ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ESTROGEN

In undergrad I took ecology as an elective course. One of its lectures was my most memorable moment in university. It was led by our TA, that started with a Simpsons animation of a three-eyed fish. His research was on how the increase of estrogens in our water was causing sterility in fish by essentially feminizing males.

More than 10 years has passed and still, this topic is rarely discussed.

Many studies show that estrogens are found at polluting levels in our waterways globally, and can act as a hormone disruptor.

Birth control pills are one of many sources of these estrogens. Animal manure being one of the largest contributors.

Estrogens at pollutant levels are linked with an increase risk in the development of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Studies on the environmental impact have predominantly been performed on fish, and show that it alters their physiology (reproductive, liver, and kidney impacts, genotoxic damage, growth and immunosuppression). It also impacts reproductive development of wild and domestic animals, and affects plant root and shoot development, flowering, and germination.

Although there is now considerable evidence from both field and laboratory studies there are much wider effects that need further research, such as on the interactive biological effects of estrogens with other environmental chemical present in mixtures.

This photo is a view from my bed in Oaxaca. The ocean is incredibly powerful, but it's important to remember it is still vulnerable to our actions.

Dr. Cristina Allen ND
Naturopathic Doctor