These chemical estrogens can cause early puberty, low testosterone, infertility, erectile dysfunction, male breast enlargement, and increased risk of hormone-related cancers.
You’ll find these hormone-disrupting compounds in:
Pesticides and herbicides
Plastics (especially soft plastics like water bottles and food containers)
Personal care products like shampoo, deodorant, and cologne
Conventional meat, dairy, and eggs
Microwaved food in plastic containers
Processed foods and preservatives
Atrazine
Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in U.S. agriculture — and a potent testosterone killer. Animal studies show that male frogs exposed to trace amounts of atrazine developed female sex organs and were effectively chemically castrated. Studies have shown similar effects in fish and reptiles.
In humans, atrazine exposure has been linked to suppressed testosterone, reduced sperm quality, and altered sexual development. Atrazine is commonly found in conventionally grown corn, grains, beans, and in drinking water – especially near farmland. It also accumulates in meat and dairy from animals fed corn-based feed.
Glyphosate
According to studies, more than 80-90% of Americans are exposed to glyphosate. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is another widely used herbicide with serious hormonal consequences. It interferes with the enzymes needed for testosterone production, damages testicular tissue, and suppresses testosterone secretion.
Research shows that glyphosate also acts as a xenoestrogen – boosting estrogen and increasing cancer risk.
Glyphosate is sprayed on most grains, legumes, and some nuts. It’s been detected in drinking water, tampons, and even clothing.
High Cortisol and Testosterone
Life has become busy and stressful. Jobs, money, family, climate change, rising prices, wars, and more. More people than ever are dealing with unprecedented levels of chronic stress. Stress not only impacts moods, sleep, and immune function, but the high cortisol from stress affects testosterone levels.
According to research from University of Texas at Austin, chronically elevated cortisol levels block testosterone production, decrease sperm count, increase impotence, and lower libido. In addition to the physical response, other side effects of stress like poor sleep, lowered thyroid function, and low energy also contribute to lower testosterone levels.
Obesity and Testosterone Levels
Obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood sugar are some of the biggest health issues facing U.S. men today. According to the CDC, 76% of men aged 25 or older are overweight or obese.
Overweight or obese men are likely candidates for reduced testosterone levels. A substantial body of evidence indicates obesity is one of the leading causes of low testosterone levels in men across all age groups.
Fat cells contain aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogen. Excess estrogen leads to weight gain, increasing aromatase levels and continuing the vicious cycle.
Other things decimating men’s testosterone levels include alcohol, marijuana, pharmaceutical medications, and chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
The silent health crisis the average man is struggling with:
He wakes up tired. He’s overloaded with stress — work, bills, relationships, kids. Cortisol climbs, testosterone levels drop.
Then the cravings hit. Junk food and takeout take the edge off, but they’re laced with chemicals that further hijack hormones. Belly fat grows, and so does estrogen.
Even basic routines betray the average man. Soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent are full of hormone-disrupting chemicals. After work, he skips the gym — he’s too drained — and cracks open a beer or two. That temporary relief increases the hormonal crash.
He’s stuck in a vicious cycle of low testosterone, high estrogen, and zero drive. Muscle fades, fat builds, libido disappears, and depression sets in. It’s not just aging — it’s a full-body shutdown.
And it’s happening to millions of men.
How to Fight Back
RFK Jr. is working to reclaim our food system—targeting pesticides, synthetic dyes, chemical additives, seed oils, and the chronic diseases they fuel. But real change also starts with awareness.
Understanding how hidden environmental toxins affect our hormones is essential — for ourselves and future generations. Awareness is the first step toward reclaiming hormonal health.
By reducing our exposure and committing to a cleaner diet, consistent movement, and smarter lifestyle choices, men can reclaim their vitality and protect their future.
Even though the environmental assault on testosterone is real, the tools to fight back are in our hands:
Ditch processed food and cook with real, whole ingredients. Cut sugars, refined grains, and seed oils.
Choose grass-fed meat, pastured eggs, and organic dairy — rich in protein, saturated fats, and micronutrients that support testosterone production.
Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens – avoid plastic, use natural personal care and cleaning products, and buy organic produce when possible.
Limit alcohol and marijuana.
Aim for regular, restorative sleep.
Lift heavy things. Sprint. Move with intensity. Strength training is one of the best ways to boost testosterone naturally.
Manage stress through movement, cold exposure, sunlight, and real human connection
The bottom line?