Have you ever looked at your body in the mirror and thought, “I’m doing everything right… so why do I still feel so off?”
The clean eating….. The vitamins. The yoga or gym sessions squeezed in between work, the school run, and dinner.
And yet—
You still feel puffy, heavy, tired.
Your mood is snappy. ….Sleep feels broken…… Your belly feels bloated…… And your cycle? A complete mystery some months.
If you’ve ever been in that place, I see you. And I want to gently bring something to your attention — something that very few doctors talk about, but which I believe is one of the most overlooked root causes of hormone imbalance and stubborn weight gain in women today.
It might be hiding in your moisturiser. Your perfume. Your shampoo. Your laundry detergent. Let me explain……
The Hidden Hormone Disruptors You’re Putting On Your Skin
What we put on our skin can be just as influential as what we put in our bodies.
Your skin is your largest organ — and it’s incredibly absorbent. Many substances applied topically can bypass your liver’s detox pathways and go directly into your bloodstream.
Now here’s the real kicker:
Many personal care and cleaning products contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) — substances that mimic or interfere with your natural hormones, particularly oestrogen.
These substances are known as xenoestrogens — “foreign oestrogens” — and they are potent saboteurs of hormonal balance, especially in perimenopausal and menopausal women who already have fluctuating hormone levels.
What the Science Says
- Estrogen dominance – a common imbalance that causes heavy or painful periods, weight gain (especially around the hips and belly), breast tenderness, fibroids, and mood swings.
- Thyroid dysfunction – which slows metabolism and can trigger unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and cold sensitivity.
- Adipogens (fat cell creation) – studies show that certain EDCs actually promote the development and storage of fat cells, especially visceral (belly) fat.
- Leptin resistance – leptin is your “I’m full” hormone. EDCs can disrupt how your brain reads leptin signals, making it harder to regulate appetite and weight.
- Insulin resistance – many of these chemicals interfere with insulin signalling, making it easier to store fat and harder to burn it.
And here’s what we see clinically:
Many women struggling with weight that won’t shift, despite eating clean and exercising, are unknowingly holding onto these chemicals in their tissues — particularly in fat cells. The body, in its wisdom, stores toxins in fat to protect you. But over time, this creates a vicious cycle: more toxins → more fat storage → more inflammation → more hormone imbalance.
The Sneaky Offenders to Watch For
Even low levels — especially when we’re exposed to them daily — can have a cumulative effect. You don’t need to live in a bubble. But you do need to know what’s messing with your midsection.
What You Can Do — One Product at a Time
This isn’t about throwing everything out in one day. It’s about switching with intention and knowing that every small change supports your hormones, your mood, your energy, and your metabolism
Here’s where to start:
✅ Go fragrance-free – Choose unscented or naturally scented products. Fragrance is one of the biggest EDC culprits.
✅ Check the labels – Look for “paraben-free,” “phthalate-free,” and “BPA-free” where possible.
✅ Use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database – A brilliant free tool to check the safety of your products.
✅ Switch your body care first – Start with what stays on your skin (like moisturiser or deodorant), then move to shampoo, conditioner, and makeup.
✅ Filter your water and store food in glass, not plastic.
And don’t forget to support your liver, the unsung hero of hormonal weight balance. Bitter greens, cruciferous veggies, milk thistle, broccoli sprouts, and dandelion root are nature’s detox allies — and they love you back.
A Note From Me to You
As a naturopath and biochemist, I’ve spent over 30 years studying how the body responds to both nourishment and toxicity.
But as a woman — and a mum — I’ve also stood in the supermarket aisle with that moment of choice overload, trying to decide if the “clean” product is worth the extra few dollars or effort.
Here’s what I know:
Your body is always listening.
Even small steps can make a big difference over time.
So if you’ve been struggling with weight that won’t budge, moods that swing wildly, or feeling disconnected from your body… I invite you to look beyond food and exercise and consider what your environment might be whispering to your hormones.
You are not broken. You are wise, intuitive, and capable of tuning in and taking action.
Want Help Detoxing Your Bathroom Cabinet?
Download my Personal Care and Cleaning Product Resource List — a curated guide featuring trusted low-tox brands, simple homemade recipes, and must-have tools to reduce your toxin burden and support hormonal balance.
And if you’d like personalised support, you can book a Naturopathic Consultation with me — where we’ll look under the hood and build a tailored plan to get your spark back.
Teressa
Naturopath + Biochemist
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
