Spring Cleaning for Your Hormones: 3 Simple Swaps to Reduce Endocrine Disruptors

Learn how to rebalance your hormones this spring by removing endocrine disruptors from your home. Insights from my fibroid recovery journey.

I’ve decided that each month, I want to share a theme based on what I’ve learned through my own wellness and recovery journey. This month, as we move into the Spring season, it’s time to “spring clean” our hormones and rebalance them together.

Hormones are often the biggest thing we women don’t take control of; we tend to just “go with the flow” and forget to connect the dots when we feel low or out of sync. For years, and especially after my open myomectomy, I realised that once your hormones are supported, through the food you consume and the energy you keep, your body stops feeling so intense. When you realise your body just needs one or two small habit changes, everything starts to fall into place. You begin to feel better, more grounded, and truly loved.

Just as we declutter our homes this season, we need to clean up our hormonal health by clearing the “dust” and listening to what our bodies are screaming out for. Let’s break down the disruptors and look at the small habit changes that can bring us back into balance.

The “Invisible Clutter”: Understanding Endocrine Disruptors

When I talk about “cleaning” our hormones, I’m talking about a group of chemicals called Endocrine Disruptors. Think of these as “imposter hormones.” They are sneaky chemicals found in everyday products that trick our bodies into thinking they are real hormones, especially oestrogen.

Key Hormonal Chemicals to Watch For:

• Parabens: Commonly used in lotions and shampoos; these are known to mimic oestrogen.
• Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP): Often hidden under the term “fragrance” or “parfum” to make scents last longer. They can disrupt reproductive health.
• Chemical UV Filters (Oxybenzone): Found in sunscreens and lip balms; these are rapidly absorbed and linked to hormone imbalance.
• PFAS: Found in waterproof makeup, often listed as “PTFE” or “fluoro” ingredients.

 

 

Cee’s Safe Shopping & Lifestyle Cheat Sheet

To make it easier next time you’re at the shop or in your kitchen, here is my quick “go-to” guide:

• In the Pantry: Swap tinned beans and chickpeas for dried versions. Soaking and boiling them yourself avoids the BPA often found in can linings, plus, they taste so much fresher!
• In the Kitchen: Ditch the microwave for reheating in plastic. Use the hob or oven with glass or ceramic dishes to keep your food toxin-free.
• On the Labels: Look for “Paraben-free,” “Phthalate-free,” and “BPA-free.”
• The Golden Rule: Avoid “Fragrance/Parfum” and “Triclosan” in your soaps and sprays.
• The Best Scent: Choose “Unscented” or products scented with 100% natural essential oils.

For those of us navigating fibroids, endometriosis, or cycle health, our bodies are already sensitive to oestrogen levels. When these “imposters” enter our system through what we breathe, touch, or eat, they can crowd out our natural hormones. This often leads to that heavy, intense, and “out of sync” feeling I mentioned earlier.

 

Why the Liver Needs a “Spring Clean” Too

Our liver is the ultimate house-cleaner for our body; its job is to filter out excess hormones. But when we surround ourselves with synthetic fragrances, plastics, and harsh cleaners, our liver gets “cluttered” trying to process all those external toxins. By clearing these out of our home, we give our liver the space it needs to focus on what really matters: balancing our natural flow.

 

3 Simple Swaps for a Hormonal Refresh

Let’s start small. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life today. These are the three areas where I found the most peace and balance during my recovery:

 

1. The Kitchen: From Plastic to Glass

We’ve all been there, reheating leftovers in a plastic container because it’s easy. However, when plastic is heated, chemicals like BPA can leach into your nourishing food.

• The Swap: This April, try transitioning to glass containers. Not only is it better for your hormones, but there is something so beautiful and “clean” about seeing your vibrant foods you make, salads and soups through glass.

2. The Atmosphere: From “Fragrance” to Freshness

I used to love scented candles or plug-in air fresheners, but I didn’t realise they were often filled with phthalates. These can be a major trigger for hormonal headaches and mood shifts.

• The Swap: Open your windows! Let the Spring breeze move the stagnant winter air out. If you want a scent, use a diffuser with high-quality essential oils like Lavender or Eucalyptus, or even a bundle of fresh dried herbs.

 

3. The Cleaning Cupboard: Back to Basics

Many traditional cleaning products are quite “loud,” both in their chemical scent and their makeup.

• The Swap: Go back to what our grandmothers used. White vinegar, baking soda, and a squeeze of lemon can clean almost anything. It’s gentle on your lungs, your skin, and most importantly, your endocrine system.

The Conclusion: One Step at a Time

I know that looking at everything in your home can feel overwhelming, trust me, I’ve been there. During my recovery, I realised that I couldn’t change everything overnight, and that’s okay. Growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about making choices that honour your body and your healing journey.

When you start to remove these disruptors, you aren’t just “cleaning,” you are creating a sanctuary. You are telling your body, “I hear you, and I am making space for you to heal.” As the flowers start to bloom outside, let this be the month you bloom internally, too.

The April 9th Challenge: Just One Swap

I want us to do this together. Don’t feel like you need to bin everything under your kitchen sink today. Instead, I’m challenging you to swap just one thing. Maybe it’s finally moving your leftovers into a glass bowl, or choosing a paraben-free soap next time you’re at the shop.

Whatever it is, share it with me! Post a photo of your “cleaner” space and tag me, or leave a DM. I’d love to hear how it makes you feel. Follow me @inspiredbyceejournals or my personal one @cee_ozkan

With love and health,

CeeCee x

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“Your environment is an extension of your body. When you clear the space around you, you create room for your hormones to breathe and your spirit to soar.”