Understanding Hormones and Their Role in Our Bodies
We often get asked “do perfumes disrupt our hormones” and “what does that even mean?" We enjoy helping people learn more about their bodies and how best to care for them, so we thought we would get all of the answers in one place.
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate essential bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, mood, reproductive health, and immune response. They are produced by glands in the endocrine system and work by binding to specific receptors in our cells, triggering vital processes throughout the body.
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs throughout the body that produce and regulate hormones. Guess where you can find them in your body? The key endocrine glands and their locations are:
1. Hypothalamus – In the brain, just above the pituitary gland; controls hormone release from the pituitary.
2. Pituitary gland – At the base of the brain; often called the "master gland" because it regulates other endocrine glands.
3. Pineal gland – In the brain, produces melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles.
4. Thyroid gland – In the front of the neck; controls metabolism and energy levels.
5. Parathyroid glands – Four tiny glands behind the thyroid; regulate calcium levels.
6. Adrenal glands – On top of the kidneys; produce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
7. Pancreas – In the abdomen, behind the stomach; regulates blood sugar levels by producing insulin and glucagon.
8. Ovaries (in females) – In the lower abdomen; produce estrogen and progesterone, essential for reproductive health.
9. Testes (in males) – In the scrotum; produce testosterone, essential for male reproductive health.
So really, this system is all around our body and so important in many ways.
Each gland releases hormones that travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues, ensuring balance and proper function. Disrupting this system—such as with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in synthetic perfumes—can lead to hormone imbalances and health issues.
What is Hormone Disruption?
Hormone disruption occurs when chemicals interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance. These disruptions can lead to a variety of health issues, including reproductive disorders, metabolic diseases, thyroid dysfunction, developmental issues, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.
How Can Hormones Get Disrupted?
Hormonal disruption can be caused by both natural and man-made factors. Naturally, stress, diet, lack of sleep, and aging can affect hormone levels. However, environmental exposure to synthetic chemicals—including those found in personal care products, household cleaners, plastics, and perfumes—can significantly contribute to endocrine disruption.
You can also watch our Founder Jessica Kiely interview renowned Naturopath & Nutritionist Tabitha McIntosh talk all about hormones, disruptions and your health.
What Are Hormones & What is Hormone Disruption?
How Chemicals in your Daily Life are Affecting Your Hormones
Synthetic Hormone Disruptors in Perfumes
Many commercial perfumes contain synthetic chemicals that may act as endocrine disruptors. Some of the most concerning ingredients include:
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Phthalates – Often used as solvents and fixatives in fragrances, phthalates have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues.
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Synthetic Musks (Galaxolide, Tonalide, Musk Ketone, and Musk Xylene) – These chemicals accumulate in the body and have been shown to interfere with hormone signaling.
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Parabens – Common preservatives in perfumes, parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tissue.
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BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) – An artificial antioxidant used to stabilize fragrances, BHT has potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
Is There Evidence That Perfume Ingredients Disrupt Hormones?
Scientific studies have raised concerns about many of these ingredients and more. Research has shown that phthalates and synthetic musks can accumulate in human tissue, disrupt endocrine function, and potentially impact reproductive health. The European Union and some U.S. states have restricted or banned certain phthalates in cosmetics due to these concerns.
This recent study took 20 mainstream perfumes and tested them for a specific endocrine disruption effect. They found that 18 out of 20 perfumes contained one or more suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In addition, several allergens, a reprotoxic substance and chemicals problematic to the environment were found in these fragrances, yet none of these substances were mentioned on the label.
In an evaluation of pollutants in perfumes they found “phthalates, aldehydes, parabens and aluminum-based salts are the most important contaminants in aromatic products that cause side effects such as allergies, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, especially in males, skin allergies, nervous system damage and migraine headaches for consumers.”
In particular phthalates have been investigated for their effect on human health in this study. “Chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents.”
And the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a comprehensive list of possible harmful ingredients found in synthetic perfumes and the studies that have been conducted.
How Do We Know If Perfumes Are Affecting Us Negatively?
Symptoms of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be subtle and develop over time. Potential signs include:
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Hormonal imbalances (irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, fatigue)
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Skin sensitivities or allergic reactions
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Fertility issues
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Thyroid dysfunction
Can We Know What’s in Our Perfumes?
Unfortunately, most commercial perfumes do not disclose full ingredient lists. In many regions, fragrance formulations are considered proprietary (or “trade secrets”), allowing companies to use the term “fragrance” as an umbrella term for potentially hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Without transparency, it is difficult to know exactly what is in synthetic perfumes and whether they contain hormone-disrupting ingredients.
Is there such a thing as non hormone disrupting perfume?
Choosing 100% natural perfumes is the best way to avoid synthetic endocrine disruptors. Natural perfumes are made from essential oils, absolutes, and botanical extracts that are derived directly from plants without artificial additives. They always use these natural botanicals at safe levels to ensure they are hormone safe perfumes.
Why Switch To Natural Perfumes is also discussed here.
Are Natural Perfumes Safer for Hormonal Health?
Natural perfumes, like those offered by Sensoriam, contain no synthetic chemicals, phthalates, or artificial musks. They are hormone friendly perfumes. Since they are made from pure botanical ingredients, they do not carry the same risks of hormone disruption as synthetic fragrances. Additionally, many essential oils used in natural perfumes—such as lavender, sandalwood, and rose—have beneficial effects on emotional well-being and stress reduction.
Of course, we always encourage you to check with your healthcare provider to ensure your own concerns and health situation is given consideration. We are all different and so require unique approaches.
There are some people who have allergic reactions to natural ingredients, like lavender or cinnamon essential oils. Therefore, it is important to test and try the 100% natural and hormone friendly perfumes in a patch test first, so you can see how you react and which ones you prefer. That is what our Mini Sets and Discovery Sets are really good for.
The Sensoriam Commitment to 100% Natural Perfumes
At Sensoriam, we are dedicated to offering only 100% natural perfumes and home fragrances, including candles, essential oils, and room mists. We believe in full transparency and only use ingredients derived from nature, ensuring that our customers can enjoy beautiful scents without compromising their health.
By choosing natural perfumes, you not only avoid harmful synthetic chemicals but also embrace a more holistic, sustainable, and body-friendly approach to fragrance. Nature provides us with incredible aromatic treasures—let’s honor them and our well-being by making mindful choices.
For those interested in learning more about natural perfumes, Sensoriam’s founder, Jessica Kiely, runs immersive scent experiences in Bondi. These hands-on workshops offer a deeper understanding of botanical ingredients, allowing you to craft your own signature natural perfumes using the highest quality, 100% natural materials. Join us and reconnect with the art of natural perfumery!
