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Estrogen Like Chemicals Part Two

The effects of estrogen-like chemicals are possibly most important for men. Men do need a small amount of estrogen for normal function, but excess estrogen in men produces erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, low sperm count, and lowered production of seminal fluid. What is even more alarming, is the effect of high maternal estrogen levels on developing male babies. When in the womb, it has been shown that high estrogen levels in mothers can affect the formation of the testicles and penis, which later in life creates low sperm counts, or even no sperm.

One of the most common estrogen-like chemical in skin products is oxybenzone. Oxybenzone also known as benzophenone, is a chemical used very frequently as an ingredient in sunscreens and other cosmetic skin care products because it absorbs ultraviolet rays. Oxybenzone also enhances the ability of other chemicals to penetrate and become absorbed by the skin. This organic compound causes increased production of free radicals under illumination and can generate DNA strand breaks, cell damage and cell death. Various studies have been done looking at the level of skin penetration when oxybenzone is topically applied to human skin. These studies invariably found that approximately 10% of the concentration which is topically applied becomes systemic. Furthermore, compared with other UV filters, benzophenone-3 exhibits the most bioavailability. This is of grave concern given its ability to disrupt endocrine functions.

Indeed, certain benzophenones can affect the endocrine system by attaching itself to hormone receptor sites and mimicking these hormonal activities. For instance, benzophenone-2 which is commonly used in fragrances to prevent color loss and perfume degradation, has shown to have the ability to bind to estrogen receptor sites and exert estrogenic activities. According to the Environmental Working Group, over 300 products reference BP-2 in their ingredient lists. These estrogenic activities have also been associated with the development of hypospadias in male mice. This type of endocrine dysruption unfortunately cannot be tested for by traditional screening methods. In Europe, sunscreen producers are required to list that oxybenzone is present in the product if it is at a concentration higher than 0.5%. Unfortunately that has not become standard in the United States. The environmental working group skin deep website gives this chemical a 8 out of 10 Hazard score. Despite this, some of the most commonly produced suncreen products contain this ingredient at unknown concentrations.

Other estrogen-like chemicals are fertilizers, pesticides, the insecticide dieldrin, the synthetic estrogen ethinylestradiol in birth control pills, bisphenol A in plastics, and phthalates in cosmetics, dioxins, the insecticide DDT, and akylphenols in detergents. Preservatives, such as parabens, are another group of estrogen-like chemicals whose effects on fertility are currently being studies. Estrogen like chemicals are everywhere in our environment, there are literally thousands of them. The best way to avoid them is to filter your water, avoid plastic bottled water, eat organic foods, and be very careful of what you put on your skin.

The effects of estrogen like chemicals on reproductive health is a hot topic in science today. Virtually all of the human studies are population based studies, rather than formal scientific studies. Most of these have found a link between xenohormones and fertility. The animal studies that have been done show a definite effect of excess estrogen on reproductive health. I can tell you, that from my experience as a fertility doctor, the effects are real. Most of my patient population comes from high sun exposure areas...Las Vegas and Southern California. Everybody uses copious amounts of skin products, anti-aging creams, and sunscreens in these areas and the rate of infertility is very high here. I cringe every time I see Moms hosing down their children with three layers of sunscreen at the pool. I know only use fertility safe products on my two daughters. They are more expensive and not as convenient, but they are definitely worth it.

Home Page

1. Estrogen-Like Chemicals
2. Embryo toxic chemicals
3. Abortive chemicals

Conclusion

Please read more about these on our Skin Products and Fertility page. If you would like more information on the Fertility specialist who approved the ingredients in this product please click here...