I’ve struggled with my hormones since I turned 14. Many people think that some of the biggest shifts only come during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, but if you’re like me, your levels are constantly at risk of an impactful imbalance without proper care.
It’s hard to know exactly how to balance hormones—it’s different for everyone. One thing is for sure, though: Hormone disruptors threaten your body’s equilibrium. “Your hormones are like an orchestra. When every instrument is tuned, you feel balanced, energized and healthy, but what you put into your body can totally throw that harmony off,” says Dr. Li-Shei Lin, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist. “Ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and ‘forever chemicals’ can mimic or block natural hormones, disrupt cycles and even impact fertility. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making conscious choices where you can because your body uses the raw materials you give it to build hormones, support pregnancy and keep your reproductive system running smoothly,” Dr. Lin adds.
This goes all the way down to the items you use and the things you do in the kitchen, especially to folks experiencing pregnancy, a time when your body is increasingly sensitive. “During pregnancy, and for anyone concerned about hormone disruption, a practical step is to reduce avoidable kitchen exposures,” noted Gynecologist and Obstetrician Dr. Annemarie Braun, who is chief physician at her practice in Germany.
It can feel particularly challenging to be selective because of the lack of regulation on endocrine disruptors in the United States. Systemic issues, such as affordability and access to non-toxic items, as well as exposure to a range of perspectives and high-quality research are all very real barriers to safeguarding our health, so it’s important to be patient and gentle with yourself during the process of wanting to change. The first and most important step is seeking knowledge.
Why Chemicals Can Become Endocrine Disruptors
“Food is only part of the equation—contact with certain materials matters, too. Many everyday items contain chemicals that have been linked to hormone disruption and developmental concerns,” said Dr. Sheeva Talebian, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and Third Party Reproduction Director at CCRM NY. These items are called endocrine disruptors, which are “chemicals that can interfere with your body’s natural hormones, potentially affecting everything from fetal development to your hormone balance,” according to Dr. Lin.
“BPA in plastics can leach into food or beverages, especially when heated. PFAS (the so-called forever chemicals) are used in things like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and some food packaging, and they don’t easily leave our bodies. Phthalates, often found in soft plastics and fragranced products, are another concern,” Dr.Talebian says. She also notes that this is key when you’re pregnant since your endocrine system is already working hard.
Whether you’re gearing up for pregnancy, are actively pregnant or want to take extra care for your hormones, we asked doctors to share what items they wouldn’t use in the kitchen. For even more added guidance, I selected specific products we know and love, either through our rigorous lab tests or constant use in our homes, so there’s no guesswork for you.
Plastic Food Containers
This was a common answer across the board, and doctors stressed that they do not want you heating plastic in the microwave, either. “Heat can cause chemicals like BPA and phthalates to leach out. Go for glass, stainless steel or silicone instead,” said Dr. Lin. “I recommend avoiding plastic food containers—especially for heating—since they can leach BPA and other bisphenols when exposed to heat or scratches, and instead opting for glass or stainless steel,” added Dr. Talebian. It’s safe to say these containers are worth avoiding for multiple reasons.
Bentgo Glass Container Set
Amazon
This Bentgo set has been a fantastic addition to my kitchen. It is plastic-free and only contains silicone and glass. That means I can use it without worrying about the materials at all. While I don’t often use the containers to heat food up, it’s nice to know that I can. I love them for meal prep because I can put hot grains inside with no concern about plastic leaching. They seal airtight and are streamlined in my refrigerator, pantry and freezer because of their low-profile design. I truly have no complaints about them!
Famiware Pasta Bowl Set
Amazon
Apart from glass containers, we love having pasta bowls at our disposal for serving and heating food. Brierley Horton, senior editor and registered dietitian, recommends putting your takeout right into these pasta bowls instead of warming food or serving in plastic containers. The beauty of her favorite stoneware Famiware pasta bowls is that they have the ideal size (33 ounces) and shape to hold just about anything.
Plastic Cooking Utensils
Earlywood Wooden Spatula
Amazon
With recent studies on how black plastic can contain flame retardants (the latter are linked to hormone disruption as well), there’s even more of a push to swap out plastic cooking utensils. Buying the Earlywood spatulas has been one of the best things I have ever done. I use them every day for pretty much everything, including stir-fry, pasta sauces, soups and so much more. My collection from this brand has only grown two-fold because I love the functionality of Earlywood’s products so much. All of the spatulas I’ve owned for years still look great!
Teflon-Style Nonstick Pans
“Nonstick cookware made with PFAs (like traditional Teflon) is another item to swap out, as it can release harmful chemicals when overheated or worn; stainless steel, cast-iron, or ceramic-coated pans are safer choices,” said Dr. Talebian.
Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet
Amazon
Avoiding PFAs is my new life’s mission, as they “don’t easily leave our bodies,” according to Dr. Talebian. My favorite materials to pivot to are cast-iron and stainless steel. This Lodge pan is the best option you can buy. It’s inexpensive, holds heat well and is fuss-free to maintain. Because it’s a pure cast-iron skillet, you can use any level of heat without worrying about releasing potential toxins.
Calphalon Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
Amazon
Stainless steel is similar to cast-iron in that the material is fairly low-maintenance. You can use it on the stove or in the oven without needing to worry, and it can handle higher temperatures. We love the stainless steel collection from Calphalon because it retains heat evenly, making cooking balanced recipes easy. The sauté pan is a great option to grab now because it can handle everything, like small sides and one-pan dinners. Plus, it’s on sale.
Plastic Wrap
Dr. Braun recommends avoiding close contact of food with plastic wrap. When it comes to plastic wrap, the primary concern is the potential toxins, like phthalates, that could be present and impact hormones. Plastic is a culprit for other potential endocrine disruptors and microplastic particles, so it’s a good idea to swap these items when you can.
Bees Wrap Bees Way Wrap
Amazon
I opt for beeswax wrap in situations where it makes sense, such as wrapping produce odds and ends and sandwiches for the beach. This brand has always worked for me; I just cut a piece to size and use the warmth of my hands to seal the wax around the ingredient or container. The best part of this wrap is that it is reusable! I can easily wash it with soap and cold water. Since I can’t thoroughly clean it with hot soapy water, as it’d damage the wax, I avoid using it to store fish and other raw proteins.
Plastic Water Bottles
W&P Glass Water Bottle
Amazon
“Plastic water bottles, especially those left in warm environments like a car, are best replaced with stainless steel or glass,” says Dr. Talebian. My partner and I have been using this W&P glass bottle for years at this point, and it’s been easy to clean and maintain. It’s all glass and silicone, so there’s no need to worry about plastic leaching.
