TABLE
OF CONTENTS /
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
PREFACE
BY JOHN MCLACHLAN, PH.D.
FOREWORD BY
JOHN R. LEE, M.D.
FOREWORD
BY
JONATHAN V. WRIGHT, M.D.
PART
I:
WHAT ARE
HORMONE DISRUPTORS?
INTRODUCTION
HORMONES
– MESSENGERS OF LIFE
Offers
a fascinating yet simple explanation of hormones
– the basic signals
of life and the body's messenger service. Introduces the concept of
hormone disruption –
the way in which environmental chemicals in everyday food and products
can affect and alter the basic signals of life, including those that
are handed down to the next generations.
ALIEN HORMONE MESSENGERS
Where
hormone disruptors come from, how they differ from natural hormones,
how they enter our bodies, and what they can do. Includes a chart of
known and suspected hormone disruptors.
ALL
ABOUT ESTROGEN
Describes estrogen and other natural hormones and the
biochemical role they play in our health, and the problems created by
too much estrogen (and other hormones out of balance) when chemicals
from the environment act like hormones in our bodies.
THE
CANARIES IN THE MINE
Shows
how and why the daughters and sons of mothers who took DES (the first
synthetic estrogen), are the main model for hormone disruption.
PART
II:
HOW HORMONE DISRUPTORS
MAY AFFECT YOU
IN
THE WOMB
AND AT THE BREAST
Shows how the fetus in the womb and infants are the
most vulnerable to hormone disruption. Includes a simple explanation
of genetic biology and how breast milk is affected by hormone disruptors.
CHILDREN
Shows how these compounds can affect the health of some
of our children in relation to childhood diseases, early puberty, sexual
identity, behavior (such as Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity),
and intelligence. Examines the issue of pesticides in the food children
eat. Includes helpful hints for protecting children from hormone disruption.
MEN'S REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS
Reproductive abnormalities in the male, such as lowered
sperm count, smaller penises, and testicular cancer, are discussed.
How masculine and feminine behavior, and even basic gender identity
and sexual choices, may be affected.
WOMEN'S
HEALTH
Women's
health issues –
including birth control and fertility, pregnancy, fibroids, endometriosis,
and even yeast infections –
are examined in light of hormone disruption. How women are affected
by hormone disruptors differently than are men.
BREAST
CANCER
The connection between chemicals in the environment and
breast cancer is examined. How many scientific studies that find no
connection may be asking the wrong questions.
SYNTHETIC
HORMONES AND MENOPAUSE
The question of hormone replacement therapy for menopause
is re-examined in light of new information about synthetic hormones.
The importance of balancing all hormones, not just estrogen and/or progesterone,
even for women with no uterus.
OTHER
HEALTH CONDITIONS
Diseases that affect both men and women, such as lupus,
thyroid and adrenal problems, diabetes, allergies, blood pressure, and
aging.
PART
III: WHAT YOU CAN DO
FOOD AND DRINK
An
encyclopedia of practical suggestions, covering the food we eat and
the water we drink. Includes a list of which fruits and vegetables are
the most and least contaminated, the differences between organic and
non-organic foods, and examines the controversies over soy and chlorinated
water.
DETOXIFICATION
Methods
of detoxification –
ways to get this stuff out of us –
are explained and discussed, as well as scientific validation for detox.
Includes simple dietary strategies for getting rid of hormone disruptors.
ROOM-BY-ROOM
HOUSE TOUR
provides guidelines for minimizing our exposure to hormone
disruptors in our homes, which have been shown to be our major source
of contamination. Includes list indicating which household products
contain "troubling" ingredients and which are deemed safe.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We
look at the ways in which we can help and show how consumership is a
powerful tool for change. Discusses which government agencies are involved
in the question of hormone disruption. Includes list of the top 10 actions
for minimizing exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals
APPENDIX
A: THE CHEMICALS IN EVERYDAY PRODUCTS
Goes into detail about the various chemicals that are
known and suspected hormone disruptors. Includes plastics, detergents,
pesticides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants such as
dioxin.
APPENDIX
B:
NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT AND HORMONE POTENTIATORS
Explains Natural Hormone Replacement and Hormone Potentiators,
alternate ways of treating menopausal symptoms rather than with synthetic
hormone replacement therapy. Includes lifestyle and food changes for
reducing symptoms, and suggests ways to work with your doctor to individualize
any hormonal treatment.
APPENDIX
C: LISTS AND CHARTS
Includes a list
of all the names under which DES and pharmaceutical estrogens were manufactured
and a chart showing the association between breast cancer and pesticides
in human studies.
APPENDIX
D: RESOURCES
A list of resources, including toll-free numbers, websites
and email addresses for further information.