Hormones + Fertility: 9 Ways to Minimize Your Environmental Exposure

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.

In our modern world, environmental toxicants are everywhere.

As an ND who cares about helping patients optimize their hormones and fertility, I'm especially interested in how these toxicants affect our mood, weight, energy and reproductive health. Read on to learn about endocrine-disrupting chemicals and how to decrease your exposure.

What are EDCs?

Environmental contaminants may have a big impact on hormones. These are called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), a group of substances that include certain pesticides, plastics, additives, preservatives and heavy metals like lead and mercury. Many EDCs are stored in fat tissue and tend to stay in our bodies for long periods.

Where are EDCs found?

Around 800 chemicals are known or suspected to be endocrine disruptors, and we can potentially be exposed everywhere, including in our water. We are exposed through foods, cosmetics, body-care products, household items (rugs, couches, paint), cleaning supplies, water and more. One source that surprised me is receipts: thermal paper is a major contributor to BPA, and according to Health Canada, 9 out of 10 Canadians have BPA in their bodies.

What impact do EDCs have on hormones and fertility?

Weight: a study found that women who avoided BPA-containing products for 3 weeks had a significant reduction in urinary BPA, and also noted significant weight loss. Infertility: some studies link lead levels to unexplained infertility, and elevated BPA to increased miscarriage risk and fewer eggs retrieved in IVF. Pregnancy: elevated lead has been linked to gestational hypertension, low birth weight, miscarriage and preterm delivery, and higher phthalate levels to decreased IQ in offspring. Male fertility: research suggests home contaminants may impair sperm quality and quantity. PCOS and endometriosis: increased EDC levels may make these conditions worse.

Some things to watch out for:

• Bisphenols (including BPA): banned in Canadian infant products but still used elsewhere, mainly in plastics and food packaging.
• Phthalates: found in fragrances, food and beverage containers, and plastic wrap.
• Parabens: used as preservatives in many cosmetic and body-care products.
• Triclosan: found in lotions, hand sanitizers, makeup, deodorants, toothpaste and soaps.
• Pesticides: used widely in food production; we're most often exposed through the foods we eat.

9 Ways to Minimize Your Environmental Exposures

Our choices have a major impact. A study of 100 teens found that after 3 days of avoiding cosmetics with phthalates, parabens and triclosan, they had a 30 to 45% reduction in urinary concentrations of these chemicals. Here are my top tips:

1. Go organic where it's worth it (see the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists to prioritize).
2. Shift to 'green' home and body-care, avoiding phthalates, parabens, triclosan and fragrances, especially with hormonal conditions or during pregnancy.
3. Do not microwave food in plastic containers or plastic wrap.
4. Avoid putting plastic containers in the dishwasher; hand wash when possible.
5. Store food in glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers.
6. Filter tap water.
7. Use stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic.
8. Avoid touching or handling thermal paper receipts.
9. Avoid #7 plastics (check for a triangular arrow with a 7 in the centre).

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References

Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, EnviroExposures (2013). Harley K, et al. Reducing Phthalate, Paraben, and Phenol Exposure from Personal Care Products in Adolescent Girls: the HERMOSA Intervention Study. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(10), 1600-1607. Health Canada, Fourth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada (2019). Endocrine Society, Common EDCs and Where They Are Found. Segal T, Giudice L. Before the beginning: environmental exposures and reproductive and obstetrical outcomes. Fertility and Sterility, 112(4), 613-621.

About the author

Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.

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