogens are added to help smooth the skin and cause scents to be long lasting. Unfortunately, these products may also come packaged in BPA or BPS plastic containers that may leach even more estrogenic chemicals. Many household cleaning products, especially products that contain antibacterial ingredients like Triclosan, are tainted with multiple estrogenic chemicals. Even though there are countless studies on the harmful effects of estrogenic chemicals many of them haven't been tested for human safety and go unregulated.

Natural xenoestrogens include phytoestrogens which are plant-derived xenoestrogens like lavender, aloe vera, and numerous others. These plant-derived xenoestrognes are found in most skin and body care products. Even 'natural' and 'organic' body care products are riddled with hormone disrupting xenoestrogens.

How was the name Xenoestrogen derived?

The potential ecological and human health impact of xenoestrogens is of growing concern. The word xenoestrogen is derived from the Greek words ξένο (xeno, meaning foreign), οἶστρος (estrus, meaning sexual desire) and γόνο (gene, meaning "to generate") and literally means "foreign estrogen". Xenoestrogens are also called "environmental hormones" or "EDC" (Endocrine Disrupting Compounds). Most scientists that study xenoestrogens, including The Endocrine Society, regard them as serious environmental hazards that have hormone disruptive effects on both wildlife and humans.

For more from Wikipedia [click here for additional reference]


"USING PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN XENO-ESTROGENS CAN CAUSE ESTROGEN DOMINANCE. (See "
Effects of Estrogen Dominance.")"