By: Dr. Gloria Gilbere
EHN web-posted by permission of Dr. Gilbere

Kootenai Valley Times, 2001

Being a woman in my 50's, progesterone cream is a part of my daily routine for health and wellness. As a practitioner and researcher, I've become acutely aware that all natural progesterone creams are not created equal. Most women are so intent at reducing their menopausal symptoms, they buy over-the-counter progesterone creams without a second thought as to the source of the progesterone or all the other ingredients they contain. In most cases, the source of progesterone may be natural, but the added ingredients are not.

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.

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 Gilbere, N.D.,D.A.Hom.,Ph.D. is an internationally respected expert in EcoErgonomics, environmental health consultant, natural health practitioner, research writer, advocate for toxic free living and the chemically injured. She specializes in chemically induced immune system disorders and is author of I was Poisoned by my body (Lucky Press, 2000). Dr. Gilbere is Director of the Naturopathic Health & Research Center, Bonners Ferry, ID. Her previous articles and consulting information can be viewed at: www.drgloriagilbere.com

Gloria Gilbere,N.D.,D.A.Hom.,Ph.D.
Director, Naturopathic Health & Research Center
P.O. Box 3220, 7098 Ash Street
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-3220 USA
Ph: (208) 267-5417
Fax:(208) 267-0617
email: doctorg@drgloriagilbere.com
web page: www.drgloriagilbere.com

I was Poisoned by my bodywww.luckypress.com/poisoned

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