Males of All Species are Becoming More Female
Dr. Mercola
Various studies are indicating that unregulated chemicals released into the environment are causing male animals and humans to take on feminine characteristics.
Thousands of chemicals released into the environment are interfering with animal and human endocrine systems. These chemicals, nicknamed “gender-benders,” are causing the males in many species to become feminized.
In British lowland rivers, 50 percent of male fish were found to be growing eggs in their testes. Hermaphrodite polar bears have also been born.
Since all vertebrates have similar sex hormone receptors, the feminization of other animals could indicate a similar pattern in humans.
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Endocrine disrupting chemicals are everywhere these days. You are exposed to them from a variety of sources, including countless common household products, toys, and personal care products. Some of these “gender-bender” agents include:
For more information about the various health hazards inherent with each of these agents, please click on the individual links above. But, what these various substances all have in common is that they can affect your, and of course your children’s, endocrine system and reproductive health. The glands of your endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of your body. It is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes. But is it true that males are slowly “disappearing;” morphing into females? Well, many studies now indicate these toxins may indeed be wreaking silent havoc within our male population. Male infertility is on the rise, and, about 250,000 fewer boys have been born in the last 30 years in the United States and Japan. Scientists are linking these phenomenons to a body accumulation of these types of gender-bending toxins. Taking a Closer Look at Phthalates Phthalates, or “plasticizers,” are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible and resilient. They’re one of the most pervasive of the endocrine disrupters. Phthalates are found in, among other things:
Although Chem TRUST’s study, “Effects of Pollutants on the Reproductive Health of Male Vertebrate Wildlife—Males Under Threat,” focuses on the ill effects of various endocrine disruptors on wildlife, their disturbing findings are also relevant for humans, because all vertebrates have similar sex hormone receptors. Therefore, the feminization of other animals, such as polar bears, deer, whales and otters, just to name a few, could very well indicate that a similar pattern is taking place in humans as well. Their study lists the symptoms found in each of the numerous species tested, which includes testicular cancer, hermaphrodites, genital deformations, low sperm counts, and infertility. And, in fact, numerous studies over the past eight years confirm that similar dangers are posed to human health. One study found that pregnant women who are exposed to phthalates gave birth more than one week earlier than women who were not exposed to them. And, the more a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of phthalates, the greater the risk her son will have smaller genitals and incomplete testicular descent, leading to impaired reproductive development. The chemical also appears to make the overall genital tracts of boys slightly more feminine. It is believed that phthalates have these adverse effects because they reduce testosterone synthesis by interfering with an enzyme needed to produce the male hormone. This raises yet another worry: What if they also alter other biological processes dependent on this hormone? Why wouldn’t they? Other studies have linked the chemical to thyroid problems in both women and men, and researchers have also suggested a link between phthalates and illnesses like allergies, asthma, and contact dermatitis, all of which are on the rise in children. How Can You Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals? In July 2008, the U.S. Congress finally passed legislation banning six types of phthalates from children’s toys and cosmetics. Legislators in Washington, Vermont and California have also restricted phthalate use in children’s goods, and several major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber claim they will phase out phthalate-laden toys voluntarily. Yet, so many more products contain endocrine disruptors of varying types; trying to avoid them all can seem like an impossible task. It’s difficult, yes, but there are still a number of practical techniques you can use to limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors, and other common toxins. Here are a few of my recommendations:
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