Are Your Cleaners Disrupting Your Hormones? The Case for Non-Toxic Cleaning Products in Menopause

I’ve always used non-toxic cleaning products in my home — mostly because I had kids and didn’t want them crawling around on floors sprayed with chemicals. I use them in my clinic too, where synthetic smells can be overwhelming for clients (and honestly, for me). The artificial fragrances in most store-bought cleaners used to give me an instant headache. So using something gentler and plant-based was an easy choice.

But when I hit perimenopause, I started experiencing the usual — night sweats, stubborn weight around my middle, disrupted sleep, a bit of moodiness I couldn’t quite shake. Like many women, I chalked it up to hormones doing their thing.

Still, the practitioner in me wanted to understand more. So I researched. I looked into everything — food, stress, liver support, and yes… even my cleaning products.

That’s when I found out that common household cleaners can contain endocrine disruptors. These are chemicals that actually interfere with our hormone balance. And while I felt relieved that I’d already been using non-toxic products for years, it was still interesting.

For women in midlife, even low-level exposures to hormone-disrupting chemicals can intensify the symptoms we’re already navigating.

Now I look for products that actively support wellness with ingredients like antimicrobial essential oils and naturally calming scents. That’s what led me to the products I now use daily in my home and clinic.

DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and decide to purchase anything, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please note that the information shared in this post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness routine or making changes to your health regimen. For more information, please read my Disclaimer.

What Are Hormone Disruptors (and Why Do They Matter in Menopause)?

Hormone disruptors, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are substances that mimic or block your natural hormones. They show up in places you’d never expect — like that lemon-scented countertop spray or your laundry detergent.

During menopause, when your hormones are already doing their own rollercoaster ride, these chemicals can make symptoms worse.

Common disruptors in cleaning products include:

• Phthalates (often hidden in the word “fragrance”)
• Parabens
• Triclosan
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates
• Ammonia and bleach (not EDCs themselves, but harsh on the liver — which processes hormones)

Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives has shown that these chemicals may contribute to hormone-sensitive cancers, thyroid issues, weight gain, and anxiety. All of which hit a little too close to home when you’re already in the menopause years.

Why I Use Lotus Natural Living

When I started looking for non-toxic cleaning products, I wanted something that was more than just “green” on the label. I wanted products that were actually clean, safe, and supportive of my body, especially my hormones.

Lotus Natural Living was the answer. Their products are made with thoughtfully chosen ingredients, including some of the most effective essential oils for cleaning and hormone support: lemongrass, geranium, and rosemary.

Let me break down the science behind each one, because this isn’t just about smelling good , it’s about feeling good too.

The Power of Plants: Essential Oils That Clean and Support Your Hormones

Lemongrass – Antibacterial and Uplifting

Lemongrass oil is a superstar when it comes to fighting bacteria and freshening your space. A study published in Letters in Applied Microbiology found that lemongrass essential oil is highly effective against bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. That means it’s tough on germs, without being tough on your body.

For us midlife women, lemongrass also offers subtle support for the nervous system. It’s known in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and mental fatigue. Sound familiar? Thanks to fluctuating estrogen and cortisol!

Geranium – Hormone Harmonizer and Stress Soother

Geranium oil might just be one of the most underrated oils for women’s health. It’s antimicrobial, antifungal, and beautifully calming. One clinical study found that inhaling geranium essential oil helped reduce anxiety in women. While that study focused on labor, the emotional ups and downs of menopause can feel just as intense.

There’s also traditional use and growing anecdotal evidence that geranium oil helps support hormone balance. It won’t replace your hormones, but it might help soothe some of the emotional and energetic symptoms that come with shifting levels.

Rosemary – Brain Fog Buster and Germ Fighter

Raise your hand if you’ve ever walked into a room during menopause and forgotten why you were there. (I see you.)

Rosemary essential oil has been shown to support memory and cognitive function. A 2012 study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology found that rosemary oil improved alertness and working memory in adults.

But rosemary isn’t just for your brain — it’s a powerful disinfectant too. It’s been shown to fight off a range of bacteria, and even mold. I love that it gives me a sense of mental clarity and a clean countertop.

Choosing Non-Toxic Cleaning Products is Self-Care

In midlife, our bodies become more sensitive. And I believe that’s not something to fix, it’s something to honor.

If you’re already eating more real food, moving your body, and doing the inner work of this stage of life, cleaning up your home environment is the natural next step.

Here’s how to get started:

• Read your labels — if it says “fragrance” without details, put it back.
• Look for non-toxic cleaning products made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils.
• Try replacing just one product — maybe your all-purpose spray or your laundry detergent — and see how your space (and body) feels.

Final Thoughts

I like knowing that the products I use every day aren’t quietly working against my hormones. I like that my house smells like real plants instead of synthetic “fresh linen.” And I like that I’m supporting my well-being with something as simple as what I spray on my counters.

If you’re looking for a gentle but powerful way to support your hormone health, reduce toxic load, and feel more grounded at home, I can’t recommend Lotus Natural Living . enough.

It’s not just clean. It’s wise. Like you.

Have you started swapping out your household products for non-toxic ones? What have you noticed? I’d love to hear your experience — drop a comment or send me a note.