Endocrine Disruption

Definition

Endocrine disruption refers to the interference or alteration of the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in living organisms. Exposure to certain chemicals can disrupt hormone production and lead to various health issues, including reproductive problems and developmental disorders.

Analogy

Think of endocrine disruption as a "mix-up" in a symphony orchestra. Just like an out-of-sync instrument can throw off the entire performance, chemicals that disrupt our endocrine system can cause chaos in our body's hormonal balance.

Related terms

Hormone Mimics: Chemicals that have a similar structure to natural hormones and can bind to hormone receptors, potentially causing endocrine disruption.

Bisphenol A (BPA): A common chemical used in plastics that has been linked to endocrine disruption and is often found in food containers and beverage cans.

Thyroid Gland: An organ located in the neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. It is susceptible to endocrine disruption.