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You’re probably aware by now that there are a host of environmental factors linked to infertility. Many of the biggest “enemies” out there are endocrine disruptors – chemicals or products that affect human hormone production. So, it’s probably not much of a surprise when we tell you that early menopause has also been linked to common everyday chemicals, products and even food.
Of course, early menopause is a fear for women concerned about infertility. However, it should be a concern for every woman. Once the production of sex hormones – predominantly estrogen and progesterone – declines, risks for serious health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart attack begin to increase.
7 Ways You May Be Bringing On Early Menopause
1. Drinking or eating out of plastic
The verdict regarding bisphenol-A or BPA is in. They are toxic to the human body. Your best bet is to ditch plastic altogether and only use food storage and water containers that are glass or stainless steel. If you do insist on keeping plastic in your life, please do not microwave it and try to keep it from heating up, which can cause more dramatic off-gasing of toxic chemicals.
2. Not reading product labels on health and beauty products
We told you we’d illuminate the topic of phthalates for you, so here we go. Phthalates are insidious things and are included in almost anything that you apply to your skin, hair or body – unless marked otherwise. They are sneaky too because, for example, your shampoo bottle or lotion may not have the word phthalate in the label, but it probably does list the generic term, “FRAGRANCE.” In almost all cases, “FRAGRANCE” is a term that means “FAKE SCENT” – and phthalates are used to create those. One of the best ways to save your eyeballs and valuable time is to look for “Phthalate Free” labels on healthcare and beauty products.
3. Wearing perfume or cologne
Considering Number 2, you won’t be shocked to learn that perfumes and colognes also contain phthalates, unless labeled otherwise. Virtually all commercial perfumes and colognes are created in the laboratory using chemicals and/or a combination of chemicals and natural ingredients. Look for perfumes and colognes that are labeled “phthalate–free.” You can also look for scented oils in your local health food store. Have fun and create a signature scent using essential oils that smell good and are also healthy for your body.
4. Eating meat and animal by-products
You don’t have to adopt a total vegan lifestyle, but the reality is that animals are eating food products grown in contaminated soil and watered with contaminated water. Some of them are further contaminated via the heavy use of antibiotics and hormones. Fish are swimming around in polluted lakes, rivers and oceans. Thus, meat, fish and dairy products can contain PCBs, phthalates, heavy metals, hormones and other chemicals known to cause early menopause. Eat organic meats and animal by-products or those grown by local farmers who can verify the type of feed and lifestyle they enjoy. Try going vegetarian at least once or twice a week to reduce your total intake of potential contaminants – it will be good for your body too.
5. Eating produce grown using pesticides and herbicides
No surprise here, pesticides and herbicides are a major source of chemicals that have been linked to infertility – both male and female – as well as early menopause. Make the switch to products that are labeled Organic, pesticide-free or are grown locally by farmers who take a zero-harmful-chemical approach to their food production methods.
6. Smoking
It’s a hard habit to break, but if a dramatically elevated cancer risk, heart disease, stroke and the fact that your second- and third-hand smoke is toxic to others aren’t enough to sway you, maybe this will. According to the Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, women who smoke undergo menopause an average of 1.5 years earlier than their non-smoking counterparts.
7. You have a particular medical condition associated with menopause
Certain medical conditions, like autoimmune disorders or genetic diseases, can cause early menopause. So, too, can reproductive cancers and/or common cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. If you have a medical condition linked to early menopause, or are going to undergo a cancer treatment associated with future infertility, schedule an appointment to speak with a fertility specialist and learn more about your future parenting options. With the right preparation, you may still be able to have a healthy child of your own using your egg, or a donor egg, and your partner’s sperm.
Are you worried you may be experiencing early menopause before you’re through having children? Contact RRC to learn more about your options.