Hormones are an essential part of a woman's life, playing a crucial role in everything from menstrual cycles to pregnancy, mood, and even bone health. Hormones are the body's messengers, communicating important information between cells and organs. They influence everything from how we feel to how we look, and when they're out of balance, it can wreak havoc on our quality of life. In this article, we'll explore the characteristics of hormone-friendly products and how women can benefit from them.

Before we dive into the characteristics of hormone-friendly products, it's essential to understand the common ingredients that are hormone disruptors, also known as endocrine disruptors. These are substances that interfere with the body's natural hormone balance and can lead to a range of health problems.

Hormone disruptors act up in three main ways:

• They can act like party poopers and block the invitation to the natural hormone-receptor party, leaving the hormone with nowhere to go.

• They can play the hormone production dictator, causing your glands to overproduce or underproduce hormones.
  
  
• They can be hormone imposters, sneaking into the party and causing your body to act in unexpected and inappropriate ways.

These substances are commonly found in everyday products like cosmetics, cleaning supplies, food packaging, and even receipts. Some of the most common hormone disruptors include phthalates, parabens, BPA, and triclosan:

• Phthalates are a type of chemical that is commonly used to soften plastics and make fragrances last longer in personal care products. They have been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, asthma, and allergies.

• Parabens are preservatives that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in personal care products. They have been linked to breast cancer and other hormone-related issues.

• BPA is a chemical that is commonly used in the lining of canned foods and plastic containers. It has been linked to fertility issues, obesity, and even cancer.

• Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is commonly found in hand sanitizers and soaps. It has been linked to hormone disruption and bacterial resistance.

Some ingredients found in our food and supplement products can also disrupt hormone levels, including caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

It's important to note that not all women will experience hormonal disruption from these ingredients and that some products may contain safe levels of these additives. However, women who are concerned about hormonal disruption may want to be cautious about consuming products containing these ingredients and seek out hormone-friendly alternatives instead.

What does it mean for a product to be hormone-friendly? In general, hormone-friendly products are those that do not contain hormone disruptors or other harmful chemicals. They are made with ingredients that are safe for the body and do not interfere with the body's natural hormone balance. Hormone-friendly products are often made with organic ingredients and are free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other harmful substances.

Women should choose hormone-friendly products because they can help to protect their health and well-being. Hormone disruptors have been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, breast cancer, and even neurological problems. By choosing products that are hormone-friendly, women can reduce their exposure to these harmful substances and protect their overall health. Additionally, hormone-friendly products often leverage the power and wisdom of Mother Nature and use nourishing ingredients that many cultures have relied on for thousands of years.

How can women look for products that are hormone-friendly?

First, you can look for hormone-friendly certifications. A number of organizations offer certifications for products that meet specific hormone-friendly criteria. Examples include the SkinSAFE and EWG Verified programs, which evaluate personal care and household products for hormone disruptors and other potentially harmful ingredients.

Second, get educated on hormone health and practice being in tune with your own body. Mixhers co-founders Cody Sanders and Jess Toolson present a wealth of information in their podcast, “It’s hertime.” They dive deep into the root causes of the problematic symptoms that often sideline women and prevent them from maximizing their impact in their families, workplaces, and communities. Together, they discuss holistic solutions that can lead to healthy, happy hormones at every age and stage of a woman's life.

Third, read ingredient labels carefully. Take the time to read the ingredient labels on products you are considering, and be on the lookout for common hormone disruptors like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial sweeteners. Look for products that use natural and organic ingredients instead. Women often turn to supplements to support their health, but may not realize that synthetic versions of many vitamins and minerals can actually work against your body, rather than with it.

In fact, there are several benefits to choosing supplements with natural ingredients over synthetic versions of vitamins:

• Better absorption — Natural vitamins are often more easily absorbed by the body than their synthetic counterparts. This is because natural vitamins come in a form that is recognized and utilized by the body, while synthetic versions may need to be converted before the body can use them.

• Nutrient synergy — Natural vitamins often come with other nutrients that work synergistically to enhance their effectiveness. For example, natural vitamin E is usually accompanied by other antioxidants like tocopherols and tocotrienols, which work together to protect cells from damage.

• Less risk of toxicity — Synthetic vitamins can sometimes lead to toxicity when taken in large amounts, as the body may struggle to eliminate them. In contrast, natural vitamins are generally safer because they are metabolized and eliminated by the body more easily.

• Health benefits beyond vitamins — Supplements with natural ingredients often come with additional benefits beyond just providing vitamins. For example, plant-based supplements may provide phytonutrients and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.

Remember that choosing hormone-friendly products is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to hormonal health. Women should also focus on other lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management, to help support their hormonal balance.

Hormones play a crucial role in a woman's quality of life, influencing everything from menstrual cycles to mood and bone health. Too often, women grow accustomed to feeling “off,” whether that’s tired, sluggish, bloated, moody, or irritable.

However, these feelings don’t have to be the inevitable consequence of being a woman. We were designed to thrive, not suffer. Embracing our hormone health journey can magnify our ability to live the lives we dream of and deserve. We owe it to the people we love, and ourselves, to nurture and protect our hormones.