What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and How Can They Impact Egg Freezing?

Environmental toxins called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are everywhere in our modern world - from pesticides to plastics, and from cosmetics to cleaning supplies. Recent research suggests these chemicals may impact fertility and egg freezing outcomes. While we can't completely avoid EDCs, understanding their potential effects can help you make informed choices when freezing your eggs.

This article explores what EDCs are, how they might affect fertility, and practical steps you can take to minimize exposure during your egg freezing journey. We'll look at the latest research and provide actionable recommendations for reducing your exposure to these chemicals.

What are endocrine disrupting chemicals?

EDCs are substances that can interfere with your body's hormonal systems. According to a 2020 study in Endocrine Connections, these chemicals can affect hormone production, secretion, transport, and function. Even low-level exposure to these compounds can disrupt hormonal balance.

Common sources include:

• Pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables
• Plastics (especially those containing BPA)
• Personal care products
• Household cleaning supplies
• Some food packaging materials
• Non-stick cookware
• Receipt paper
• Furniture with flame retardants

How EDCs may impact fertility

Research suggests EDCs could affect fertility in several ways:

Impact on egg quality:

Certain pesticides and industrial chemicals may affect egg maturation and development. Some EDCs have been linked to oxidative stress in eggs, which could potentially impact their quality. The 2020 paper specifically found that exposure to certain pesticides was associated with poor egg maturation and competency.

Hormonal and cycle effects:

These chemicals can disrupt normal hormone function, potentially affecting ovulation and reproductive health. The 2020 study found that some EDCs may interfere with FSH and other hormones crucial for reproduction. This interference can affect regular menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Long-term reproductive health:

Research suggests that prolonged exposure to certain EDCs might be associated with conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis - all of which can impact fertility.

Impact on male fertility:

EDCs can also significantly affect male reproductive health. Research has linked EDC exposure to decreased sperm quality, including lower sperm count, reduced motility, and abnormal morphology. These chemicals may also disrupt testosterone production, leading to hormonal imbalances that impact overall reproductive function. Chronic exposure to EDCs has been associated with testicular dysfunction and reduced fertility outcomes in men.

The research on EDCs and fertility treatment

A study published in Endocrine Connections revealed concerning findings about how EDCs affect fertility treatments. Women living in agricultural areas with higher pesticide exposure showed significantly lower pregnancy rates during IVF compared to those in areas with less exposure. 

The research also found that certain EDCs were linked to fewer eggs retrieved during fertility treatments, potentially impacting the success of egg freezing cycles. Beyond egg retrieval, these chemicals appeared to affect later stages of fertility treatment too, with some EDCs showing negative effects on embryo development and implantation rates. These impacts were especially notable in women who had long-term exposure to these substances, suggesting that chronic exposure to EDCs may increase reproductive risks.

Practical steps during egg freezing

While more research is needed, there are several evidence-based steps you can take to minimize EDC exposure while preparing for egg freezing:

Food choices:

• Choose organic produce when possible, especially for items on the "Dirty Dozen" list
• Avoid canned foods (many cans are lind with BPA)
• Store food in glass containers rather than plastic
• Use stainless steel or glass water bottles
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers

Personal care products:

• Switch to clean self-care products free from phthalates and parabens
• Check ingredients in skincare products
• Use natural deodorants
• Choose fragrance-free options when possible
• Consider switching to organic tampons and pads

Home environment:

• Vacuum regularly to remove dust that may contain flame retardants
• Filter your drinking water if necessary
• Use natural pest control methods

As you consider these changes, remember that EDCs affect everyone differently. Your personal response depends on multiple factors, including how long you've been exposed and what combination of chemicals you encounter in your daily life. Some people are naturally more sensitive to these substances than others, and the timing of exposure matters - particularly during hormone-sensitive periods like the months before egg freezing. Your overall health, including diet, stress levels, and existing health conditions, also influences how your body processes these environmental toxins. Understanding this variability can help you make informed decisions about which exposure-reduction strategies make the most sense for your situation.

While EDCs are a concern, it's important not to become overly anxious about them. Focus on making reasonable changes within your control.

Can supplements help protect against EDCs?

If you're concerned about endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure, you might be wondering if supplements can help. While research in this area is still emerging, there are a few supplements that show promise:

Vitamin C 

A small 2016 pilot study found that taking 1,000mg of vitamin C daily for two months reduced levels of certain EDCs (specifically PCBs and OCPs) in participants' blood. However, it's important to note this was a small study with just 15 participants and no control group. While promising, we need larger, controlled studies to confirm these findings.

Iodine 

Several studies have linked iodine supplementation to reduced EDC-related effects on thyroid function. One 2015 study followed pregnant women taking 150 micrograms of iodine daily but found mixed results - while iodine supported thyroid function, it didn't completely counteract EDC exposure effects on early language development.

Folic acid 

While observational studies suggest folic acid might help protect against EDC-related developmental effects, there haven't yet been controlled trials to prove this connection. However, since folic acid is already recommended during pregnancy for other well-documented benefits, taking it may offer additional protective effects against EDCs.

Remember that supplements can't eliminate EDC exposure - at best they only help reduce some effects. The most effective approach is still minimizing exposure through diet and lifestyle changes. If you're considering taking supplements, always discuss this with your healthcare provider first, as they can help determine what's appropriate for your specific situation.

The bigger picture

While reducing EDC exposure is important for overall health, it's just one piece of the fertility puzzle. If you want to increase the chances of egg freezing success, you’ll want to focus on overall health optimization, including:

• Maintaining a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet 
• Stopping smoking and harmful drugs
• Regular exercise appropriate for fertility
• Reduce stress as much as possible
• Get adequate sleep
• Stay hydrated

Work with your fertility doctor to create a plan that takes into account your personal circumstances and helps optimize your egg freezing outcomes. They can provide guidance on specific steps that make sense for your situation, while helping you maintain perspective on what factors are most important for success.

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey.

Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.

Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.

By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.