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TOTNES, UK – For years, Dot Moorhouse battled debilitating periods, endometriosis, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Doctors painted a grim picture of her chances of conceiving naturally. Today, the 41-year-old from Totnes is a mother of two, a journey she attributes to a conscious decision to eliminate common household toxins from her life.
Moorhouse’s struggles began early. “As soon as my periods started when I was 13, they were problematic,” she recalls. Placed on the contraceptive pill at 14 to manage symptoms, the pain persisted. At 20, she received an endometriosis diagnosis, followed later by confirmation of PCOS. The prognosis was stark: natural conception was deemed “highly unlikely.”
The turning point came in 2013 after a cancer scare. Although given the all-clear, the experience, coupled with her father’s death from bowel cancer during her childhood, spurred her into action. Inspired by the book “Clean” by Alejandro Junger, Moorhouse embarked on a mission to “cancer-proof” her life by removing as many toxins as possible.
This involved significant lifestyle changes. “I bought organic food, swapped my cleaning and beauty products to ‘low tox’ alternatives, and stopped using items like bleach and scented candles,” Moorhouse explains.
The focus of her purge was Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). These synthetic chemicals, prevalent in modern life, are increasingly under scrutiny for their potential health impacts. “EDCs affect the natural functioning of our hormones and their feedback mechanisms,” says Grace Kingswell, a nutritional therapist specializing in fertility.
Found in everything from plastics and cosmetics to cleaning supplies, toys, and even furniture, EDCs can mimic or block the body’s natural hormones, interfering with the delicate endocrine system. Christina Hawkes, founder of natural cleaning brand Greenscents, notes, “[EDCs] are in a variety of products such as plastics, cosmetics, food, toys, clothing, cleaning products, furnishings and electronics.”
Research, including studies by the Endocrine Society, links EDC exposure to various reproductive issues in women, such as earlier puberty onset, worsening menopause symptoms, and conditions like endometriosis. Concerns also extend to male fertility, with links drawn to declining sperm count and quality. Furthermore, some EDCs are suspected carcinogens, potentially associated with increased risks of breast, ovarian, testicular, and prostate cancers.
For Moorhouse, the results of her lifestyle overhaul were swift and life-changing. After coming off the contraceptive pill, she and her partner Maarten were surprised to find she was pregnant just eight weeks later with their daughter. Two years on, seeking cleaner air and more nature, the family moved from London to Devon. Soon after, Moorhouse conceived their son on their first attempt.
“For the past seven years I’ve had a healthy menstrual cycle with no noticeable symptoms of endometriosis or PCOS,” she reports. Moorhouse now channels her experience into helping others, supporting families aiming to reduce toxic exposure and co-running an online community, The Holistic Health Club, which shares information on topics ranging from DIY skincare to managing the menstrual cycle.
While Moorhouse’s story offers hope, experts caution that EDCs are just one factor potentially influencing health and fertility. Her experience underscores the growing awareness of environmental factors in well-being and the potential benefits of minimising exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Disclaimer: This article details one individual’s personal experience and beliefs. The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Health conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and infertility are complex. Individuals experiencing health concerns or considering pregnancy should consult with qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/doctors-thought-couldnt-fall-pregnant-35071487
