Updated August 20, 2014.

At the November, 2005 annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, the results of three new studies were announced that reveal unsuspected effects of environmental pollutants on the sex organs of fish off the California coast.

Research of inland lakes and streams had previously reported marked alterations in the sex organs and secondary sex characteristics of fish, amphibians, and birds.

This newest research is the first to find such effects in ocean creatures, heralding a time when the oceans are showing enormous toxicity that can no longer be denied. Fortunately, there is a lot we can still do, both individually and collectively.

First, the research data, followed by our suggestions for staying hormonally well despite endocrine disruption from pollution.

• 11 male bottom-dwelling fish out of 64 caught between Santa Monica and Huntington Beach had ovary tissue in their testes.
• No such defects were found elsewhere off the Southern CA coast. This particular area is the largest treated sewage dumping ground on the whole coast.
• 2 other studies found feminized fish in the same area. 2/3 of male turbot and sole caught near Orange County had egg-producing proteins; this correlated with lab studies where the same male fish, when exposed to ocean sediment from that location, developed female egg protein.
• The scientists involved in the study felt it was clear that the ocean floor is contaminated with estrogenic compounds that are feminizing the fish.

This new ocean data provides major support to those concerned about environmental pollution of estrogenic compounds in the ecosphere. For those who have read our recently published book, Feeling Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled?, you know that we have discussed our concerns about synthetic chemicals that can alter animal hormone levels and result in abnormal hormone-related tissue.
Not only do we feel that animals are being affected, but the impact on humans is mounting. Consider sales of Viagra, the worldwide decrease in human sperm counts, and the growing problem of female infertility, miscarriage, and low libido. Industrial chemicals, pesticides, household cleaning products, and personal care items have, when studied closely, been found to be endocrine disruptors.

To those who choose to look beyond the confines of standard medical practice, it is becoming increasingly clear that many of today's illnesses -- especially the autoimmune and hormonally-related ones such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and several kinds of arthritis -- are the result of toxic accumulation. We now know that even mother's breast milk contains (in certain locations) such a high level of hormone disruptor that it should not be fed to babies!

Levels of chemical contamination that would not be considered "toxic" in a laboratory study are actually quite capable of producing hormonal disruption in an adult, even more so in a child. In utero, these same low levels might cause severe and permanent damage if the fetus is exposed to them at critical times of development.

Moreover, we're not only talking about those few people with severe endocrine abnormalities; we want to call your attention to the very likely possibility that a significant segment of the population may be feeling "fat, fuzzy or frazzled" due to this issue. In other words, the daily quality of your life can be worsened in ways that you may not even suspect from the increased exposure to these hormone-like substances in our air, food and water.

What Can You Do Now?

In addition to whatever vitamins, minerals, and glandulars you may be using for boosting the production and effectiveness of your endocrine hormones, it is now clear that you could get additional, far-reaching benefit by countering the environmental pollution effects.

1. First, eat less chemically-enhanced and more organically-grown food when possible. Especially use meat and poultry that is hormone-free, to avoid additional exposure.

2. Strive to make your home and workplace as chemical-free as possible. Use only natural cleaning products that are listed as fully bio-degradable.

3. Switch from neurotoxic chemical fragrances, substituting with natural organic essential oils for personal and home use.

4. Consider a detoxification program to make a major difference in the level of chemicals you walk around with and endure regularly, thereby reducing your bodily level of harmful chemicals. There are many good detox diets, supplements, programs, and centers.

5. Use air filters in your sleeping and workplace, and be sure to crack a window in the sleeping area.