Majority of the body's function depends on the hormones. Thyroid disease mainly affects the balance of the hormones, but even if you are healthy, you are more likely to be exposed to everyday things that can affect the production of your hormones.
Here are the 5 things that could interfere with your hormonal balance:
1. Traveling
The hormones melatonin and cortisol are mainly affected when you travel. When the levels of these hormones change, the testosterone in the male will be affected. Women, on the other hand, may experience changes in their period cycle because of the ovulation schedule disruption.
2. Hand Sanitizer
Some studies suggested that too much use of hand sanitizer has a negative impact on the body as it could weaken the immune system by altering the balance between good and bad bacteria. One of the ingredients of hand sanitizer, triclosan, was believed to have an adverse effect on the thyroid hormones and potentially lead to hypothyroidism. Moreover, hand sanitizer exposure has been linked to the development of thyroid cancer.
3. Smartphones
The light from smartphones, also known as the blue light, is being associated with hormonal suppression. The blue light reduces the melatonin in the body, the main hormone that influences the circadian rhythms. Long-term exposure to blue light may also lead to the build-up of neurotoxin and increase the risk of depression.
4. Physical Touch
Human or physical touch such as holding hands, hugs, cuddling, and massages can set off receptors, releasing a hormone called oxytocin. Similar to our responses to pleasant tastes and smells, a soft or friendly touch "makes the orbital frontal cortex light up, just like those other rewarding stimuli," said Matt Hertenstein, an experimental psychologist at DePauw University in Indiana.
5. Beauty Products
There have been a lot of studies claiming that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are found in cosmetic products. These disruptors may be present in everyday makeup such as lipstick, sunscreen, nail polish, eye makeup, etc. If you are suffering from endocrine conditions or thyroid disease, it is highly recommended to avoid products containing formaldehyde, lead, oxybenzone and more.