Supporting Hormone Balance from the Inside Out: 5 Ingredients to Avoid
Let Me Guess... You're Doing Everything Right
You're knee deep in reproductive health research. Your browser history is a mix of "best herbs for PCOS", "how to balance hormones naturally," and probably a few desperate 3am searches like "why is my cycle still a mess?"
You've invested in quality herbs. Vitex, red raspberry leaf, milk thistle for liver support. You're eating clean, managing stress (well, trying to), and genuinely committed to supporting your hormones naturally.
And yet... your cycles are still irregular. Your skin's still breaking out. Your PMS is still making you want to throttle anyone who dares to suggest that you "just relax."
Here's what no one mentions in those "balance your hormones naturally!" blog posts:
You can't support your hormones from the inside whilst exposing them to disruptors from the outside.
Let me share the moment everything clicked for me.
The Lightbulb Moment
I'd been taking herbs for a few months, research done, quality supplements purchased, and I was ALL IN on the natural hormone-balancing journey.
I was seeing some improvement. Cycles slightly more regular. PMS marginally less awful. Great, but... I had expected more.
Then one day, I came across something that stopped me in my tracks...Your body is trying to balance your hormones. But every time you slather on those conventional creams, you're dumping synthetic oestrogens directly into your bloodstream!
I looked through my handbag: my scented hand cream I'd reapply ten times a day, perfume, makeup, and lip balm - all my everyday essentials.
That night, I began checking the product labels in my bathroom.
There were parabens, phthalates, and fragrance (code for "we can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals here").
The realisation hit: I was taking herbs to support my hormones whilst simultaneously applying hormone disruptors multiple times daily.
No wonder my progress felt so slow.
This discovery changed everything, not just for me personally, but for how I approach wellness entirely. And it's why I'm expanding Leighsa Mari beyond skincare.
What I’d learned was: real wellness isn't about doing one thing perfectly. It's about supporting your body from every angle.
What Are Hormone Disruptors? (The Science Bit, Made Simple)
Hormone disruptors (fancy name: endocrine disruptors) are chemicals that interfere with your body's natural hormone system.
They:
- Mimic hormones (particularly oestrogen, triggering oestrogen dominance)
- Block your natural hormones from binding to receptors
- Interfere with hormone production
- Alter how your cells respond to hormonal signals
These chemicals absorb through your skin into your bloodstream within minutes.
So whilst you're sipping your red raspberry leaf tea to support your reproductive system, your personal care products are flooding your bloodstream with synthetic oestrogens.
The 5 Worst Offenders
Let's talk specifics. You don't need a chemistry degree, it's just awareness.
1. Parabens (The Oestrogen Imposters)
What are they: Synthetic preservatives that extend product shelf life
Look for: Anything ending in "-paraben"
Found in: Creams, lotions, makeup, shampoos
What they do: Mimic oestrogen, contributing to oestrogen dominance (associated with heavy periods, fibroids, and fertility issues)
Worth noting: Researchers have detected parabens in breast tissue. Whilst research on long-term effects is ongoing, many people choose to minimise exposure as a precaution.
2. Phthalates (The Hidden Hormone Wreckers)
What they are: Industrial chemicals that make plastics flexible and help fragrances last longer
Look for: "Fragrance" or "Parfum"
Found in: Anything scented
What they do: Disrupt both testosterone and oestrogen, linked to endometriosis and fertility challenges
The loophole: Companies can hide hundreds of chemicals under "fragrance" without disclosure. It's perfectly legal.
3. Synthetic Fragrance (Yes, It Deserves Its Own Section)
What it is: A cocktail of synthetic chemicals (often including phthalates) creating artificial scents
Why it's everywhere: We've been conditioned to think "clean" smells like artificial lavender or fresh linen
My rule now: If it says "fragrance" or "parfum," I don't buy it. Once you know, you can't unknow.
4. Triclosan (The Thyroid Troublemaker)
What it is: An antimicrobial chemical added to antibacterial products
Look for: Triclosan, Triclocarban
Found in: Antibacterial soaps, some toothpastes, deodorants
What it does: Disrupts thyroid function (which controls your metabolism, energy, and menstrual cycle)
Good news: The UK has introduced strict restrictions on these chemicals as of April 2025.
5. BHA and BHT (The Lipstick Lurkers)
What they are: Synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives to prevent oils going rancid
Look for: BHA, BHT
Found in: Lipstick, moisturisers, makeup
What they do: Endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive dysfunction
The contradiction: The EU flags BHA as a priority concern. The UK still allows it with limits.
I know it's overwhelming. But here's the thing, awareness is power. Once you know what to look for, it becomes automatic.
(In my future posts, I'll be sharing clean swaps, including apps like Yuka that can help you identify these awful chemicals. Stay tuned.)
Why This Actually Matters for PCOS, Endometriosis, and Fertility
Infertility, PCOS, and endometriosis all stem from hormone imbalance and inflammation. Both are significantly worsened by excess oestrogen.
When you're managing these conditions, your body is already working overtime.
Your liver is your hormone processing powerhouse. It constantly filters and eliminates excess oestrogen. If you're taking herbs like milk thistle or dandelion root, you're supporting this critical detoxification.
But here's the problem, every time you apply conventional skincare containing hormone-mimicking chemicals, you're introducing synthetic oestrogens into your system.
Your herbs are doing their job, Vitex is supporting hormone balance. Red raspberry leaf is toning your uterus. Your liver support herbs are working hard.
But they're fighting an uphill battle against chemicals that disrupt the very balance they're trying to create.
The constant influx of endocrine disruptors triggers inflammation (already elevated in PCOS and endo), confuses hormonal signals, and makes it nearly impossible for your body to find equilibrium.
If you've been taking herbs for months with slower-than-expected results, this might be why.
The Solution
Real wellness requires supporting your body both inside and out.
Inside: Herbs, supplements, nutrition. These give your body the tools it needs to regulate itself naturally.
Outside: Exercise, and ‘clean’ toxin free personal care products to support the internal work you're doing. From my experience, this is where the real transformation happens, otherwise you're just working incredibly hard but getting nowhere.
Your Next Steps (Start Tonight)
Step 1: Check your labels
Tonight, flip over your three most used products. Look for parabens (anything ending in "paraben"), phthalates (hidden in fragrance), and the other chemicals we discussed.
Now that you know, you can make informed choices.
Step 2: Replace strategically
Don't throw everything out. As products run out, replace them with cleaner alternatives.
Start with what touches your skin most: Creams, lotion, deodorant.
Step 3: Protect from the outside
This is why I created Leighsa Mari. After years of fertility struggles and IVF, I discovered conventional products were working against everything I was trying to achieve.
So I created what I needed: hormone-safe skincare specifically for women and couples on reproductive health journeys.
Free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. Formulated with essential oils, pure plant essences that nurture your skin without disrupting your hormones.
Because when it comes to what you put on your skin, plants are a gentler choice than synthetic chemicals.
Explore Leighsa Mari skincare →
Step 4: Support from the inside
Here's where it gets exciting. I'm currently creating herbal guides focusing on reproductive health with women suffering with PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, painful periods, and irregular cycles in mind.
Want early access when they launch? Join our community and you'll be the first to know (plus get exclusive offers).
In the meanwhile...I have a gift for you.
Get Your Free Guide: Top 3 Herbs for Painful Periods
Natural period pain relief that actually works.
You've already begun the hard work of investing in your health, don't let the contents in your bathroom cabinet undo it all.
Leighsa x
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal protocol, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions.