Understanding this component of the human body will help you understand my explanation on WHY EDCs are so toxic to our systems and overall health.

This is part one of a two-part series on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).

To fully understand how our bodies are impacted by EDCs, we need to first understand the Endocrine System.

The endocrine system uses chemical messengers (hormones) to send information to many different cells. The endocrine system helps to maintain longer cycles in the body like growth, reproduction and development – cycles which often last for years. Therefore, the endocrine cycles depend on the cooperation and action of many different cells in many different areas of the body.

The major endocrine glands include Pineal, Pituitary, Thyroid, Thymus, Adrenal, Pancreas, Ovary, and Testis. However, recent research has even discovered that in addition to these glands, most organs in the body secrete hormones as well.

The hypothalamus gland is the control center for the ENTIRE endocrine system, constantly monitoring hormone production and utilization from the other glands.
The pituitary gland is responsible for growth, skin pigmentation, absorption of water into the blood, and for stimulating and balancing the other glands; particularly important to thyroid balance.
The thyroid manages growth and development, protein synthesis, and is responsible for mood stabilization, and metabolic function such as body weight, breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and the central nervous system.
The adrenal glands manage cortisol and epinephrine production (the stress hormones).
The ovaries produce estrogen, and balance testosterone and progesterone.
The parathyroid glands balance calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones.
The pineal gland produces melatonin, a sleep hormone.
The pancreas regulates blood sugar and insulin production.

How do EDCs affect these functions?

Our hormones attract to very specific cells operating in a delicate balance of hormone production, release, and removal. These hormones trigger signals for proper major organ function such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and nervous systems. The proper function of these organs is vital for life! EDCs block, distort, and destroy the production of the hormones that are essential for these signals to be appropriately sent and received throughout the body.