There’s this moment that hits many of us somewhere on the healing path, the realisation that it’s not just food or supplements or stress.
It’s your home.
From the body wash in your shower to the candle on your desk, many everyday items contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), compounds that mimic or interfere with our natural hormones. And for those of us managing endometriosis, hormone balance isn’t optional, it’s actually essential.
So if you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to reducing the invisible chemical load in your environment, start here, with seven powerful, realistic swaps that support your body instead of working against it.
1. Swap: Plastic Containers → Glass or Stainless Steel
Plastic containers (especially old, scratched ones) can leach chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food, especially when heated. These chemicals act like estrogen in the body, throwing off natural hormone signaling.
Try this instead: Use glass containers, Mason jars, or stainless steel lunch boxes.
They last forever, look better, and help your hormones breathe a little easier.
2. Swap: Scented Candles & Air Fresheners → Essential Oil Diffusers
Synthetic fragrances are one of the most common sources of hidden hormone disruptors in the home. “Fragrance” is often a loophole term that hides phthalates and other hormone-mimicking chemicals.
Try this instead: An essential oil diffuser with lavender, geranium, or citrus oils.
Not only do they smell beautiful, they actively support calm and clarity.
3. Swap: Non-Stick Pans → Cast Iron or Stainless Steel
Those easy-clean Teflon pans? They often contain PFAS also known as “forever chemicals”, which are linked to hormone disruption and immune challenges.
Try this instead: A good cast iron skillet (which even adds iron to your food) or a solid stainless steel pan that lasts a lifetime.
4. Swap: Harsh Cleaners → DIY or Natural Brands
Most conventional cleaning sprays, bleaches, and detergents contain ingredients that can irritate your skin, lungs, and endocrine system. These aren’t things you want in the air you breathe or on the surfaces you eat from.
Try this instead: Make a basic all-purpose spray with vinegar, filtered water, and a natural dish soap. Or choose natural brands that are transparent with their ingredients — look for “fragrance-free” or “essential oil-scented.”
5. Swap: Perfumed Body Products → Clean, Unscented Alternatives
Your skin absorbs what you put on it and that includes the dozens of unlisted chemicals found in synthetic perfumes and fragranced body products.
Try this instead: Switch to simple oils like jojoba or sweet almond, or try fragrance-free body lotions with minimal ingredients. If you love scent, go for products scented with real essential oils (like neroli, rose, or sandalwood).
6. Swap: Plastic Wrap & Zip Bags → Beeswax Wraps & Silicone Bags
Storing your food in plastic, especially when it’s warm or acidic (hello, leftover curry), increases the chances of chemical leaching.
Try this instead: Reusable silicone bags or beeswax wraps are a safe and sustainable option. Bonus: they make your fridge look really aesthetic.
7. Swap: Tap Water → Properly Filtered Water
Tap water can contain chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and trace amounts of medications or hormones. All of these add to your toxic load — which your liver and hormones have to process.
Try this instead: Use a high-quality water filter or even a simple countertop filter is a good start.
It’s Not About Perfection – It’s About Lessening the Load
This isn’t about panic or perfection it’s about empowerment.
Each small swap reduces the daily burden your body is under, giving your liver more bandwidth to process estrogen, your gut more room to breathe, and your hormones a chance to re-balance.
If you’re looking for more guidance on supporting your hormones, your gut, and your entire healing journey my ebook A Holistic Guide to Healing Endometriosis is a beautiful place to start. It’s a full lifestyle overhaul guide for endometriosis and hormone health, written by someone who’s walked the path and lived to tell the story.
Your home matters.
Your hormones matter.
You matter.
With love
A x
All About Annie 