Pfas fertility

Forever Chemicals and Fertility: What Women Need to Know | PFAS

Imagine unknowingly ingesting chemicals every day that could disrupt your hormones and fertility. These so-called “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, are found in many everyday products—and they’re notoriously slow to leave your body.

Understanding PFAS: A Quick Overview

Back in 1938, chemist Roy J. Plunkett accidentally created Teflon—the first of a large group of chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These compounds are celebrated for being water- and grease-repellent, so you’ll see them in countless everyday items like non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, food packaging, and even certain cosmetics.

The problem? PFAS hardly break down in the environment or inside our bodies. They can accumulate in water, soil, and even the air we breathe—making their way into the bloodstream of most people worldwide. Recent research increasingly points to PFAS interfering with women’s reproductive health, especially hormonal function, immunity, and pregnancy-related processes.

Why Women Should Take Notice

Women of reproductive age face unique risks, especially when it comes to hormonal balance and fertility. Research shows that PFAS can accumulate differently in women compared to men, partly because of hormone fluctuations, menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding (Li et al., 2025). These unique pathways can increase PFAS exposure or alter how quickly these chemicals leave your body.

In particular, hormone-related processes, such as the balance of oestrogen and progesterone, may be disrupted by PFAS. A 2023 study (Brown et al.) revealed that PFAS exposure is associated with decreased estradiol and earlier menopause, although it didn’t appear to significantly affect ovarian reserve. Nonetheless, lower oestrogen levels and altered menopause timing can impact overall fertility, underscoring the importance of staying informed and taking steps to minimise exposure.

What PFAS Can Do to Your Reproductive Health

  1. How PFAS Disrupt Your Hormones
    • PFAS may interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the critical hormonal signalling pathway that regulates ovulation, menstrual cycles, and overall reproductive function (Li et al., 2025).
    • These hormonal disruptions may lead to irregular cycles, reduced fertility, or earlier menopause.
  2. Pregnancy Risks
    • Some PFAS have been linked with pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia and reduced birth weight, though research is ongoing.
    • Because these chemicals can persist in the body for years, long-term exposure might have cumulative effects that could influence pregnancy outcomes down the track.
  3. Fertility Outcomes
    Beyond hormonal disruptions and pregnancy risks, emerging evidence indicates that PFAS exposure can directly impact fertility. The Singaporean study (Cohen et al., 2023) observed that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood experienced markedly reduced chances of both clinical pregnancy and live birth. And especially the cumulative exposure to multiple PFAS may compound to difficulties on the road to parenthood.
  4. Could PFAS Worsen Autoimmune Disorders and affect fertility?
    • Autoimmune disorders—conditions that disproportionately affect women—may also be exacerbated by PFAS. Emerging data suggest that immune markers related to autoimmune diseases could be influenced by these chemicals (Li et al., 2025).
    • More studies are needed, but women with underlying autoimmune conditions or a family history of them may want to be extra cautious about PFAS exposure.

Practical Tips to Reduce Exposure to Forever Chemicals

While completely avoiding PFAS is tough, small lifestyle tweaks can help—especially if you’re focused on fertility and long-term health.

  1. Skip PFAS-Lined Food Packaging
    • Greaseproof wrappers, pizza boxes, and microwave popcorn bags often contain PFAS. Opt for fresh or home-cooked meals when you can.
  2. Invest in a Good Water Filter
    • PFAS has been found in urban water in NZ, and even in the rain water. Activated carbon, anion exchange resin or reverse osmosis filters may help capture some of these chemicals. A recent study found that both activated carbon and anion exchange filters can reduce PFAS in water, but each method has different strengths depending on PFAS type (Chow et al. 2022).
  3. Avoid Non-Essential Stain-Resistant or Water-Repellent Products
    • Many carpets, fabrics, and outdoor clothing are treated with PFAS to make them stain- or water-resistant. If possible, choose untreated or PFAS-free versions.
  4. Check Product Labels
    • Look for “PFAS-free” or “PFOA-free” options, especially for cosmetics, personal care items, and non-stick cookware.
  5. Ventilate Your Home
    • PFAS particles can end up in household dust. Regular vacuuming (with a HEPA filter) and opening windows for fresh air circulation can cut down on indoor pollutants.
  6. Follow Up with Healthcare Providers
    • If you suspect heavy PFAS exposure and have concerns about fertility or reproductive health, consider speaking with a specialist. Personalised guidance can be especially helpful if you’re worried about reproductive ageing, autoimmune conditions, or other ongoing health issues.

By becoming more aware and making small changes in your daily habits, you can take control of your health and reduce your exposure.

Looking Ahead

Research into PFAS and similar “forever chemicals” is evolving quickly, but one message is already clear: PFAS may pose a significant risk to women’s fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and overall wellbeing. While we still need more studies to fully understand the precise mechanisms, current evidence supports taking steps now to limit your exposure. By staying informed and making small, deliberate changes, you can better protect your health—and your future.

Image symbolising Hormone disruptors and fertility

Hormone Disruptors and Fertility

When you’re focusing on your health and well-being, leading to conception or with a focus to improve fertility, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the presence of hormone disruptors in our daily environment. These sneaky chemicals can interfere with your body’s natural hormone balance, potentially affecting your fertility.

In this post, we’ll dive into what hormone disruptors are, where they hide, and, more importantly, what you can do to protect yourself and the future baby while trying to conceive.

What Are Hormone Disruptors?

Hormones act as the body’s messengers, helping everything from your metabolism to your reproductive system run smoothly. Hormone disruptors, however, are chemicals that can mess with this delicate system. They mimic or block natural hormones, causing your body to react in ways it wasn’t designed to.

For anyone trying to conceive, this can spell trouble. Hormone disruptors may interfere with ovulation, sperm quality, or even the embryo’s ability to implant. So, where do these disruptors come from? One surprising source is the microplastics in our everyday environment.

Common Sources of Hormone Disruptors

You might be surprised by just how many everyday items contain hormone disruptors. They can sneak into your life through the products you use, the food you eat, and even the air you breathe. Some of the most common culprits include:

  • Plastics: Many types of plastic, especially those containing BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates, can leach chemicals that disrupt your hormones. Due to increased public awareness and negative publicity, many manufacturers are now shifting away from BPA. But here’s the catch—BPA replacements, like BPS (Bisphenol S), may be just as harmful, if not worse. While BPA-free labels might seem reassuring, it’s essential to remember that alternative chemicals can still disrupt your hormone balance.
  • Personal care products: Perfumes, lotions, shampoos, tanning products and cosmetics can contain chemicals like parabens and synthetic fragrances, which can mimic or block hormones.
  • Cleaning products: Household cleaning sprays, detergents, and air fresheners can contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that linger on surfaces and in the air.
  • Pesticides and herbicides: Fresh fruits and vegetables is likely the healthiest and safest option, but if they’ve been treated with pesticides, you could be consuming hormone disruptors without realising it. Soaking fruits in a baking soda solution for 2 minutes removes more pesticides than rinsing under tap water.
  • Canned foods: Metal cans are often lined with BPA-containing resin, which can leach into the food you eat. Opt for glass jars or fresh alternatives when possible.
  • Sunscreen: while protecting your skin from the sun is essential, many sunscreens contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to disrupt hormones.

By being aware of these sources, you can take steps to reduce exposure. Even small changes in your daily routine, like switching to glass containers or natural cleaning products, can make a difference.

The Role of Microplastics

Now, let’s talk about microplastics—tiny plastic particles that are practically everywhere. You may have heard about their impact on the environment, but they can also affect your body. Microplastics are a particularly worrying source of hormone disruptors because they contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, both of which can mess with your hormones.

These tiny particles can find their way into our bodies through food (especially seafood), water, and even the air. Once inside, they can act as hormone disruptors, affecting fertility by interfering with the body’s natural hormonal balance. Microplastics can mimic oestrogen, leading to reproductive issues for both men and women.

Do Not Heat Up Plastics

One crucial thing to remember is that heat can both significantly increase the release of harmful chemicals from plastics and make them shed microplastics. For instance, baby bottles made from PP plastic shed microplastics when heated up. And the bottles made from polycarbonate plastic, can release bisphenol A (BPA) much faster when exposed to hot liquids. A study by scientists from the University of Cincinnati found that when plastic bottles were filled with boiling water, BPA was released up to 55 times more quickly than with cooler liquids. If a plastic container has been heated up even once, such as washing in a dishwasher, can increase risk that chemicals will leach form them into your food.

Even Touching Contaminated Surfaces May Matter

Hormone disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can also be absorbed through your skin. Even the simple act of handling thermal receipts can lead to detectable exposure. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that 60% of thermal paper receipt samples contained BPA levels exceeding the acceptable limits set by the EU​. This is especially concerning for individuals whose occupations require frequent handling of receipts, such as cashiers, who may be at higher risk of cumulative exposure. In any case, don’t play with your receipts and examine your life for any potential sources of hormone disrupting chemicals.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

While it might feel overwhelming to consider all the sources of hormone disruptors around you, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure and protect your fertility and the health of your baby. Small changes in your daily habits can go a long way. For example:

  • Switch to glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers for food and drinks, especially when heating.
  • Opt for natural cleaning products that are free from synthetic chemicals.
  • Be mindful of personal care products, opting for those that avoid parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
  • Choose fresh or frozen produce over canned goods, and when you can, go organic to avoid pesticide residues.
  • Reduce use of sunscreen by wearing protective clothing. If you need to use sunscreen, opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing magnesium oxide or zinc oxide, which act as physical barriers and are much safer alternatives. These options sit on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed, making them a better choice both when TTC and in pregnancy.

By making these small, manageable adjustments, you’ll be taking positive steps toward safeguarding not only your reproductive health but your overall well-being.

 

 

Sustainable lifestyle changes for fertility: moving beyond willpower

When considering lifestyle changes, it’s tempting to think of them as temporary. And the lasting change is it’s hard to achieve through sheer willpower alone. Over time, enforcing rigid ‘rules’ often leads to slip-ups, frustration and return to your old habits.

We want you to step away from the willpower paradigm and consider our alternative plan. Knowledge, understanding and education are true foundations to life-long changes.

Rather than prescribing a set of strict rules, we explain how specific lifestyle changes influence your health. Here you will find a balanced and flexible approach to help you to make an educated choice.

We want you to discover nutrition and lifestyle changes that work long-term. Implement what you can joyfully live with. Because your newly discovered habits need not stop when you fall pregnant. They need not stop when you have a baby.

If you find your chosen path difficult to maintain, return here for renewed inspiration or try out another healthy alternative that fits your evolving needs.