Fluoride's Impact On The Endocrine System

Many glands in the endocrine system are affected by fluoride

The Endocrine System is the hormones created and released by the glands in your body’s endocrine system control nearly all the processes in your body. These chemicals help coordinate your body’s functions, from metabolism to growth and development, emotions, mood, sexual function, and sleep.”(ClevlandClinic.org, 2023) The effects of fluoride on the endocrine system have been the subject of scientific investigation. Let’s look at some of the glands and the research findings on fluoride's potential impact on the endocrine system.

1. Thyroid gland: Evidence suggests that fluoride may interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Fluoride has been associated with inhibiting iodine uptake, which is necessary for synthesizing thyroid hormones. Some studies have reported alterations in thyroid hormone levels and an increased risk of hypothyroidism (low-functioning thyroid) in areas with high fluoride exposure. However, the findings are inconsistent, and more research is needed to understand the potential effects of fluoride on the thyroid. This can potentially result in altered thyroid function and disruption of the body's metabolic processes, including blood pressure and weight. “During the years 2007–2016, the Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children (PFPC) has reported over 190 studies on the effects of fluoride on thyroid hormones, including studies on both animals and humans. … It was found that F impacts human thyroid hormones, especially TSH and T3, even in the standard concentration of less than 0.5mg/L.”(Kheradpisheh et al., 2018)

2. Fluoride can interfere with calcium homeostasis, which is regulated by various endocrine glands, including the parathyroid glands. Studies have shown that fluoride exposure can disrupt calcium metabolism, leading to parathyroid hormone levels and bone health alterations. See my first post, What Is Fluoride, for information on calcium and fluoride.

1. Pineal gland: The pineal gland regulates various physiological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle and the production of the hormone melatonin. “The pineal gland was commonly called the “third eye” for many reasons, including its location deep in the center of the brain and its connection to light via the circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion.” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022) Some studies have suggested that fluoride may accumulate in the pineal gland and potentially affect its function. And Clubek et al., in their review of the research, state, “It has been observed that the fluoride content in pineal gland apatite is higher than in any other natural apatite and may even reach 21000 mg/kg.”(Clubek et al., 2020)

2. Reproductive system: Several studies have investigated the potential effects of fluoride on the reproductive system. Some animal studies have reported alterations in reproductive hormones and adverse effects on fertility, while others have not found significant effects. Some studies have explored the potential effects of fluoride on reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Animal studies have reported alterations in reproductive hormone levels and reproductive outcomes with high fluoride exposure. New research is coming out better to understand fluoride's effects on human reproductive hormones. (see my previous post on testosterone)

3. Adrenal and pituitary glands: The impact of fluoride on the adrenal and pituitary glands, which are involved in hormone regulation, has been explored in limited studies. Some animal studies have reported changes in adrenal and pituitary gland function in response to fluoride exposure. However, the relevance of these findings to human health and the clinical significance requires further investigation. The adrenal glands produce hormones, including cortisol, which regulates stress response and metabolism and influence blood pressure.

It is important to note that much research on fluoride's effects on the endocrine system has focused on high fluoride exposure levels (Above 1.5mg/L or 4mg/L), often exceeding those typically encountered in human populations. However, the body circulation materials within it, sometimes concentrating it, “Under normal conditions, soft tissue organs contain little or no fluoride. However, with impaired kidney function or prolonged fluoride exposure, relatively large amounts of fluoride can accumulate in soft tissues.”(Monsour & Kruger, 1985) Although we are told the established limits aim to ensure that fluoride exposure remains within safe levels that do not adversely affect the endocrine system, even Monsour & Kruger’s summary of the research was able to document that fluoride will concentrate in the soft tissues (organs) even at levels lower than the lowest limit imposed by The World Health Organization of 1.5mg/L.

In conclusion, while some studies suggest the potential effects of fluoride on the endocrine system, the evidence is not consistent, and further research is needed to establish a clearer understanding of fluoride's impact on endocrine function, particularly at typical human exposure levels…or lower!

What are your thoughts about this subject? Join the chat, and let’s discuss it.

Resources

Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council. Draft NHMRC Information Paper: Effects of water fluoridation on dental and other health outcomes submission. July 2017. https://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/public_consultations/submissions/WFD/6173.html

Cleveland Clinic. Endocrine System. 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21201-endocrine-system

Cleveland Clinic. What Is The Pineal Gland? 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23334-pineal-gland#:~:text=The%20pineal%20gland%20was%20commonly,circadian%20rhythm%20and%20melatonin%20secretion.

Chlubek D, Sikora M. Fluoride and Pineal Gland. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10(8):2885. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10082885.

Kheradpisheh, Zohreh, Masoud Mirzaei, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Mehdi Mokhtari, Reyhane Azizi, Hossein Fallahzadeh, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush. Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case-Control Study. Nature. Scientific Reports | (2018) 8:2674 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4.pdf

Marta Skórka-Majewicz, Marta Goschorska, Wojciech Żwierełło, Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka, Daniel Styburski, Patrycja Kapczuk, Izabela Gutowska. Effect of fluoride on endocrine tissues and their secretory functions -- a review. Chemosphere. Volume 260. 2020. 127565. ISSN 0045-6535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127565.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653520317604)

Monsour and Kruger. EFFECT OF FLUORIDE ON SOFT TISSUES IN VERTEBRATES (A REVIEW). Fluoride Archives 1968-1998. 1985. Pp 53 - 61. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/83982843.pdf