By Dr. Teri Dourmashkin

I was pleased to see a television broadcast on 60 Minutes this evening regarding the use of Phthalates.  Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals which are ubiquitous in modern day society.  They are used primarily to give more flexibility to plastics.   They can be found in everything from shower curtains, rain coats, toys, vinyl flooring,  nail polish, shampoos and skin creams (they help creams to spread better).  They are often used to “hold” fragrance so that it can last longer.  The majority of fragrances which men and women use on a daily basis contain phthalates.   However, you will not usually see it listed on any ingredient label.   For example, companies are allowed to file a fragrance (s) as a “trade secret”  without having to reveal all of the individual ingredients that make up a ”finished” fragrance.  In some cases, as many as 300 ingredients can comprise a particular fragrance, and phthalates are among them.  Even IV bags routinely used in hospital settings contain phthalates.  

According to the American Chemistry Council, phthalates have been around since the 1950’s and are considered safe.  However, other health care experts and advocacy groups seriously question the safety of phthalates.  A recent study (source: EWG) revealed that 20 teenage girls age 14-19  had numerous potentially toxic chemicals in their blood and urine, including  phthalates.  In 2008, under pressure from the EWG (Environmental Working Group) and other health organizations, Congress banned 6 different phthalates from childrens’ toys and cosmetics.

The “expert” opinions regarding the safety of phthalates on the 60 Minutes broadcast were mixed.  And while none of the experts could say for certain that phthalates pose a significant health threat, several did suspect (based on the available studies) that they could  pose potential health problems.   Some studies have indicated that phthalates may cause abnormalities in infant boys, such as underdeveloped reproductive organs.

While we cannot avoid phthalates completely, isn’t it better to err on the side of caution and avoid products that contain them when possible?  For example, synthetic  fragrances can be avoided and can be replaced with naturally based ones.  Why not educate yourself so that you can make more informed choices?

This article is brought to you by our guest author at www.hormones-beauty-health.com.   A great read for all of you women in permimenopause and menopause.  Visit their site for the latest and greatest information on hormones and your health.  Check out their newest e-book on this very subject…Thanks, Dr. Teri Dourmashkin

Medical standards describe the technical start of menopause as the point in time when a woman has missed menstrual periods continuously for one full year. On average, this occurs around the age of 51; however, many women suffer from menopausal symptoms long before this age. This can lead to much confusion and stress in women experiencing pre-menopause. So how do we determine what the signs of menopause are? What are the classic menopause symptoms and when should you be concerned.

Irregular Periods: The clinical definition of an irregular period is a menstrual cycle that is irregular for you based on your history. We all at one point in time experience irregular menstrual cycles due to stress and other external factors. Therefore, one irregular menstrual cycle in context, is usually just an anomaly. Common irregularities to look for in terms of the onset of menopause include; having a period only one to four times in a 12-month period, having periods two to three times in one month and extremely heavy bleeding occurring every two to three months.

Decreased Fertility: A slightly harder sign to self diagnose. One of the more well known signs of menopause is a decrease in fertility.

Vaginal Dryness: For women in long term, committed relationships, this is an easier sign to identify. Although this affliction can occur at any age, it is also a common sign of menopause. Caused by hormonal changes, symptoms include itching and stinging around the vaginal opening and lower third of the vagina which can make intercourse uncomfortable.

Hot Flashes: Hot flashes, or night sweats if they occur at night, are also caused by the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.  Hot flashes are feelings of intense heat or sweating that come on rapidly and last for two to thirty minutes. Reddening of the facial skin is often present with the skin at times even being hot to the touch. These episodes can happen several times a day or a few times a week. They will occur more frequently and may increase in intensity the closer you are to the official start of menopause.

Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia is the most common compliant occurring in over 50% of surveyed menopausal women. Others may develop sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and snoring.

Mood Swings: Women of all ages at one time or another have suffered from heighten moods and even unpredictable mood changes. However, the menopausal woman will often suffer from mood swings that even she cannot explain. The underlying hormonal changes heighten and intensify normal mood patterns causing intense extremes or mood swings.

Increased Abdominal Fat: As if menopausal women don’t have enough to worry about or cope with, as your body takes this journey it also changes how it stores fat. As you enter menopause you may notice changes in your physique that include an increase in abdominal fat.

Thinning Hair: Hair loss that occurs during menopause is quite common.  It will vary from slight hair loss to dramatic hair loss that causes bald spots. Hair loss caused by change of life is different from that caused by aging and genetics. Serious cases are usually treatable and possibly reversible.

So, once you understand the signs of menopause, what do you do with this information and when should you seek medical help? It is important to see your doctor annually for your yearly check-up. As you approach that magic number one associates with menopause, pay attention to your body and document when you see any of the above changes. Discuss them with your doctor as well as the options you may choose to manage these and other symptoms brought about by the hormonal changes that cause menopause.

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