I’m amazed that for the sake of reducing one’s symptoms, we don’t consider what other symptoms can be brought on by ingredients that are synthetic, especially for those of us with allergies and weakened immune systems. Natural progesterone is the exact same hormone that is produced by a woman's ovaries. It's made from naturally occurring plant steroids found in the wild yam. It is NOT the synthetic version that is commonly purchased as tablets with a prescription such as Provera. The synthetic progesterone can produce severe side effects, including increased risk of cancer, abnormal menstrual flow, fluid retention, nausea, skin rashes, migraines and depression. Side effects are extremely rare with natural progesterone. The only side effect of concern is that it might slightly alter the timing of the menstrual cycle. 100% Natural progesterone cream is available through healthcare practitioners and some specialty pharmacies. I finally found a manufacturer that actually produces natural progesterone cream with absolutely no synthetics. You can actually pronounce all the ingredients – a rarity in personal care products.
Many women report that progesterone creams either don’t reduce their symptoms, make them worse, or bring on new symptoms of allergic reactions. It’s no wonder, when you look at the majority of creams on the market and what they contain. One very popular cream touted by health food stores and some professionals contains the following ingredients that can trigger an allergic response:
Isopropyl Myristate – A partly natural, partly synthetic chemical used as an emollient and lubricant to reduce the greasy feel due to the high oil content of other ingredients. Known to cause allergic reactions.
Cetyl esters – Derived from cetyl alcohol. May be natural or synthetic. Used as emollient and texturizer. Can cause skin rash and allergic reactions.
Tocopheroal (natural mixed tocophenols) – The word “mixed” means it is derived from both natural and synthetic vitamin E sources.
Triethanolamine – Is an amino alcohol made from ammonia and ethylene oxide and merchandised as so-called “natural” products.
TEA – Used as a wetting agent. TEA is not carcinogenic, however, if products containing this ingredient contain nitrosamines (not usually disclosed on labels), they can cause a chemical reaction during formulation or as they sit on store shelves. This reaction leads to the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. The FDA accepts that the presence of TEA in skin care products poses a significant consumer health threat. In 1970 it published a notice in the Federal Register urging the industry to remove this ingredient from cosmetic type products. Obviously the urging didn’t remove the ingredient – TEA is still widely used.
Quaternium 15 – is formaldehyde in disguise. It is registered with the EPA as a pesticide and is considered a neurotoxin. It is used as an antibacterial agent.
Do not allow a well-meaning sales person to sell you something as important as a hormone replacement just because it happens to be what they’re “featuring” that month or because that month they were offered a purchase incentive. Learn to read labels – it’s your health. If you don’t recognize the ingredients as a natural substance, don’t buy it. The additives cause many allergic reactions and escalation of symptoms. One lady I know got rid of her hot flashes with an over-the-counter progesterone cream and developed allergies, psoriasis, depression and headaches. She consulted with several medical doctors to no avail, and finally consulted with me for advice. Since I had a similar experience, I suggested she read the labels on all the products she used for personal care within the past 90 days. To her amazement, her progesterone cream contained ingredients she had reacted to previously in cosmetics and hair care products. She stopped using the cream and within three weeks her symptoms were gone. Now she uses the same progesterone cream I’ve personally used, formulated by Organic Excellence, with no side effects, Naturally.
This and subsequent articles are for the purpose of education and to provide support to the millions afflicted with allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity syndromes. To share your stories of challenges, solutions and experiences involving living with multiple chemical sensitivities, as well as any negative experiences with drug side effects or negative experiences in receiving health care, please mail or fax your story to:
Gloria Gilbére, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.
Gilbére Research Associates • P.O. Box 1565 • Sandpoint,
ID 83864 • USA
Office phone 1-360-352-3646 (7:30am-3pm Pacific Time, Mon-Fri)
Fax: 1-208-265-1777
info@gloriagilbere.com
