PFAS and Women's Health

By Suzanne Fenske, MD, FACOG, ABOIM, MSCP

We often think of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress as the foundations of health. But, in today’s world, we can’t overlook the impact of toxins on our health, hormone balance, and well-being. Identifying and removing toxin exposures is an essential aspect of integrative and functional healthcare and something we don’t take lightly at TārāMD.

At the beginning of 2025, New York State banned the sale of apparel with intentionally added PFAS chemicals, including underwear, yoga pants, and athletic apparel. Outdoor clothing, including rainwear containing PFAS, will be restricted starting in 2028.

This new law is great news for consumers in New York, but it may not nearly be enough to protect people from the health effects of PFAS, which are persistent in the environment. Women may be particularly vulnerable to the hormone-disrupting aspects. In lieu of federal regulations, we will continue to support state and local legislation. There is also a lot you can do from a personal standpoint when making decisions about what you purchase. A little education goes a long way in reducing PFAS exposure.

Keep reading as we discuss PFAS, what they are, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself. We’ll explore:

• What are PFAS?
• Where are PFAS found?
• What are the health effects of PFAS?
• How do PFAS affect women’s health?
• How to reduce PFAS exposure to promote health and wellness

What are PFAS?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, are a family of about 5000 industrial chemicals that don’t exist in nature. They’ve been used by various industries since the 1940s because of their oil- and water-repellant properties.

PFAS leak into the environment through the manufacturing, production, and disposal of products. They are also called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and persist in the environment.

PFAS Sources

You’ll find PFAS in a wide range of industrial and consumer goods, including:

• Teflon and other non-stick cookware
• Water-resistant clothing, such as swimsuits, snow gear, rain jackets, and shoes
• Certain athletic clothing and underwear
• Stain-resistant furniture, carpets, and upholstery
• Cleaning products
• Paint, sealants, waxes, polishes
• Food packaging, including to-go containers, pizza boxes, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn
• Fire-fighting foam and fire-resistant clothing
• Cosmetics, such as waterproof mascara

Because of widespread use and poor degradation, PFAS are in the soil, water supply, and food essentially everywhere. It’s a global issue.

Why You Should Care – PFAS and Your Health

PFAS are in the environment, and because of their persistent nature, they accumulate in tissues moving up the food chain. PFAS are in human blood and organs, including the brain. They are even in people living in remote places. One study found significant levels in Alaska Natives who rely on subsistence-harvested animals for food.

PFAS levels correlate with health factors, including:

• Cholesterol balance
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Low birth weight
• Kidney disease
• Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance)
• Certain cancers

Both exposures during critical developmental periods, including in the womb, and lifelong exposures contribute to health risks.

PFAS and Women’s Health

PFAS are endocrine disruptors, and women’s hormones are particularly susceptible. PFAS may affect thyroid hormone levels and metabolic rate, making it difficult to lose weight or exacerbating symptoms of PCOS or perimenopause. Thyroid hormones are also essential for maintaining pregnancy.

PFAS also directly affect ovarian health, the menstrual cycle, and reproduction. Research shows that PFAS can pass from the blood into the ovary and are detected in follicular fluid, which can disrupt ovarian function and ovulation. Higher PFAS levels are associated with:

• Delayed menarche (onset of the menstrual cycle)
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Longer menstrual cycle length
• Earlier onset of menopause (1 year since the final menstrual period)
• Lower levels of estrogens and androgens
• Lower fertility rates
• Pregnancy complications

Healthy ovulatory cycles are a marker for overall health, and we want women to optimally cycle for as long as possible. It’s clear that PFAS are a significant environmental and health concern, but what can be done?

How to Reduce PFAS and Promote Women’s Health

If you’ve made it this far in the article, you may feel overwhelmed. PFAS are everywhere!

First, let’s start with a healthy mindset. Environmental chemicals are a significant modern problem and one that needs serious solutions, including increased environmental regulations. However, we can’t control all the pollution in the world, and the goal isn’t to worry about every single thing. Instead, let’s focus on what we can control. When it comes to PFAS, you can reduce exposures significantly by understanding where they are and how you can keep them out of your home.

Let’s explore some areas where small changes make a big difference:

In the Kitchen

Cooking more at home has many benefits for your health as you control the ingredients and quality of what you eat. Research shows those who eat more food at home, have lower levels of PFAS in their blood, and the association is even stronger for women. Eating at home reduces food packaging, a significant source of PFAS. Making popcorn on the stove or in a popcorn popper (instead of the microwave) is another simple swap that significantly reduces PFAS levels.

Also, consider what you are cooking in. Even a tiny scratch in a non-stick pan releases a large amount of PFAS into the food you eat. Replace non-stick cookware with cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass.

Consumer Goods

Since you’ll find PFAS in a wide range of consumer goods, it’s good to do your research before purchasing items that you bring into your home. Here are some tips:

• Choose cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, and silk clothing that is PFAS-free
• Pay attention to fire-resistant children’s clothing and toys, which often contain PFAS
• When redecorating or recarpeting your home, choose safer materials without PFAS
• Choose natural cleaning products or make your own
• Choose safe cosmetics and personal care products

Don’t be afraid to contact a company to ask about their products; inquire if they use PFAS directly or test finished products for PFAS contamination.

Water

PFAS are in rain and surface water, affecting drinking water. According to 2023 data, at least 45% of tap water in the United States is contaminated. The good news is that you can easily filter PFAS (and other contaminants) out of water at the tap. Look for a water filter that is certified to remove PFAS. Charcoal (granular activated carbon), reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems will work for this purpose.

Detoxification

Various integrative and functional medicine protocols help support the body’s detoxification systems, removing toxins. Your overall lifestyle can help you detox every day! Some PFAS detoxification tips include:

• Eat a nutrient and fiber-rich whole food diet
• Promote glutathione production with dietary strategies and supplements
• Increase sweating with saunas and exercise
• Stay hydrated and regularly urinate
• Ensure daily bowel movements

Read more about detoxification strategies for women’s health here.

PFAS are a scary class of chemicals because they are “forever.” One strategy is to stop more PFAS from entering and circulating through the environment, which will take organization and change at a large scale. The other strategy is to take simple steps, like cooking more at home and filtering drinking water, to protect yourself and your family. Don’t stress about what you can’t control but know that what you can control is worth it for your health.

For a comprehensive health assessment and personalized plan (including toxin testing and detoxification), schedule with TārāMD today!

References

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