Manhood down the drain, everyday products could be wiping out your testosterone

POSTED: Thursday, November 27, 2014 - 12:58pm

UPDATED: Thursday, November 27, 2014 - 1:00pm

BATON ROUGE, LA (FOX44) The soap you're using to wash your hands and your body could be wiping out your testosterone. In fact, multiple studies are linking low testosterone to two chemicals Triclosan and Triclocarban.

These chemicals are found in everything from handsoap to toothpaste. You'll even find Triclosan and Triclocarban in some kitchen supplies like cutting boards and sponges.

The Food and Drug Administration is in the middle of what's called a monograph - essentially, they're investigating the safety of the chemicals. And, the companies who make antibacterial soaps will have to prove that the benefits of their products outweigh the health risks.

"Both chemicals affect testosterone production in men, as well as thyroid functions and endocrine systems as well," explains Dr. Todd Howell, the Medical Director for The Aestethic Medicine and Anti-Aging Clinics of Louisiana.

The US Federal Government approved the use of Triclosan and Triclocarban in 1993. Companies use the products to make their products antibacterial or antimicrobial. Howell explains, "I wouldn't go as far as saying all anti-bacterial soaps are bad. You definitely want to pick up your product and look at the label and look for triclosan or triclocarban."

Over the past 20 years, testosterone levels in adult men in the US have dropped by a third. Low testosterone levels can lead to depression, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, infertility - and the list goes on. Dr. Howell says other environmental factors can also lead to low testosterone levels. "Chemicals in plastic when we heat it - to pesticides. There are lots of things out there that we know for a fact increase estrogen and decrease testosterone levels in men," Howell explains.

The FDA is in a review process that will last until 2016 on the chemicals.

Click here for an Oxford study on the impacts of Triclosan.

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Manhood down the drain, everyday products could be wiping out your testosterone

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