The 6 Worst Toxins to Avoid During Menopause & Perimenopause

Perimenopause and menopause bring about natural physiological changes in women that are largely attributed to changes in hormones.

Unfortunately, there are now many chemicals in common products that can exacerbate the symptoms or otherwise negatively impact women's health during and after these periods.

Importantly, beyond these toxicants impacts on health, the body's ability to detoxify during menopause can be compromised due to changing hormones.

This makes it even more criticial to make efforts to reduce your exposure to these chemicals during perimenopause and menopause.

Below are six of the "worst offender" toxicants.

They are among the worst both for their health impacts and because they are so prevalent.

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1) Phthalates:

Phthalates are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in a variety of consumer products, including personal care items like typical anti-aging creams, moisturizers, perfumes, shampoos, and some plastic packaging.

These compounds may complicate symptoms during perimenopause and menopause by further disrupting hormonal balance (and they have also been associated with reproductive health issues).

Top Recommendations: Choose cosmetic / personal care products with strict certifications that ensure the products are free of phthalates and other toxicants, such as USDA Certified Organic. These certifications are performed independent of the company that sells them, so look for the certifications versus trusting a company's own claims about its products. Also look for the word "fragrance" on ingredient labels, as avoiding products with "fragrance" can help you avoid hidden phthalates. 

2) Bisphenol A (BPA):

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and it is commonly found in products like water bottles, food containers, and the linings of canned goods.

BPA is known as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Research suggests that exposure to BPA can worsen symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Top Recommendations: To minimize your BPA exposure, opt for glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic containers. Also opt for fresh or frozen foods versus their canned food counterparts.

3) Parabens:

Parabens are preservatives often used in liquid supplements, typical cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and certain food products.

Like phthalates and BPA, parabens are also endocrine disruptors, meaning they may further -- and unnaturally -- disrupt hormones during perimenopause and menopause.

Studies also suggest a potential link between paraben exposure and increased risk of breast cancer, which is also a cause for concern for postmenopausal women given the role of hormones in cancer progression.

Top Recommendations: Similar to phthalates above, choose USDA Certified Organic or other strictly certified supplements, cosmetics and personal care items, and foods that confirm it does not contain these synthetic chemicals. 

4) Heavy Metals:

Heavy metals occur naturally in the earth, and trace amounts of metals can be found in almost everything.

The problem is the excessive amounts of certain heavy metals in many products today.

When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, the "worst offenders" include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

Excessive amounts are found in many municipal water supplies and certain foods, supplements, and cosmetics/personal care products. Batteries and paints are also common sources.

Beyond their negative impact on hormones and menopausal symptoms, chronic exposure can contribute to long-term issues such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Top Recommendations: Consider testing your tap water supply and installing water filters, such as a quality reverse osmosis system, that targets heavy metals among other pollutants. Again, also consider foods, cosmetics, and supplements that are USDA Certified Organic, as it prohibits the use of certain heavy metals such as lead and arsenic salts during food / product production. 

5) Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):

POPs are a group of organic compounds that resist environmental degradation and pose various risks to human health.

These include chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and certain pesticides.

POPs can lead to a wide range of health effects including endocrine disruption, which can aggravate menopausal symptoms.


Top Recommendations: Again, choosing USDA Certified Organic (or its equivalent, such as in other countries) for anything that goes into your body -- food, cosmetics/personal care, supplements -- can greatly help limit pesticide exposure. 

In addition, it is very helpful for you to be aware of possible environmental issues and contamination in the region you live in, as it can help you make more informed choices about the local food and water supplies. (PCBs were banned in the US in 1979 but, because of their resistance to breakdown, are still prevalent in many soil and water bodies.)

6) Formaldehyde:

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound commonly found in a range of cosmetics and personal care products, such as nail polish, creams and lotions, soaps and body washes, shampoos and conditioners, and certain makeup.

It is also commonly used in building materials and many household products, such as many laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, over cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners.

Formaldehyde has been linked to many issues, including respiratory problems and cancer.

During menopause, respiratory and immune systems are particularly important to protect, making avoidance of formaldehyde crucial.

Top Recommendations: Again, opt for USDA Certified Organic or equivalent cosmetics and personal care products. Choose the safest versions of home cleaning products, or make your own cleaners using safe ingredients. Also, try to opt for solid wood furniture instead of pressed wood products, and use a high quality air purifier in your home and allow plenty of outside air in your home.

While total elimination of all toxicants in our lives is not possible... 

...Reducing your exposure in the areas above can go a long way to easing symptoms and greatly reducing long-term health risks associated with hormonal imbalances.