Simply put, hormonally active agents (HAAs) are substances found in some products in the market. The most common HAA is the endocrine disruptor. These substance’s behavior is similar to those of hormones, just with different processes. Compounds that contain estrogen and perform estrogenic activities that are usually found in cosmetics and beauty products are the most studied types of HAAs.
What Can HAAs Do To Our Body?
It may affect body systems that have something to do with our hormones such as the thyroid and reproductive systems through the HAA’s contact with our cell receptors. The effects could range from harmless to mild or severely threatening and are usually unpredictable, just like our hormones.
Some epidemiological findings include an increase in the appearance of tumors in organs regulated by hormones like the breast and prostate which can eventually lead to cancer. Also, some complications with the male reproductive system such as undescended testicles or a drop in sperm count are also being observed. Although, there are still no clear findings or proof.
Which natural substances are considered HAAs?
Some secondary plant ingredients are considered hormonally active. The most common ones, otherwise known as phytohormones are the isoflavones found in plants such as soy (beans) and clover. You find them in the labels as flavones, flavanones, chalcones and coumestanes Similarly, the plant linseed contains lignans that also possess characteristics and can affect the body in a similar way as estrogen.
Which synthetic substances are considered HAAs?
The most common synthetic hormonally active compounds are monomers found in plastic. Namely bisphenol-A. Additives like phthalate esters, surfactants like nonylphenol, brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) also make the list.
Thinylestradiol, commonly found in reproductive health medicines such as birth control pills, also have unwarranted effects on our body and are considered endocrine disruptors. PCBs like dioxin as well as some plant pesticides are also considered HAAs.
How can we protect ourselves from the possible health hazards brought about by HAAs?
Although there currently isn’t enough substantial scientific proof to support HAAs as a direct cause of the aforementioned health hazards, We advise to lessen or completely eliminate overall exposure to the products listed for maximum protection. As long as the exposure is controlled, expect to experience only mild to no adverse health effects at all.