Dear Betty: Reader Question 6/21/2019 Endocrine Disruptors

Dear Betty,

I was reading your post about plastic number six and you said that it is a known endocrine disruptor.  The thing is, I don't know what an endocrine disruptor is and I don't think most people do.  Can you explain what an endocrine disruptor is and why it matters?

Thanks,

M

Dear M,

Thank you so much for the question and for reading!  You are right, I've never explained what an endocrine disruptor is and why you should care.  I would be happy to explain what I'm talking about a little more clearly.  Below is a simplified explanation that I hope answers your question.

Thank you,

Betty

Your endocrine system is a messaging system of hormones within your body.  In humans, the major endocrine glands consist of the pineal gland, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries in women, and testis in men.  This system of hormone-producing glands allows the different organs of the body to work together and communicate in harmony.

This system controls your digestion, metabolism, respiration, tissue function, sensory perception, sleep, excretion, lactation, stress, growth and development, movement, reproduction, and mood.  Basically, everything.

When endocrine disruptors, ie chemicals invade the body, it interrupts this delicate harmony and that's when things go wrong.  This is when you end up with cancer, tumors, birth defects, infertility, learning disabilities, obesity, and diabetes.  It can cause feminization in males and masculinization in females.  Basically, endocrine disruptors can mess up any system in your body.  They are extremely harmful and I think we are just beginning to realize and understand the full effect of what these products are having on our health.  I think it is very important to avoid plastic and endocrine disruptors whenever possible.