Perimenopause Journey & How Endocrine Disruptors Can Disrupt It

Perimenopause is a season where the body shifts in ways that can feel unfamiliar.

Hormones rise and fall more often and your sense of steadiness can feel a little more delicate.

Perimenopause is a natural transition, yet many women notice that their symptoms feel stronger than they expected. One subtle but significant influence is the presence of endocrine disrupting ingredients in everyday products. These ingredients interfere with the way the body produces, transports and clears hormones. When your system is already moving through its own changing rhythms, this interference can feel amplified.

Endocrine disruptors are found in synthetic fragrances, plastics, some household cleaners, pesticides and certain skincare ingredients.

Substances such as the following can mimic oestrogen or interrupt the pathways your body relies on to maintain balance:

• Phthalates
• Parabens
• BPA

During perimenopause, when oestrogen naturally fluctuates, this added disruption can contribute to symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood shifts, fluid retention, heavier cycles and temperature changes.

Your body works hard behind the scenes to support hormonal harmony during perimenopause.

The liver processes hormones and the digestive system clears what is no longer needed. Endocrine disruptors place pressure on these pathways. When the liver is busy managing chemical exposure, it has less room to guide hormones through their natural rhythm. If the gut becomes sluggish, older hormones are not cleared well, which can leave you feeling emotionally and physically unsettled.

Softening your environment can make a noticeable difference.

Reducing exposure where you can is a perfect first step to help with perimenopause symptons. Begin with fragrance. Synthetic fragrance can contain many unlisted chemicals (up to 3000!) that act as endocrine disruptors. Choosing skincare scented with pure essential oils brings a softer, more natural aroma to your rituals and supports the skin without challenging your hormonal rhythm.

Plant oils, natural clays and hydrosols offer a gentle, nurturing alternative.

They feel calm and comforting on the skin and support connection rather than overwhelm. When your daily rituals feel simple and aligned, the rest of your body often follows. Caring for your detox pathways also helps reduce the load. Hydration, colourful wholefoods and fibre rich meals all assist the liver and digestive system. These small choices help clear hormones more efficiently and create a softer sense of balance and wellbeing within. Movement, morning light and a consistent sleep rhythm also support a more settled transition through perimenopause.

This stage of life does not need to feel chaotic or out of your control.

Understanding the influence of modern ingredients helps you make choices that feel protective and nurturing. When you choose products and rituals that honour your natural rhythm, you create room for more comfort, clarity and a deeper sense of connection with your changing body.

 

This blog post was written and submitted by Melanie Webster, a leading expert in all things natural. Mel has a Bachelor of Naturopathy, a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & a Diploma in Herbal Medicine.