Today, in a new analysis that examined more than 1,000 different studies, researchers from the Endocrine Society are expressing new concerns about human exposure to a variety of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are commonly found in plastics and other household items.
While this is a big deal for all of us, it's especially concerning for women trying to conceive. Your endocrine system is your hormonal system — the information network for your entire reproductive system. When this system is interrupted, reproductive chaos can ensue.
KEY INSIGHT
Your endocrine system is the information network for your entire reproductive system. When everyday chemicals disrupt it, the downstream effects — irregular cycles, impaired egg quality, reduced fertility — can be significant and often go unrecognized.
"Some EDCs are also associated with abnormal puberty, irregular cyclicity, reduced fertility, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids, pre-term birth, and adverse birth outcomes."
The Endocrine Society's Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, 2015
This isn't the first time scientists have expressed concern over these chemicals. Bisphenol-A (BPA), a plastic that is used in common household items like baby bottles, water bottles, and food storage containers, has been in the news a lot over the last couple of years over worries that it has estrogen-like effects in the body.
While many companies have voluntarily stopped making products with BPA, new research indicates that even "safer replacements" may also have adverse health effects. And while the reproductive effects are scary all by themselves, the Endocrine Society report indicates that these same chemicals may be indicated in the rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
95%
of study participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey had detectable BPA in their urine — meaning nearly all of us are exposed
BPA, and other endocrine disrupting chemicals, affect nearly all of us. In a 2005 study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found BPA in the urine of 95 percent of study participants. Yikes!
📊 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have examined BPA's direct effect on fertility. One laboratory study found that even at very low doses, BPA inhibited the egg's ability to mature and disrupted chromosome alignment — causing abnormalities that could affect fertilization and embryo development. (NCBI, 2010)
Several recent studies in peer-reviewed journals have examined the effect of BPA on fertility, specifically its effects on egg maturation and fertilization. One laboratory study in particular found that even at very low doses, BPA inhibited the egg's ability to mature and also disrupted the chromosome alignment causing abnormalities.
Needless to say, these everyday chemicals are a serious problem. While avoiding these nearly ubiquitous chemicals may sound difficult, there are a few easy steps that can help you avoid them.
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Here's six ways you can significantly decrease your exposure to BPA:
- Drink filtered water from a glass or stainless steel container.
- Completely avoid water in plastic containers such as water bottles — especially disposable ones. BPA leaches from the plastic directly into your water.
- Avoid canned foods, which are often lined with BPA-containing resins.
- Eat fresh, non-processed, organic foods and store leftovers in glass.
- Steer clear of plastic utensils, dishes, and storage containers — especially when they're exposed to radiation or heat (like your microwave or a warm car).
- Remember, BPA is not the only source of endocrine disruptors. Many plastics release estrogenic compounds. It's safer to avoid plastics in general.
⚠️ IMPORTANT
Switching to "BPA-free" plastics is not a guaranteed solution. Research shows that many BPA replacements — such as BPS and BPF — may carry similar estrogenic effects. When in doubt, skip plastic entirely and opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives.
"Booting the EDCs in your life doesn't have to happen overnight. Today, buy a glass water bottle. Next week, purchase a few Mason jars to store your leftovers in. Each week, make a few small changes and, before you know it, you'll be living a cleaner, healthier life."
Booting the EDCs in your life doesn't have to happen overnight. Today, buy a glass water bottle. Next week, purchase a few Mason jars to store your leftovers in. Each week, make a few small changes and, before you know it, you'll be living a cleaner, healthier life.
Conceivable uses small steps, like cleaning up your personal environment, to help women who struggle to become pregnant, get and stay pregnant. We do the research and create personal plans for action so that you don't have to. By taking small daily steps, you can dramatically improve your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
✦ THE CONCEIVABLE SYSTEM
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Everything your body needs to optimize fertility — built around your data, not someone else's.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are BPA-free plastics actually safe?
Not necessarily. Research has shown that many BPA substitutes — including BPS and BPF — may have similar hormone-disrupting effects on the body. The Endocrine Society's analysis of over 1,000 studies highlights that many plastics, BPA-free or not, can release estrogenic compounds. The safest approach is to minimize plastic use overall and opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives wherever possible.
Can reducing BPA exposure actually improve my fertility?
While more research is needed to quantify the direct impact, the evidence strongly suggests that reducing EDC exposure supports healthier hormonal function. Since BPA has been shown to inhibit egg maturation and cause chromosomal abnormalities even at low doses, limiting your exposure is a meaningful step — particularly when combined with other lifestyle and nutritional strategies.
What foods should I avoid to reduce BPA exposure?
Canned foods are a major source of BPA, as the interior lining of most cans contains BPA-based resins that can leach into food — especially acidic foods like tomatoes. Processed and packaged foods stored in plastic are also common sources. Prioritizing fresh, whole, organic foods stored in glass containers is one of the most effective dietary shifts you can make.
How does the Conceivable system actually work?
Conceivable combines three things: personalized supplement packs built from your quiz results and health data, an AI care team of 7 specialists (led by Kai, your fertility coordinator) who adjust your protocol as your body changes, and the Halo Ring for continuous biometric tracking. The system is built on 240,000+ clinical data points and 20 years of practice. It starts at $15/month.
How do I know which supplements I actually need?
Take the free 2-minute Conceivable quiz. It analyzes your cycle patterns, energy, stress, digestion, and health history to identify the specific nutrients your body needs — not a generic prenatal, but a protocol built for exactly where you are right now.
Do I need the Halo Ring to use Conceivable?
No. The Halo Ring is optional and adds continuous tracking of BBT, HRV, sleep, and blood glucose — which Kai uses to fine-tune your protocol in real time. But the personalized supplement packs and AI care team work without it. The ring is a one-time $250 purchase with no subscription required.
Kai is your AI fertility coordinator — trained on 25 years of clinical data. She can answer your specific questions right now.
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