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YOUR ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND EDCs

The health risks to men

There is still a gender gap between men and women’s health, with women living on average 6 to 8 years longer (WHO). Men have an increased risk of early death with the major cause being cardiovascular disease, followed by cancer.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, and diet are thought to play a significant role, but it’s only quite recently that the impact of exposure to EDCs on men’s health has been considered or scientifically reviewed.

There is growing body of evidence from epidemiological studies that everyday chemicals such as PCBs found in pesticides, phthalates in everyday personal care products. Bisphenol A used in plastics production, may be having some associations with an increase in health conditions such as metabolic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and thyroid functions.

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Research is still quite limited, but there is growing body of evidence from epidemiological studies that everyday chemicals such as PCBs found in pesticides, phthalates in everyday personal care products, and Bisphenol

A used in plastics production, may be having some associations with an increase in health conditions such as metabolic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and thyroid functions.

Metabolic conditions linked to exposure to EDCs

Public Health England have identified a strong link between obesity and type II diabetes, being overweight is the main identifiable risk factor for type II diabetes. But is there also a link with exposure to substances with endocrine disrupting properties?

Metabolic function is actively regulated by the endocrine system which can affect appetite and satiety, so if these healthy regulators of appetite and the feeling of fullness are disrupting digestion and metabolism, weight gain and increased risk of type II diabetes could be more likely.

Disruptions observed following exposure to EDCs to core metabolic functions could be an important factor in why some people become more obese than others, and at higher levels than other risk factors alone could explain. A Dutch study found that 20% of all food had detectable levels of EDCs as a result of harmful chemicals.

Cardiopulmonary disease links to EDCs

This disease tops the list for men’s health risks, so links to EDCs are of broad interest. A wide range of breathing and heart conditions including asthma, heart disease and hypertension, and stroke have been associated with exposure to very low levels of EDCs.

Male fertility

The strongest evidence emerging is in the field of male fertility, because EDCs have the ability to mimic the signalling actions of male hormones such as testosterone. To learn more please visit our EDCs and fertility section.

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