Health Matters: "How Do Endocrine Disruptors Impact Our Health?"

Host: Courtney Allison
Guest: Dr. Mary Rosser, Director, Fazolari Women’s Health at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia
Release Date: March 11, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Courtney Allison unpacks the complex topic of endocrine disruptors with Dr. Mary Rosser, a respected OB/GYN and women’s health expert. Together, they discuss what endocrine disruptors are, how these chemicals can impact our hormone systems, the health risks involved, and, most importantly, practical steps listeners can take to minimize exposure. The conversation aims to increase awareness and empower listeners with manageable actions instead of causing alarm.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Hormones and the Endocrine System

• Hormones as Chemical Messengers:
  • "Hormones are basically chemical messengers… produced by glands in our body called the endocrine system. These messengers regulate everything from growth to metabolism, reproduction, mood, and sleep." (Dr. Rosser, 01:41)
• How Hormones Work:
  • They function via a "lock and key method," binding to cell receptors and triggering internal changes.
  • Examples include insulin (regulates glucose), thyroid hormones (metabolism), estrogen/testosterone (reproduction), and cortisol (stress).

2. What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

• Definition:
  • "Endocrine disruptors are outside or external substances that come into our body…and they can interfere with this delicate endocrine system and hormone balance." (Dr. Rosser, 02:50)
• How They Disrupt:
  • Can mimic, block, or change the production, breakdown, or receptor function of natural hormones.
  • “It almost sounds like it hijacks a hormone.” (Courtney, 03:31)
  • "It does. And it can alter the way the hormone works in our body. So you don't have that…delicate balance and feedback loop." (Dr. Rosser, 03:39)

3. Pathways of Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

• Entry Routes:
  • Transdermal (through the skin: lotions, oils)
  • Ingestion (food, liquids)
  • Inhalation (respiratory system, secondhand smoke)
• Common Sources:
  • "Personal care products, cosmetics, hair products, pesticides, flame retardants, cleaning supplies, and everyday products bought over the counter." (Dr. Rosser, 03:55)
  • Contaminated food and water.

4. Why is the System So Sensitive?

• "There's a delicate balance…set up through mother nature to work really perfectly. Anything brought into it will disrupt it." (Dr. Rosser, 04:39)

5. Health Consequences of Disruption

• Metabolic Disorders:
  • Obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney disease.
• Reproductive Effects:
  • Impaired fertility, decreased sperm quality, quality/quantity of eggs, potential for anomalous embryos.
  • Example: "The higher the BPA concentration in the urine, the longer the time to pregnancy or conception.” (Dr. Rosser referencing a Chinese study, 06:44)
• Hormone-Sensitive Cancers:
  • Breast, prostate, testicular.
• Environmental Catastrophes Example:
  • “People exposed to fumes and emissions after 9/11…you see a lot of cancers diagnosed due to their exposure." (Dr. Rosser, 05:25)

6. Cumulative, Everyday Exposure

• "You can be exposed to multiple endocrine disruptors throughout the day and throughout your life. And over time, there's a cumulative effect." (Dr. Rosser, 07:26)

7. Practical Tips for Reducing Exposure

• Food Choices:
  • Prefer organic, whole foods. "Stay away from processed [foods]…just pay attention to where you're shopping." (Dr. Rosser, 07:40)
  • Acknowledge the challenge of cost and access, but encourage incremental improvements.
• Reading Labels:
  • Look for “BPA-free” indicators, avoid products containing phthalates.
  • "BPA is bisphenol A. It disrupts multiple hormone receptor systems…associated with preterm birth, obesity, Type 2 diabetes…" (Dr. Rosser, 08:30)
• Microplastics:
  • Avoid heating plastics in microwaves, use glass or stainless steel containers, opt for reusable water bottles.
  • "It’s really about helping us not ingest microplastics." (Dr. Rosser, 09:45)
• Household Products:
  • Cleaning products and cosmetics aren’t FDA regulated ("many people…are shocked to know…these are not regulated"). (Dr. Rosser, 10:18)
  • Minimize fragrance/perfume use, seek well-ventilated nail/hair salons, pregnant people to be especially vigilant.
• Protective Measures:
  • "If you're cleaning, use a mask, use gloves." (Dr. Rosser, 11:48)
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly (vinegar, water, lemon—not fancy sprays).
  • "You don’t have to make huge transitions…just think about little changes you can make." (Dr. Rosser, 11:59)

8. How Common Is the Problem?

• "Many times in our practice…these topics do come up. Especially with changes in skin and hair…more often than not, there have been changes [in products]." (Dr. Rosser, 12:43)
• Obesity seen as a key issue tied to endocrine disruption, with focus on diet.

9. Screening & Monitoring

• Annual wellness visits and preventive checks matter.
• "If anything comes up…persistent or worsening, just make an appointment with your clinician and you’ll sleep better." (Dr. Rosser, 13:34)

10. Can the Body Recover?

• "Yes, they can [leave your system]. If you decrease or you change your products…you will definitely see different physical manifestations, [especially] with the gut." (Dr. Rosser, 14:08)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “What we want to do is really raise awareness today, not to frighten people, but to say, hey, let’s look at the details…” (Dr. Rosser, 14:38)
• “You could journal even for just a week and say, hmm...can I make the switch to the reusable [bottle]? We have done that in my household. So manage what you can manage.” (Dr. Rosser, 14:56)
• On feeling overwhelmed: “It’s just easy to become overwhelmed. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be more mindful?” (Courtney, 08:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |---------|-------------|-----------| | Hormones & Endocrine System | Basics and examples | 01:41–02:41 | | Mechanisms of Disruption | How disruptors interfere | 02:50–03:39 | | Sources & Entry Routes | How disruptors enter our bodies | 03:55–04:35 | | Health Effects | Impact on illness and reproduction | 05:00–07:16 | | Cumulative Exposure | No immediate effects; builds up | 07:26–08:09 | | Practical Tips | Steps to reduce exposure | 08:30–11:19 | | Monitoring Health | Check-ups and self-awareness | 13:26–14:08 | | Recovery & Final Takeaways | Hopeful message, easy changes | 14:08–15:10 |

Actionable Takeaways

• Read labels for BPA and phthalates; choose simpler ingredient lists.
• Opt for glass or stainless containers over plastic, especially for food and drinks.
• Wash produce thoroughly, not just for pesticides but also to avoid introducing contaminants when cutting.
• Ventilate when using personal care or salon products; mask and glove up when cleaning.
• Make incremental changes—every adjustment, however small, helps.
• Annual health check-ups can catch issues early; listen to your own body's signals.

Closing Thought

“What we want to do is really raise awareness today, not to frighten people, but to say, hey, let’s look at the details of what we buy at the store and what we take in... Manage what you can manage.”
— Dr. Mary Rosser (14:38)

This summary omits advertisements, intro/outro content, and provides a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking trusted, practical advice on hormone health and endocrine disruptors.