Before we dive in — this is not a fear-mongering, throw-out-your-whole-house kind of post. It’s about a specific list of well-researched chemicals, why they matter for preconception health, and small, doable swaps you can start making today.
Why Toxin Load Matters Before You’re Even Trying to Conceive
In the United States, preconception care is still largely reactive. Most couples don’t think about their health until after a miscarriage or a diagnosis of “unexplained infertility.” My dream is different: I want women and couples exploring what optimal health looks like six to twelve months before they even start trying — because fertility is a vital sign. When your body is fertile, it’s telling you it’s biologically ready to create new life.
Reducing toxin load has been front of mind for me personally, both through my own preconception journey and, more recently, through building our forever home. This post focuses specifically on recognizing the common endocrine-disrupting chemicals connected to preconception health, so you can start making informed changes now — not a complete overhaul, just actionable steps.
Want a deeper, more personalized look at your own preconception health? Explore the Preconception Program → drkaylaborchers.com/preconception
Why Timing Matters (and Why It’s Never Too Early)
These chemicals act as endocrine disruptors — meaning they interfere with our reproductive hormones — and some take years to fully leave the body. That’s why I tell patients we can never start too soon. Ideally, women begin reducing toxin load six to twelve months before trying to conceive. Even better? Starting in the college years. I began chipping away at this myself in college, when I was only having one menstrual cycle a year. Learning to reduce my toxin exposure was part of what helped me reclaim regular cycles and optimize my overall health — not just my fertility.
The Chemicals to Know — and Where They Hide
1. BPA (Bisphenols)
BPA mimics estrogen in the body and is linked to endocrine disruption, fertility issues, developmental and behavioral issues in kids, metabolic disorders, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Where it hides: plastic water bottles, food storage containers, the plastic lining inside metal cans, water pipes, kids’ toys, and receipt paper.
Real-life swaps:
- Store food in glass or stainless steel instead of plastic — thrift stores are a great low-cost source for glass containers.
- Rinse canned foods (like beans) before eating, and choose glass jars over canned tomato products — acidity causes more BPA to leach from the can lining.
- Never heat food in plastic. Swap plastic wrap for wax paper, parchment, or reusable beeswax wrap.
- Bring a reusable stainless steel mug for coffee runs instead of a to-go plastic cup.
- Choose copper or stainless steel pipes where possible (even in an existing home), especially after a filtration system.
- Swap kids’ plastic toys for silicone or wood, especially anything they mouth as babies.
- Skip the receipt when you can (email or text receipts instead), and avoid applying hand sanitizer right before or after handling one — it increases BPA absorption through your skin.
2. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that also mimic estrogen. They’re linked to weight gain, irregular periods, early puberty in kids, early menopause, and increased breast cancer risk. Several countries in Europe and Asia have banned parabens in cosmetics — the U.S. has not, which means the responsibility to check labels falls on us.
Where it hides: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cosmetics, shaving cream.
Swap approach:
- Check the labels on what’s already in your bathroom drawer using a resource like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database.
- Replace items as they run out with paraben-free versions rather than tossing everything at once.
3. Phthalates
Phthalates disrupt the balance between estrogen and testosterone and are linked to endometriosis, breast tissue changes, neurological and developmental issues in kids, early puberty, and — importantly for couples — lower testosterone and sperm count in men. Preconception health isn’t just a “her” issue; it’s a couple’s issue.
Where it hides: shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, lubricating oils, nail polish, perfume, deodorant, hair gel, soap, and body lotion — essentially your whole bathroom counter.
Swap approach: same as parabens — start with personal care products for both partners, then move to your environment.
4. Fragrance / Perfume
This is the loophole chemical that gets me fired up. “Fragrance” or “parfum” is an umbrella term that can legally hide up to 14+ unlisted chemicals, including phthalates and carcinogens. Because it’s unregulated, you genuinely have no idea what’s inside. It’s linked to respiratory and neurotoxic issues, allergic reactions, headaches, and asthma attacks.
Where it hides: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cosmetics, perfume, candles, deodorant, room spray, and many cleaning products.
Swap approach: as you use up fragranced products, don’t repurchase them — and consider tossing unused fragranced items (like gifted candles) that are simply off-gassing in your cabinet.
5. PFAS / PFCs (“Forever Chemicals”)
PFAS are used to make products stain-, grease-, and water-resistant. They disrupt endocrine activity and are linked to reduced immune function, liver and pancreas issues, reduced fertility, high blood pressure in pregnancy, developmental effects in kids, and an increased cancer risk (prostate, kidney, testicular). They’re called “forever chemicals” because they can take years to leave the body.
Where it hides: nonstick cookware, sofas and carpets, waterproof clothing, mattresses, food packaging and takeout containers, and even fish from contaminated water.
Swap approach:
- Air out new furniture, carpet, or a new car for a bit to reduce off-gassing exposure.
- Choose natural fiber couches and carpet when you can, understanding the trade-off — they won’t be as stain- or water-resistant.
6. Arsenic & Pesticides
Arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen and the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking water globally — including in parts of the U.S., not just developing countries. Rice absorbs more arsenic than almost any other crop. Organophosphate pesticides (sprayed on crops and lawns) are the other heavy hitter in this category.
Swap approach:
- Filter your drinking water.
- Rinse rice in filtered water before cooking.
- Wash produce thoroughly and limit pesticide use at home.
- Avoid being outside during pesticide application nearby, and shower/change clothes if you’re exposed.
The 80/20 Reframe
This is one of my favorite mindset shifts, and I teach it inside the Preconception Program because stress and overwhelm impact fertility just as much as any single chemical does. Here’s the math: if you eat three meals a day, seven days a week, that’s 21 meals. Even if 3–4 of those meals a week come from a coffee shop or a takeout container, that’s only 14–19% of your meals — well within an 80/20 framework. You don’t have to give up your favorite coffee shop. Aim to live in that 80% zone, and let the 20% bring you joy without guilt.
The Bottom Line: Progress, Not Perfection
This isn’t about achieving a 100% toxin-free life — that’s not realistic, and chasing it will only add stress, which itself impacts fertility. It’s about reducing your toxin load where you reasonably can, starting with the swaps that fit your life right now. Knowledge is power, and what you do with it creates ripple effects — for you, your future children, and your partner.
Ready for a personalized plan instead of a generic checklist? Book a 1:1 PT session with Dr. Kayla
A note on this post: the information shared here is educational and general in nature, and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. If you have a history of infertility, miscarriage, or a diagnosed health condition, please talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for your specific situation.
This topic goes even deeper on the podcast. Whether you’re a listener, a reader, or a watcher — there’s a version of this conversation waiting for you. Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, and if it resonates, a review helps more women find their way here.
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