Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile

by Anthony G. Jay

The devastating truth about a class of chemicals called "estrogenics" and how your daily exposures can cause weight-gains, depression, infertility and many other exploding health problems.

In this book, Dr. Anthony G. Jay offers a clear and honest look

Genres: Health, Science, Nonfiction, Biology, Self Help, Nutrition, Medicine

296 pages, Hardcover

Published January 26, 2017

About the author

Anthony G. Jay, known as "Dr. Jay", is the author of Estrogeneration. Dr. Jay grew up homeschooling in rural Minnesota and then completed a double major in Biology and Theology with minors in Classics and Chemistry from Ave Maria University, Florida. Next, Dr. Jay earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine, researching fats and cholesterol. Today, Dr. Jay leads the AJ Consulting Company, where he analyzes DNA to personalize people's diet, training, and health strategies. Dr. Jay also has a weekly YouTube health series called "Chagrin & Tonic" and he is researching stem cells and epigenetics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn on this one because it was very eye opening on how pervasive and dangerous estrogenics are. My recap if you don't know what they are: chemicals, typically found in plastics, that mimic estrogen hormones and can have harmful effects on the human body like infertility, cancer, etc. I walked away being more aware of things to avoid (parabens in personal care producta, phthalates in lots of things, atrazide-treated-anything, red dye #3 and 40, APEs in soaps, BP and 4-MBC in sunscreens, BPA and BPS in plastic). However, the writing was not as scientific as I wanted? It cited plenty of studies and research, but gave the reader a SUPER BASIC summary, or used justifications like "this chemical name has ____ word in it so it must have these characteristics" or "this paper title means this event is happening." Another telling piece is that I had to borrow a copy of this book through inter-library loan from OHIO because no library closet owned it. I'm not saying its not trust-worthy, but no one owning it is a little concerning. I think more research on my own will be necessary but it was a good start to get thinking about how to recognize these toxic chemicals.

[Whitney Grindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help. This book has both ruined my life and also made it so much better.

[Lizlemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. But first, wait until you are prepared mentally & financially to make a lot of inconvenient & expensive permanent life-style changes. It can be discouraging if you go into this book unprepared.

[Chris Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary and fascinating read

Writing style is a bit goofy, but by the end of reading it you will throw out all of the plastic in your house, but an infrared sauna, and stress out over everything you eat.

[David Korobov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the best writing, but the information provided is absolutely critical.

[Katie Kolodzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is 3-4 stars, but the subject is a 5-star level of importance.

[Julya Savina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I was familiar with some of the “bad things to avoid” that are mentioned in this book. I however, did not understand the extent of their reach and all the trans generational effects they have. Because that’s a big issue. It’s not just that small plastic things are creating waste or whatnot, but the cumulative poisoning that even polar bears or wild alligators can’t get away from with the global use (and dispersion) of plastics and birth control and pesticides that all add artificial estrogen to the water and air. Plus the other toxic ramifications of things like pesticides. And it’s not just for people in the here and now. Second and third generations bear the consequences: infertility, depression, obesity.

The author writes with a simple style so it’s easy to get though, and none of it seems intimidating. It’s a quick enough read and he does assemble some plans of action for those that are motivated - if not for themselves, then for their children. I would add “and the fate of the human race” but doesn’t it seem like we’re all jaded when it comes to that lately anyway?
All in all, I recommend this read, even if you don’t want to make any changes in your life. His skepticism and lessons in how to read scientific studies so you can make up your own mind is great on its own.

[Steve McMillen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into reading this book expecting to love it, having appreciated what I would consider similar self-help/biohacker/digestible science books. It came recommended by a few authors I quite like.

However, I couldn’t get past the tone of the book. This is two-fold. First, it was written in a way that tried to be approachable science, but it didn’t work for me. He mixes science with bad puns, real-life stories, and jokes. But a combination of those add-ins feeling forced, but also feeling like I’m being talked at/down to, turned me off. Second, I listened to this on audible, and the narration was so hard to get past mentally. His cadence and vocal tone were terrible to listen to.

I appreciate and believe the message of avoiding these chemicals, and I likely will slightly alter some behaviors. But about a quarter of the way through I felt like I was listening to someone trying to convince me that 5G was bad. It felt biased, dramatized, and borderline exaggerated. I acknowledge that part of this is how ignorant we are as a society (especially the US) toward these chemicals, but my take was that it was over the top.

[Ryan Headley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely eye-opening on the subject on estrogenics and how excessively prevalent they are in everyone’s lives. Dr. Jay did an excellent job identifying the top 10 most common estrogenics, their health effects, and advice on how to combat/avoid them. I will certainly keep my eye out to avoid red food coloring and other estrogenics from now on. I would also like to see more unbiased research done on in this field.

[Denis Romanovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is about exposure to estrogen-like particles that we experience daily in our life and impact to our health by the "estrogenic" environment. Unfortunately, the book does not explain any details on the chemistry, pathways and mechanics of the damage. It just states that excessuve exposure is bad. It's not enough for me. Well, it least now I know more about the environmental sources of estrogen.

[Mark Polino · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is good, if scary. I wish there better options at the end. A lot of the author’s personal life and style come through in the book, maybe too much. This book leans toward simple explanations, but I found some of them too simple. In a book like this I want the extra depth. It’s also repetitive in places to emphasize the point. Less repeat, more depth. But all of this is style.

[Patrick Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and informative

Its encouraging to see people like Dr. Jay going against the grain and keeping the conversation honest about our health. This was all news to me and I am the better for hearing it. I hope to contribute to an overall change in our country and how we view the harmful effects of estrogenics by avoiding them the best I can. I especially liked the summary at the end. Please do yourself and the USA a favor and read this book!

[LumberJack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! Plus, the educational info on what estrogenic’s to avoid is beyond life changing. Dr. Jay talks about how exercise can expell the estrogenic’s so that you can live a somewhat non-estrogenic life. This book is worth it’s weight in gold and more. I’ve bought a 2nd book as a Christmas gift for my Mother as she’s super interested in this sort of stuff as well.

[Dmitry Tananko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening info with systemic approach on how to address estrogen problem

Excellent book about worldwide problem that a few know about. Invest your time in it. Well worth it. And written very well with mix of personal and scientific content.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty eye opening stuff. You realize just how much we are ingesting estrogenics. Comes down to eliminating plastics, eating naturally raised, unprocessed food and making sure your water is filtered. Well written and easy read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of information and referencing studies, mixed with some fun personal stories. And i loved the actionable steps to reduce our exposure to estrogens.

[Manuchi Gaudes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abschluss Teil mit den Actionable Steps sowie Zusammenfasussubg der Kapittel am Ende hätten es auch getan. Vorher sehr wissenschaftlich geschrieben, und die persönlichen Fischer Geschichten waren auch lame.

Zusammenfassung für mich :

Ersten Prinzipien :

1.Wissenschaftliche Studien immer kritisch betrachten wenn sie positiv über etwas berichten was gekauft/ vermarket werden kann.

2.Ernährungsprinzip :

Möglichst unverarbeitet aus organischen , natürlichen Quellen am besten regional, nicht in Plastik verpackt und in gesundem Setting gezüchtet

3. Gesundheitliche Schäden kumulieren durch Epigenetische weitervereerbung

Top 10 Substanzen die körpereigenen Hormon Östrogen ähneln ( In unserer Umwelt Künstlich von außen in zu hohen Mengen )

1.Phytoöstrogene ( noch am harmlosesten ) aus Pflanzennahrung Soja, Leinsamen können bei natürliche Östrogenmangel helfen ansonsten meiden
auch Gras/Cannabis/Lavendel als ätherisches Öl meiden

2.Mycoöstrogene ( Durch Pilzebefalll Schimmel aufpassen bei Getreide, Nüssen etc. richtig lagern )

3.Atrazine Rückstände aus Mais, Getreide, Trinkwasser in landwirtschaftlichen Regionen. Endokriner Disruptor, fördert Aromatase (→ Testosteron zu Östrogen).

4 & 5 Seifen & Reinigungsmittel Triclosan & Alkylphenole: Seifen, Waschmittel Zahnpasta, Deos etc

6: UV-Filter: Benzophenone (BP) & 4-MBC (4-Methylbenzylidencamphor)

Quellen: Sonnencremes, Kosmetika.
Wirkung: Östrogenartige Aktivität, kann in Blut und Muttermilch nachgewiesen werden.

7. Rote Farbstoffe E127 & E129 Süßigkeiten, Softdrinks, Fertigprodukte, Backwaren = Hormonaktiv & krebserregend

8. Parabene (Konservierungsstoffe) Parfümes

9. Phthalate,BPA & BPS (Weichmacher)in Plastikflaschen, Lebensmittelverpackungen, Spielzeug, Folien

10. EE2 Quellen: Synthetisches Östrogen in Antibabypillen, gelangt ��ber Urin ins Abwasser, schwer abbaubar.Wirkt stark hormonaktiv, beeinflusst Fortpflanzung und Umwelt.

Östrogene lieben Fett hydrophob/ lipophil durchschnittliches Leben Fettzelle = 1.5 Jahre, können bis zu 10 Jahren leben viszeral Fett etc. bei übergewichtigen. Östrogen bleibt so lange im Körper bis Fetteinlagerung verbrannt ist.

Teufelskreis da Fettzellen selbst Östrogene und gespeicherte Xenoöstrogene freisetzen, diese wiederum die Fetteinlagerung fördern – wodurch noch mehr Fett und damit noch mehr Östrogen entsteht.

Desto mehr Fett desto mehr Östrogen

Östrogene mitverantwortlich für Testodrop, Depressionen, Krebs, Fruchtbarkeit, schlechtes Immunsystem, Blutgerinnsel, Fettleibigkeit

[Liam York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good information. I consider myself informed and still learned from this book, though it is presented as very elementary. The whole book is essentially in preparation of the last chapter as what you can do to avoid artificial estrogen. The why and what are critical for knowledge in how to avoid and motivation to avoid.

[Kurisu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend if you care about your health and your offsprings' health. This book is intended to highlight estrogenic problems for both men and women.

[Savannah Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throwing away every plastic dish I own

[Samvid Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is fun, and the information covered is critical. I have no doubt about the claims and risks outlined in the book, however, I have mixed feelings about the way the findings are presented. And I just don't get the point of the diagrams peppered throughout the book which convey very little information, for me at least. I would've appreciated if the author went into a little more detail in the studies he cited. I love how each chapter starts with a story. Unfortunately the avoidance plans outlined in the book are harder to follow in less developed countries and requires a fair amount of monetary investment, but that just goes to show how pervasive the problem has become.

[Riley Scanlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super helpful for my biohacking journey! The author challenges modern science and the government to give an honest take on how estrogen is are effecting us. I will admit parts of this book are hard to keep up with and not everyone will want to know all of the info in here. But regardless the last chapter is something I feel everyone should know and be aware of! Definitely give it a read!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and scary. Worth a read to see what we are up against to be healthy.

[Laura McAninch · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will simply look at the world differently after reading this book. Everything you consume going forward will have you rehashing this book. It is a must read.
Life changing.

[Nicole Sawchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this a book more people should read. The chemicals in our environment are having a huge impact on our health and lives and we are the ones who can push for a change.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is eye-opening and provides an action plan to help avoid the estrogenics described.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revolutionary and illuminating. Scary stuff but clearly shows how impactful and destructive environmental toxins and plastic products can be. A Must read.

[GARY DEANGELIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

Read this book of you are concerned about your health at all!
Let your doctor know about this health issue.

[Ona Nama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poor writing and some solid science sprinkled with mostly questionable content that left me with a ton of questions.

The writing:
It sucks. It's like he's writing for someone that reads one book per decade or something. Every chapter begins with a little travelogue- or memoir-ish story. Often the stories are about fishing, but sometimes about his college party days or riding a motorcycle with some girl that friendzoned him (yes he actually talks about getting friend-zoned and yes that story is as cringey as it sounds). He also includes lots of nifty little factoids that are followed by "yeeeaaahhh." or proceeded by "hmmmm." It's all just terribly written.
There are also graphs and graphics throughout that he often doesn't bother to label the axes for some reason and most of a page is dedicated to a very cheesy doodle info-graphic of a light switch being compared to how xenoestrogens can cause obesity.

Soy/Grains:
There's a lot of focus on soy but the author does also bring up several times that flax is far worse than soy. Almost all grains are also off-limits according to his diet plans mostly thanks to a variety of fungi. I couldn't help but think of the generations of humans across the globe that subsisted mostly on grains that were not fungi-free, many of these people wore linen which is made with flax, and in some areas in east and south Asia ate a lot of soy. How did these hundreds of generations continue if all of this is supposedly making them infertile?

Cannabis:
I'm glad the author was willing to include the research on the estrogenic effects of weed. Since THC is now sold in nearly every store of any kind in the US in products ranging from shampoo and lip balm to coffee creamers and lollipops, it would have been nice to include some info on that.

Chemicals:
All the info on birth controls, plastics, parabens, artificial dyes and flavors, soaps, pesticides, fungicides, and phthalates seemed more solid. The author points out how a lot of countries have been restricting this stuff but the US has fallen far behind on this, even when compared to Russia or less developed countries. He cites a lot of research showing the harm they can cause.

"Anti-" science:
The author also spends a few sections discussing the very real problems that many scientific fields are in. He writes about cliques and biases and how, in order to keep their jobs, many scientists have to publish more articles not better researched ones. But he's doing this in a book where he quotes a lot of scientific articles! It all reads as if he searches for articles that agree with him and when he finds them he uses the article and data. Great! When he can't find them, well that just proves that there is a scientific clique that is conspiring to... I don't know, give everyone cancer, I suppose?
My favorite example of his semi-anti-science bias is the section where he wrote about how some economist had an arithmetic error in his publication that threw off a couple of people trying to replicate his work. Every mathematician can be guilty of an occasional arithmetic error, why was this worthy of note? Should we discredit his whole book if someone finds a typo?

Other stuff:
I'm sure vegans, vegetarians, marijuana smokers, and essential oil fans wouldn't bother reading this. Just a thought I had throughout the book, but again I think back to places that are mostly veg, enjoy inhaling some THC and lavender incense, wear flax and hemp, eat lots of soy and flax and processed black beans and grains, and yet somehow have large populations despite all of this supposedly making them obese, cancer riddled, infertile, and depressed. And all of that is supposed to compound with each generation?? Idk it just doesn't add up.
I first became interested in this topic after hearing about how xenoestrogens may be linked to the ever increasing rates of breast and reproductive cancers in men and women, but a lot of the actual science in the United States is being buried under the crazy ass "Soyboy food is making men into weak women we should all be hunting bears and eating raw liver at every meal" narrative. This book kind of straddles the line between those two.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that’ll make you reconsider food, packaging, laws/regulations and the impacts little things have on our health. The book was fascinating and also troubling. Fascinating in the sense that I was naive to a lot more than I originally thought and learned a lot. But also troubling considering the harmful chemicals that are very difficult to avoid for the average person. Most of the chapters were easy to read and pretty basic enough for anyone to understand. I think for a book discussing chemicals, too much depth would have turned this book into a textbook. However if studying some of the topics in the book is a deep interest, there are certainly other options out there that probably go more into the specifics.

In terms of what I took away from the book, I mostly felt a sense of anger that health agencies continue to push aside the best interests of consumers. Towards the end of the book, the author provides Gold, Silver and Bronze level plans for implementing lifestyle changes. It is a section of the book I’ll look back on but also a section that made me more passionate about systematic change. Following his guide is not cheap, it is not convenient and is not possible for many people who don’t have the financial resources. So it’s frustrating that despite scientific evidence and advancements in technology, books like this exist. It’s a necessary read in my opinion.