Mycotoxins as endocrine disruptors

Mycotoxins as endocrine disruptors

How mycotoxins are behind hormonal and endocrine imbalances

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body's hormone systems. Mycotoxins like zearaleone (ZEN) can mimic estrogen, disrupt hormone production and metabolism, and have been linked to negative reproductive and metabolic health outcomes. Other mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, also have endocrine-disrupting potential, with ZEN's metabolites showing strong estrogenic effects.

That's why very often, the woman in the house or the mother in the family is the first one who begins with symptoms. After the menarque, the hormonal system of the woman is very sensibel and have many fluctuations during the day and the menstrual cycle.

How mycotoxins disrupt the endocrine system:

• Mimic hormones:

Some mycotoxins, like zearalenone, are structurally similar to natural hormones (specifically estrogen) and can bind to hormone receptors, disrupting normal signaling pathways.

• Alter hormone production:

They can affect the production, metabolism, and signaling of various hormones, including progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone, according to ScienceDirect.com.

• Affect metabolic balance:

Mycotoxins can disrupt metabolic processes, including lipid and glucose metabolism, and alter the levels of hormones like adipokines (e.g., adiponectin and resistin) that regulate energy balance, notes NIH and NIH.

That's why many people with mycotoxins often have glucose imbalances, insuline resistance, diabetes, problems with the pancreas...

• Cause reproductive and developmental issues:

Exposure to certain mycotoxins can lead to adverse reproductive outcomes such as reduced sperm quality, menstrual irregularities, and an increased risk of miscarriage, say Journal of IVF-Worldwide.

Common mycotoxins and their endocrine-disrupting effects:

• Zearalenone (ZEA):

A potent estrogenic mycotoxin which can cause a range of endocrine disruptions, including impacts on reproductive health and metabolism.

• Aflatoxin 𝐵1 (AFB1):

Known as a potent carcinogen, it has also been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor.

• Ochratoxin A (OTA):

This mycotoxin, often found in grains, coffee, and wine, is also considered a potential endocrine disruptor.

• Alternariol (AOH):

Produced by Alternaria fungi, it has estrogenic activity and is considered an endocrine disruptor,notes Egas Moniz School of Health & Science.

These are just a couple of mycotoxins, but it depends on the genetic predisposition of each individual which body system is going to suffer the first after having contact with mycotoxins. After my experience, each person who had contact with mycotoxins is going to have in some way an endocrine disruption and other symptoms.

That's why it is so important to know more about them.

Let's have a look at your test!!