Environmental medicine and immunology in Munich

Endocrine disruptors are external substances that can interfere with the hormonal system. They mimic hormones, for example, or disrupt their production and breakdown. These include certain plasticisers (phthalates) from plastics and cosmetics, some fragrance additives, pesticides and some metals. We encounter many of these substances every day in small amounts. How strongly they act in an individual case and what role they play in chronic diseases is being intensively researched. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has addressed this in numerous lectures and articles, for example on phthalates, aluminium and hormonally active substances in drinking water. One example is the lecture “Endocrine Disruptors as Potential Triggers of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases” (11th North German Symposium, German Professional Association of Clinical Environmental Physicians, 2021, in German). For you, this above all means: if you know the typical sources, you can often reduce them in everyday life with simple means.

Our practice is nicotine-free and perfume-free, and there are reasons for this. Perfume and fragrances can trigger allergies, breathlessness, headaches and dizziness in sensitive people. They are also discussed as a possible burden on the immune and hormonal systems. Some fragrance additives contain plasticisers such as phthalates, which are among the endocrine disruptors. Whether such substances – also together with plastic particles or heavy metals – can promote the development of hormone-dependent tumours is an open research question. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has been studying this for years, including in the article series “Perfume-Free Practice – Why?” (Co.med, 2018 and 2019, in German). For patients who react sensitively to fragrances, a fragrance-free environment is a relief. We therefore ask you to refrain from wearing perfume and strongly scented skincare products to your appointment.

Many questions in environmental medicine affect women in particular ways. Hormonally active substances can interfere with a hormonal balance that already changes greatly over the course of life – in the cycle, pregnancy and the menopause. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing therefore combines gynaecology and environmental medicine. In his work he looks into the question of whether environmental factors could play a role in endometriosis, Hashimoto's disease or hormone-dependent tumours. One example is the series “Environmental Medicine Aspects of Gynaecology” (CO’MED, 2016, in German). Many of these connections have not yet been conclusively clarified. In the consultation, this means: we include possible environmental factors in the assessment without overestimating them, and we treat your symptoms in line with guidelines and holistically.

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury or cadmium, as well as aluminium, are found in the environment, food and some everyday products. At higher exposure, metals can affect nerves, kidneys and the hormonal system. Whether you have a relevant exposure can only be assessed by a careful medical history and targeted laboratory tests – not by symptoms alone. If an exposure is confirmed, we first clarify where it comes from and how it can be avoided. Depending on the findings, detoxification therapy or chelation therapy may then be an option. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has published on toxic metals, including the chapter “Antidota” in the Handbook of Clinical Metal Toxicology (2016, in German).

As an immunological practice, we also care for patients with weakened defences or frequent infections. In addition there are symptoms after a COVID-19 infection such as chronic exhaustion, lack of drive and tiredness. The immune system is in close exchange with the hormonal and nervous systems. Lack of sleep, stress, nutrient deficiencies and pollutants can place additional strain on its balance. That is why we look at these areas together. We use our immunotherapies – such as immune infusions, acupuncture or intravenous laser therapy – as a complement and tailored to the individual. For Long Covid there is so far no generally recognised causal treatment. The aim is to support you and ease symptoms. You will find more on this on the Immunotherapy and Long Covid pages.