The Surprising Truth About Perfumes, Candles, and Hormone Disruptors: What Every Mum Needs to Know - by the house of hormones
spritzing on our favourite perfume before running errands or lighting a soothing candle at the end of a long day - these are some of the little indulgences that help fill my cup as a busy mobster mum. But what if these everyday luxuries are secretly disrupting our hormones?
In this blog, leah, the founder of house of hormones, is going to share some truths about how many of the products we love could contain hidden chemicals that affect our health.
Let’s dive into this surprising topic and find out how to protect our bodies while still enjoying life’s little pleasures.
What Are Hormone Disruptors and Why Should Mums Care?
Hormone disruptors, also known as endocrine disruptors, are chemicals that mess with our body’s natural hormone system. These hormones regulate everything from our mood and energy levels to our sleep cycles and even our metabolism.
For mums, this can be especially concerning because hormone imbalances can lead to:
Mood swings 😡
Fatigue 😴
Sleep problems 💤
Difficulty with weight management ⚖️
Reproductive health issues 🤰
The worst part? Many of these hormone-disrupting chemicals are hiding in plain sight—like in the perfumes and candles we love.
How Perfumes Affect Your Hormones
That signature scent you love might actually be harming your hormones! 🤔
Most commercial perfumes contain synthetic fragrances, which are often made from petrochemicals. These fragrances usually contain phthalates—a group of chemicals used to make scents last longer. But here’s the kicker: Phthalates are known hormone disruptors that can impact your reproductive health, cause early puberty in children, and contribute to hormonal imbalances, especially in women.
The real shocker? Many perfume companies don’t have to list their ingredients on the label. When you see "fragrance" or "parfum" listed, it could be a mix of dozens of chemicals—including some that disrupt your hormones!
Candles: The Hidden Hormone Disruptors in Your Home
We know candles are relaxing, but could they also be messing with your body? 🕯️
Paraffin wax, the most common wax used in candles, is made from petroleum. When burned, it releases harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, both of which are linked to hormone disruption. These chemicals can mimic estrogen, potentially throwing off your body’s natural hormonal balance.
And guess what? Just like perfumes, many scented candles are infused with synthetic fragrances containing phthalates—the same hormone disruptors found in perfumes. That cozy, candle-lit bath may be filling your home with airborne toxins that can impact your health over time.
Other Everyday Products That Can Disrupt Your Hormones
It’s not just perfumes and candles you need to worry about. Here are a few more household items that could be messing with your hormones:
Household Cleaners: Many contain phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Air Fresheners: These often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that interfere with hormonal balance.
Plastic Food Containers: BPA and BPA alternatives are used in plastics and can mimic estrogen, affecting hormone regulation.
The worst part is that these chemicals are often used in everyday products we don’t think twice about. As mums, we’re constantly juggling a million things—and we don’t need extra hormonal stress on top of it all!
Are These Hormone Disruptors Really That Harmful?
The short answer is: Yes, they can be.
While the effects of hormone disruptors might not be immediately obvious, continuous exposure to these chemicals over time can lead to:
Hormonal imbalances 🧘♀️
Mood swings 😬
Sleep issues 😔
Reproductive problems 🤱
Increased risk of certain cancers 😨
Pregnant and breastfeeding mums, as well as young children, are particularly vulnerable to hormone disruptors. That’s because hormones play a huge role in the development of babies and kids.
So, how can we protect ourselves and our families from these sneaky chemicals?
How to Reduce Exposure to Hormone Disruptors (Without Sacrificing Your Luxuries!)
The good news? You don’t have to give up your favourite scents or candles to protect your health! With a few simple swaps, you can significantly reduce your exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals.
1. Switch to Clean Fragrance Options
Look for perfumes labeled as "phthalate-free", "clean beauty", or "natural". These brands list their ingredients openly, so you’ll know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
2. Opt for Soy or Beeswax Candles
Instead of paraffin, go for candles made from soy or beeswax, which are natural, non-toxic alternatives. These types of candles often use essential oils for fragrance, so you can enjoy a soothing scent without the chemicals.
3. Ventilate Your Home
If you still love your old candles or air fresheners, make sure to ventilate your home well to minimize the buildup of harmful chemicals in the air. Open windows or run an air purifier to help clear out any lingering toxins.
4. DIY Natural Fragrances
Try making your own room sprays or perfumes using essential oils and water. It’s simple, natural, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in them.
5. Ditch Plastics for Glass or Stainless Steel
Avoid storing food in plastic containers, especially when microwaving. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead to reduce exposure to BPA and other harmful plastic chemicals.
A Little Change Goes a Long Way for Your Hormones 🌸
As a mum, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of eliminating all these products from your life. But don’t stress! You don’t have to make drastic changes all at once. The key is making smarter, healthier choices wherever you can.
Supporting brands that are transparent about their ingredients and committed to clean, non-toxic products will help create positive change in the market. And every time you swap a toxic product for a safer option, you’re not just improving your own health—you’re setting a great example for your family.
Take Control of Your Hormonal Health Today!
Next time you spritz on your favorite perfume or light a candle to unwind, take a moment to think about what’s really in the air. Make small, thoughtful swaps, and you can still enjoy life’s little luxuries—without compromising your health.
It’s your body, your space, and your choice. With just a few tweaks, you can protect your hormones while still enjoying the simple pleasures that make life sweet. 🌷
Thanks for reading, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
see you next week for our next blog where we continue to talk about ways we can harness our hormone health
mobster Leah, founder of The house of hormones x
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