Are Your Beauty Products Causing PMS?

PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), can be toxic in more ways than one. My husband used to count the days when he’d have to tread very, very carefully around the house. The wrong thing said in the wrong tone could have me lashing out in full-fledged attack. I’ve mercifully seen my PMS decrease over the past couple of years, which may be due to the fact that I’ve taken dramatic measures to eliminate as many Xenoestrogens from my life as possible.

What is an Xenoestrogren? It’s a hormone disruptor, or to be more specific, it mimics the effect of the hormone estrogen. Xenoestrogens bind to your estrogen receptor sites and knock your entire endocrine system off balance. In children, this can result in many problems including extremely early puberty. In adults the effects can vary from best case scenario – PMS, and worst case – cancer. Xenoestrogens come in the form of Bishphenol-A, parabens, and phthalates, to name a few. Phthalates can be found in a host of skin care products – so if you want to eliminate your exposure before you even hit the breakfast table — scary fact: women typically expose themselves to an average of 150 chemicals before they leave the house! It’s a great idea to make sure that all your shampoos, conditioners, body lotions and perfumes are free of these unwelcome chemicals.

Be very wary of the word “perfume” in any ingredient list. Hundreds of chemicals can be used (many phthlates) and all the label has to say is an innocent sounding “perfume.” Personally, I look for products that are scented with organic essential oils only.

Remember, all this hoo haa about buying non-toxic products is serious stuff. With your ingredient checklists in hand, you can avoid all the green washing, and make sure you’re getting products that won’t harm you or your family.

About the Author

Sophie Uliano is a passionate environmentalist who has developed an earth-friendly lifestyle that appeals to women who don’t want to compromise their glamour and style. She is the New York Times Best Selling author of “Gorgeously Green”, “The Gorgeously Green Diet,” and the soon to be released “Do It Gorgeously.”

Read more amazing tips from Sophie at GorgeouslyGreen.com