What Are Endocrine Disruptors—and Do They Actually Affect Fertility?

Endocrine disruptors—also called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—are substances (either natural or synthetic) that can potentially interfere with how your hormone function. They include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) (found in some plastics and can linings)

• Phthalates (often in fragrances and flexible plastics)

• Parabens (used as preservatives in cosmetics)

• PFAs (also known as “forever chemicals”)

• Certain pesticides

These chemicals can enter the body through food, water, air, or skin contact, which is why we’re so susceptible to their exposure. They can disrupt hormone production (more on that below) and have an effect with cumulative exposure over time, not one-off contact (but more on that in a bit, too).

They’re called forever chemicals because they don’t easily break down in the environment or in our bodies, allowing them to accumulate over time and build up with exposure. Most people are exposed to some level of PFAs, and they’ve been detected in the blood of the majority of the population studied. 

We know—it sounds scary. And learning more about forever chemicals and limiting your exposure is a great way to support your overall health, including your fertility health. But total avoidance is near-impossible. Instead, we aim for “conscious chemical reduction,” including building awareness and developing a strategy to reduce exposure in a feasible, sustainable way. 

Endocrine disruptors influence fertility, but the relationship between the two is nuanced and complex. Most of the research we have shows associations, not direct cause-and-effect relationships. We do see some consistent patterns of the influence they have on hormones.

Higher exposure to certain endocrine disruptors has been linked to:

• Changes in ovulation

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Altered ovarian reserve markers (AMH, anti-Mullerian hormone)

• Lower success rates with IVF

For example, fertility appears to have an inverse relationship with BPA exposure: individuals with higher exposure have reduced egg quality, implantation rates, and IVF outcomes in some studies.

Endocrine disruptors may impact:

• Sperm count

• Sperm motility (movement)

• DNA integrity and sperm morphology

Phthalates, in particular, have been associated with reduced semen quality.

Exposure to certain PFA compounds has been linked to longer time to pregnancy in some populations.

It’s very common to want to throw out all your household supplies, everything in your kitchen, and completely revamp all of your personal hygiene and skincare products. But, that’s overwhelming, expensive, and often unsustainable. 

It’s important to remember:

Fertility is influenced by many factors, and endocrine disruptors are just one piece of a much bigger picture. So if you’ve enjoyed takeout or using non-stick cookware recently, don’t get too down on yourself. The bigger picture matters.

If you’re looking to make changes, the goal is progress, not perfection. Very small changes can lead to very big influences and outcomes. Here are some practical ways to reduce exposure without overhauling your entire life.

1. Rethink food storage materials

• Use glass or stainless steel when possible

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers to prevent microplastic absorption

2. Be selective with personal care products

• Choose fragrance-free products (not just “unscented”)

• Simplify your routine where you can

3. Adjust takeout habits

• Transfer food out of its takeout packaging before reheating

• Limit frequent exposure to grease-resistant wrappers

• Prevent taking receipts unnecessarily 

4. Consider water filtration

• Certain filters (like activated carbon or reverse osmosis) can reduce PFA exposure

• Limit drinking water from a plastic water bottle

• Ensure any reusable plastic water bottles are BPA-free

5. Wash produce

• Even a quick rinse helps reduce pesticide residue

• Opting for organic fruits and vegetables may help (though isn’t always financially possible for everyone—prioritize the more heavily sprayed produce if you can)

Focus on what helps your body function well:

• Adequate protein intake

• Getting enough fiber

• Good hydration

• Healthy sleep habits

• Movement and exercise

• Nutrient-dense foods (especially leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables)

Another tip? Sweat more. Sweating is the most effective way to eliminate these chemicals since most are lipid-soluble (meaning they can diffuse through sweat glands). Opting for hot yoga or sauna might be an option, depending on where you are in your journey. (Talk to your doctor if you're trying to conceive—heat can be the enemy of sperm health.)

These foundational habits support your body’s natural detoxification processes—and they matter more than any single exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Endocrine disruptors and forever chemicals are part of everyday modern life. They can influence hormones and fertility to an extent, but they do not define your outcomes. Small, consistent shifts and healthy habits can reduce your overall exposure, and when combined with a supportive, whole-body approach to health, they can make a meaningful difference without the overwhelm and confusion.