Microplastics and nanoplastics have infiltrated every corner of our environment and bodies. These tiny particles, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, are characterized by their minuscule size — microplastics measuring less than 5 millimeters and nanoplastics under 0.1 micrometers — and easily penetrate and accumulate within the human body.
Once inside your body, these plastic particles mimic natural hormones like estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system and exacerbating hormone-driven conditions such as breast cancer. This hormonal chaos also has profound implications for reproductive health worldwide, necessitating the need for policies that reduce both plastic waste and subsequent exposure.
The Effects of Microplastics on Hormonal Health
A recent report published in Forbes highlights the pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment and their impact on human health.1 Specifically, it explores how these tiny plastic particles interact with our hormonal systems and the broader implications of their widespread contamination.
To start, the report touched on the impact of microplastics as endocrine disruptors. For context, endocrine disruptors are substances that interfere with hormone function, and in this case, microplastics were identified as major culprits. These particles mimic natural hormones like estrogen and cortisol. As noted by Dr. Christopher Thompson, a medical professor at Harvard University:2
“By mimicking hormones like estrogen and cortisol, microplastics may contribute to weight gain, metabolic issues, fertility and other serious health problems.”
Once microplastics enter your body, estrogen dominance occurs — a state where there is too much estrogen relative to other hormones. This contributes to infertility and increases the risk of hormone-driven cancers, such as breast cancer.3
Furthermore, the report underscored the connection between microplastic exposure and serious cardiovascular risks. Another previously published Forbes report indicated that individuals exposed to higher levels of microplastics face an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This association highlights the broader health implications of microplastics beyond hormonal disruptions.4,5
What causes the different health problems to appear? Simply put, it’s the bioaccumulation of microplastics in your various organs. As microplastics enter your body through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, they travel to different organs, including the liver, kidneys and brain. Once there, they release endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which interfere with normal hormonal functions, subsequently contributing to oxidative stress.6,7
Microplastics also cause chronic inflammation, which is a significant concern for public health.8 Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful stimuli, but when it becomes chronic, it leads to a host of health issues, including autoimmune diseases and increased susceptibility to infections.9,10,11,12
Enacting Waste Reduction on a Massive Scale
The Forbes report also addressed the environmental aspect of microplastics. In particular, over 400 million tons of plastic is discarded annually. This massive waste contributes to the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in our water, air and soil. The sheer volume has spurred authorities to come up with various solutions, or else we’ll end up being buried in plastic waste that will take centuries to decompose.13
One strategy that authorities have tried is banning single-use plastic bags, which was proven to be effective in reducing plastic litter and pollution. The European Union’s target for citizens to use a maximum of 40 plastic bags per year is an example of international efforts to curb plastic pollution. However, more policies are needed to help curb plastic exposure right at the beginning.14
Recycling Plastic Isn’t an Effective Way to Reduce Waste
A study published in Nanomaterials highlights the alarming scale of plastic production and its subsequent environmental dispersion. In 2019 alone, global plastic production surpassed 368 million tons, with a significant portion inadequately managed and disposed of. This rampant production trend is set to reach 736 million tons by 2040, intensifying pollution levels and increasing human exposure to plastics.15
In another report, published by Smaller Footprint Co., found that although plastics have become integral to modern life, their overuse and poor management have led to severe environmental challenges.16
Moreover, the report highlights the rapid increase in global plastic production, which doubled between 2000 and 2019 and is expected to rise by 70% by 2040. The study emphasizes that recycling alone is insufficient to address the growing plastic crisis, as only 6% of plastics are projected to be recycled by 2040.17
One contributing factor to the dismal recycling is the concept of “recycling bias” or “reduction neglect.” This means that people often prioritize recycling over avoiding plastic consumption in the first place. Why? Consumers feel justified in using more plastics, mistakenly believing that sending waste to recycling centers will mitigate the environmental impact.
Recycling bias undermines efforts to decrease overall plastic consumption, as the reliance on recycling detracts from more effective strategies. Consequently, without addressing the root cause, plastic leakage into the environment will continue to escalate. To combat this, the report suggests shifting focus toward mindful consumption. By consciously reducing plastic use from the beginning, you’ll be able to make a more significant impact on lowering plastic pollution.18
Other suggestions include implementing a plastics-free day each week, choosing reusable items and supporting brands that prioritize reducing their plastic footprint. These actions promote sustainable habits that are both achievable and reasonable, encouraging long-term behavioral changes.19
The report emphasizes that small, consistent changes will lead to significant reductions in plastic consumption over time.20 For example, advocating sustainable brands will play a crucial role in driving broader change. By choosing companies committed to reducing their plastic use, consumers will eventually influence the market so much so that other companies will adopt environmentally responsible practices.21
How to Reduce Your Dependence on Plastics
Microplastics are a significant threat to the public’s hormonal health and overall well-being. In fact, I believe that it’s one of the biggest contributors to declining fertility rates. Tackling this issue requires a multifaceted approach that results in reducing plastic usage in your daily life. Here are some effective strategies I recommend:
1. Opt for reusable shopping bags — Switch to reusable bags made from materials like canvas or other sustainable fabrics when you go grocery shopping. This simple change will significantly reduce the number of single-use plastic bags you bring into your home, diminishing the accumulation of plastics in the environment and lowering your personal plastic exposure.
2. Choose alternatives to plastic containers — Use glass, stainless steel or BPA-free containers for storing food and beverages. Avoid plastic wraps and opt for beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead. This not only reduces the leaching of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates but also minimizes the ingestion of microplastics from food packaging.
3. Avoid single-use plastics — Reduce your reliance on single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery and water bottles. Carry your own reusable utensils and invest in a durable, refillable water bottle. These will help decrease the overall production and disposal of plastic waste, addressing the root cause of microplastic pollution.
4. Limit use of plastic in your home — Minimize the use of plastic products in your household by replacing them with natural or eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, use bamboo or metal toothbrushes instead of plastic ones, choose wooden or glass dishes, and opt for natural cleaning products that come in non-plastic packaging.
This comprehensive approach helps lower the presence of plastics in your living environment, reducing the risk of chronic exposure to endocrine disruptors.
Other Strategies to Help Reduce Plastic Exposure
Exposure to plastic packaging is one of the most common ways people get microplastics inside their body, but there are other routes as well. According to published research, microplastics enter your body through your skin and nose. This means that you also have to pay attention to other plastics in your household.
For parents, I recommend replacing plastic toys with those made from sustainable, clean materials. Similarly, replace all your household cleaning products and cosmetics that contain phthalates with natural alternatives.
The very items that make up the identity of your home are also made from plastics. These include vinyl blinds, flooring and wallpaper. Once dust settles on these items, it becomes contaminated and easily inhaled by people in the home.
In cases of estrogen dominance, supplemental progesterone can be helpful. Progesterone is a natural estrogen antagonist and will counteract the adverse effects of excess estrogen. It’s one of four hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. The remaining three are thyroid hormone T34, DHEA and pregnenolone. In the next section, I’ll go into detail how to administer progesterone properly.
