perfume and estrogen ??

[emme-t]

I have began to read up on parabens since reading this sight - so I thank you for your information.  The thing that came to mind after reading some stuff about estrogen and parabens was perfume -  in regards to estrogen issues.  I love perfume - and not the natural kind.  I have yet to find something that smells good that is not synthetic, unfortunately!  

So two things:

1.)  Does perfume interfere with hormone production and balance?

2.)  Who knows of a good perfume company that is natural?

Thanks,
m

[soyfulliving]

This is what I was able to find on perfume and estrogen.

Cosmetics and fragranced products pose high risks 
for breast cancer and other illnesses

by James W. Coleman, Ph.D.


About the author
I earned a Ph.D. degree in microbiology from the University of Louisville School of Medicine (USA). I was an adjunct assistant professor in the same medical school for several years. I have extensive laboratory experience working with ingredients used in the manufacturing of cosmetics and personal care products. I have worked as an epidemiologist for the United States Air Force. I am presently doing research on the epidemiology and surveillance of breast cancer as related to the causes and origins of this disease. My approach to reducing the high incidence of breast cancers has the support of elected officials, community leaders, faith-based organizations and University of Louisville professors, including a 
professor emeritus, University of Louisville School of Medicine. 


INTRODUCTION


Some breast cancer patients experience changes in their physical appearance from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In the USA and several other countries, breast health advocates have formed partnerships with traditional hospitals, university hospitals, cancer treatment facilities and the cosmetic industry where free cosmetics are given to breast cancer survivors. These free cosmetics are provided by member organizations of the cosmetic industry.

In a hospital setting, free classes also are conducted by licensed cosmetologists on how to use makeup to improve the appearance and self esteem of the participating breast cancer survivors. Some breast cancer survivors are given free haircuts and free makeovers. During class, each participant is given a kit containing an assortment of various types of cosmetics. Because my interest in the subject is of a public health nature, all participating cosmetic industry partners steadfastly refused my repeated requests for 
cosmetic samples from their kits or a listing of the names of the items in any kit (letters 
of refusal on file from the respective principals). 

Makeup kits in department stores typically contain, in varying combinations, the following 
products: foaming cleanser, body mist, body lotion, eau de toilette or parfum spray, 
lipstick, body cream, facial cream, body and shower gel, powder blusher, perfume spray, skin 
cream, hand lotion, eyebrow pencil, moisturizers, lip gloss and brushes. The cosmetic 
give-away initiative is very popular among breast cancer survivors. I have read reports of 
some women driving over 100 miles one-way to attend the classes. Glorifying articles with 
testimony from the breast cancer survivors have appeared in the newspapers. On the surface, 
giving free cosmetics to breast cancer survivors may appear to the unsuspecting to be a 
grand and benevolent gesture. 

For reasons of a compelling public health interest, I think it is prudent to review the 
literature published in the mainstream medical journals, including The Journal of the 
National Cancer Institute, on the carcinogenicity and potential health risks associated with 
the use of cosmetics and fragranced products in general. 


RESULTS AND DISCUSSION


To better understand and appreciate the information presented herein, I think a brief 
tutorial on how some breast cancers develop may be useful.

Estrogen and breast cancer. Estrogen is produced in various organs of a woman’s body. The 
role of estrogen in the development of some breast cancers is well documented in the medical 
literature. A graphic representation and text on the connection between estrogen and breast 
cancer are detailed on the Web site of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) ( Web site ). 

Briefly, the breast cells of some women have what are known as estrogen receptors (ER). 
Estrogen binds to these receptors, and in the presence of coactivator substances, enters a 
breast cell. This estrogen-coactivator complex attaches to DNA. The DNA becomes modified and 
causes the breast cell to grow out of control and produce a malignant tumor. After 
chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, breast cancer survivors who are ER+ are treated 
with the drug Tamoxifen. 

Like estrogen, Tamoxifen has the ability to bind competitively to ER, thereby blocking body 
estrogen from entering the breast cells. Hence, a recurrence of breast cancer is prevented 
or minimized. However, over time some breast cells may become resistant to Tamoxifen and 
this drug then becomes ineffective. Also, breast cells that were previously ER- may become 
ER+ with time. Or, test results may be a false negative. The ER status of a woman is 
determined by pathological laboratory tests used in connection with the definitive diagnosis 
of breast cancer.

For obvious reasons, it is desirable for ER+ women to maintain a low concentration of body 
estrogen. This is most especially true for breast cancer survivors who are strongly ER+. To 
give the Tamoxifen a competitive edge during treatment, some breast cancer survivors have 
opted for surgical removal of their ovaries, the major estrogen-producing organs. 

Some carcinogens are dependent upon estrogen for entry into a breast cell where they can 
then cause a malignant tumor to develop. Other carcinogens are not dependent upon estrogen 
for malignancy to occur.

Cosmetics and breast cancer
To retard microbial spoilage, cosmetics in makeup kits contain synthetic chemical 
preservatives known as parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, benzyl-, propyl-, butyl- isopropyl- or 
isobutyl-). Studies have shown that parabens have estrogenic activity on ER+ breast cells. 
It is well known that cosmetic ingredients can enter the bloodstream through skin 
absorption. 1, 2 

Antiperspirants - deodorants. Several years ago, information was circulated on the Internet 
about a causal link existing between antiperspirants - deodorants and breast cancer. 
Immediately thereafter, spokespersons for the major breast cancer organizations with 
financial ties to the cosmetic industry made statements aimed at debunking that information. 
However, they did not, and could not cite a single published report to support their 
conclusion. 

In 2002, the results of a study were published in an effort to answer the antiperspirants - 
deodorants question. The researchers found no link between antiperspirants - deodorants and 
breast cancer. 3 However, my review and in-depth analysis of that study revealed it was 
fatally flawed and wholly inadequate by any credible epidemiological standard. Only 1606 
women were involved in that retrospective study. Hence, the confounding factors could not be 
adequately reconciled.

The results from that study are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 3 
It should be noted that the NCI reportedly received a multimillion dollar grant from Avon, 
even though Congress had appropriated millions of dollars more than the agency had 
requested. With all things considered, rational people would not rely on the results of that 
study. 3 

Recent studies have shown that antiperspirants - deodorants contain paraben preservatives 
with estrogenic activity. Paraben preservatives promoted the growth of ER+ breast cells to 
the same extent as human estrogen. 4, 5 No increase in growth was observed with ER- breast 
cells. 4, 5 A 2003 scientific publication showed that benzylparaben caused an increase in 
the growth of two types of ER+ human breast cells but not in those that were ER-. 6 Most 
breast cancers develop in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. The question arises, 
why the left breast? A plausible explanation is that most women are right-handed and would, 
therefore, have a tendency to apply antiperspirants - deodorants more heavily on the left 
underarm. 

Surely, the use of paraben-containing preseratives should be contraindicated, most 
especially for those breast cancer survivors who are strongly ER+. Note that the 
manufacturers may not always list a paraben preservative as one of the ingredient on an 
antiperspirants - deodorants product label. This ingredient could be unilaterally declared 
by the manufacturer as a proprietary trade secret and then hidden in the catch-all category 
of "fragrances." In such instance, the manufacturer would not be required by law to list the 
paraben on the product label. 

It makes absolutely no sense at all to: (i) have your ovaries surgically removed for 
prophylactic purposes; (ii) take an estrogen suppressor drug (e.g., Lupron); and/or (iii) 
conscientiously avoid products high in soy content and then use an antiperspirant - 
deodorant containing parabens. This is the functional equivalent of wearing an underarm 
estrogen patch. It is noteworthy to mention that many companies have discontinued the use of 
paraben preservatives in foods for humans. 

Having access to this information should enable clear thinking women to conclude that the 
use of paraben-containing antiperspirants - deodorants is a high risk factor for breast 
cancer. All too often, I have read sad stories by lumpectomy victims who said: "The breast 
cancer has come back in the same spot in my left breast." Such stories support the age-old 
adage: If you keep doing the same thing, you keep getting the same results."

In addition to paraben preservatives, antiperspirants - deodorants contain proprietary 
ingredients known collectively as fragrances. Fragrances can consist of any of over 2,000 
different chemicals, including carcinogens and other toxins, according to published reports.

Other cosmetics. Parabens also are found in many other cosmetics that are in widespread use 
by girls and women. These include: foaming cleanser, body mist, body lotion, lipstick, body 
cream, facial cream, body and shower gel, skin cream, hand lotion, moisturizers, and lip 
gloss. These products also contain proprietary ingredients that are known estrogen 
producers.

Synthetic musk fragrances. One of the ingredients in many fragrances in widespread use by 
girls and women is synthetic musk. Synthetic musk and its metabolite caused the 
proliferation of one type of ER+ human breast cells but not of those that were ER-. 7 A 
naturally occurring fragrance also showed some estrogenic activity. 7 This is important to 
note because some cosmetic manufacturers advertise that their products contain all-natural 
ingredients. This advertisement assertion could lead to the assumption that these products 
are, therefore, harmless.

Perfumes. It is has been shown with medical certainty that there is a direct correlation 
between the amount and frequency of beverage alcohol consumed and breast cancer. 8, 9, 10 
Most perfumes consist of about 80 per cent alcohol. We have learned from our studies that 
many women spray perfumes directly on their breast above the nipple, the site of a large 
percentage of breast cancers. Certain carcinogens combine synergistically with alcohol and 
enhance the risk factors for breast cancer. 

When perfume is sprayed or dabbed directly on the breast, some cells receive a dose of 
alcohol that is equivalent to ingesting over 30 glasses of table wine per day. This 
equivalency is increased when the woman goes to the powder room to "freshen up" where more 
perfume is applied to her body. Clearly, this could compound the assault on the breast 
tissue in conjunction with antiperspirants - deodorants mentioned above.

Perfumes also contain proprietary fragrances and other alcohols that are reported to cause 
breast cells to produce estrogen in excessive amounts (personal communication). Also, 
perfumes are known to cause other health problems. It is of interest to note the FDA in its 
March - April 2003 Consumer magazine listed perfume and hair spray as two of several 
triggers for asthma. ( Web site ) In addition to asthma, perfumes contain known neurotoxins 
and have a causal link to other aliments such as central nervous system disorders, allergic 
respiratory reactions, skin and eye irritations, "double vision, sneezing, nasal congestion, 
sinusitis, tinnitus, ear pain, dizziness, vertigo, coughing, bronchitis, difficulty 
breathing, difficulty swallowing, anaphylaxis, headaches, seizures, fatigue, confusion, 
disorientation, incoherence, short-term memory loss, inability to concentrate, nausea, 
lethargy, anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, restlessness, rashes, hives, 
eczema, facial flushing, muscle and joint pain, muscle weakness, irregular heart beat, 
hypertension, swollen lymph glands and more." ( Web site )" 

Many women experience some of these maladies during chemotherapy and preventative drug 
treatments, and may mistakenly attribute it to the anti-cancer drug. When women take 
anti-cancer drugs, there are often changes in their body biochemistry. Hence, the symptoms 
they experience may be due to the cosmetics alone or a combination of cosmetics and the 
anti-cancer drug. 

Some fragrances are derived from the distillation of whiskeys (personal observations). These 
whiskey fragrances are used in the manufacturing of perfumes to give them their 
characteristic floral aroma. Ibid. These whiskey fragrances are present in perfumes at 
concentration thousands of times greater than that in the parent whiskey. 11 Whiskey 
fragrances enter the brain through inhalation or skin adsorption. Ibid. The receptors in 
the brain are then activated and cause mood changing addictions of euphoria in humans and 
experimental animals. 11, 12, 13 

On a seasonal basis, the raw plant materials used in the manufacturing of whiskeys are 
contaminated with aflatoxin from mold growth (personal observations). The aflatoxin is 
present in the whiskey fragrance as a contaminant. Aflatoxin is a well known human 
carcinogen. 14 or Web site 

Addictive ingredients and narcotizing properties of perfumes. A familiar scene at a cosmetic 
counter in a department store is a woman going through the ritual of spraying and sniffing 
perfume sprayed on her wrist or forearm. The process is repeated using another brand or type 
until she discovers the aroma that is most pleasant to her. Perfume aroma causes instant 
changes in the biochemistry of the brain at the pleasure center. Most perfumes contain a 
narcotic, and studies suggested that those cosmetics have other addictive ingredients. 11, 
12, 13 Published reports revealed that perfume ingredients cause an addictive euphoric 
high similar to that experienced with nicotine or drinking alcohol. 12 This might explain 
why women go to the powder room to "freshen up" more than once daily, i.e., to seek another 
"high" just as the traditional addicts.

Wearing of perfumes and fragranced products banned in public facilities. Like secondhand 
cigarette smoke, perfumes and fragranced products are causing major health problems in high 
schools, workplaces and public buildings. Some schools, workplaces, public buildings and 
public facilities have adopted policies that ban the wearing of perfumes and fragranced 
products, according to published reports. Also, some restaurants are turning away customers 
wearing perfumes, and public meeting places for conferences are banning the wearing of 
fragranced products in their facilities. Web site or 15 

Legal action. An individual won a monetary judgments in trial court under the Americans with 
Disabilities Act because of illnesses sustained from secondhand exposure to fragranced 
products in the workplace. The case was upheld on appeal. ( Web site ) or Wilbert Bazert v. 
State of Louisiana, et al State of Louisiana Court of Appeals, 1st Cir. No. 99 CA 2115 

Hair dyes. A study conducted by researchers for the American Cancer Society has shown a 
positive association between the use of black hair dyes and fatal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 
multiple myeloma. 16 Although some inconsistencies were seen, a meta-analysis by 
researchers at Johns Hopkins University showed a positive link between the use of permanent 
hair dyes and Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, unclassified lymphomas and multiple 
myeloma. 17 

Free retreats for breast cancer survivors. In addition to the camaraderie and give-away of 
the free cosmetics mentioned above, breast cancer survivors were served table wines, funded 
with tax payers dollars, on their weekend retreats (information obtained through an Open 
Records Act). Table wine contains chemical components that are both estrogenic and that 
stimulate the body to produce human estrogen (personal communication). Moreover, beverage 
alcohol also contains a constituent that has a chemical structure very similar to 
diethylstilbestrol (DES) (proprietary report published in-house). 
The concentration of the DES-like constituent is very high in certain types of beverage 
alcohol. DES is a synthetic estrogen prescribed for pregnant women mainly from 1938 to 1971 
to prevent miscarriage. The daughters of the women who took DES have a disproportionately 
high incidence of cancer of the vagina or cervix known as clear cell adenocarcinoma. ( Web 
site ) The sons of women who took DES are at risk for developing testicular cancer and other 
health problems of the sex organs. ( Web site ) Researchers for the American Cancer Society 
conducted a study showing a positive association between DES and fatal breast cancer. 18 
Heavy and frequent users of cosmetics and beverage alcohol during pregnancy and breast 
feeding might explain why "non genetic" breast cancer tends to run in certain families. 

Carcinogen-free and all-natural cosmetics. Several new cosmetic companies have sprung up 
during the past decade claiming their products are carcinogen-free and contain all-natural 
ingredients. First, some of the most toxic and potent carcinogens are derived from natural 
sources. Second, some cosmetic ingredients are harmless singly but form carcinogens when 
combined with other chemicals in the body. Third, some cosmetic ingredients are harmless but 
their metabolic by-products are carcinogenic. Fourth, like the traditional cosmetic 
companies, these new companies do not make a full disclosure of the ingredients on their 
product labels. Fifth, the so-called carcinogen-free and all-natural cosmetics may contain 
preservatives with estrogenic activity. Therefore, women should be aware of advertisement 
hype. 



CONCLUSIONS


In view of all the foregoing medical and scientific evidence, clear-thinking people should 
conclude that the potential for harm is great if breast cancer surviviors use cosmetics and 
personal care items that contain known human carcinogens or ingredients with proven 
estrogenic activity. The latter is especially true for those women who are ER+. Many breast 
cancer survivors are already debilitated and emaciated from the disease and treatments. Any 
marketing strategy to promote the sale and use of cosmetics and fragranced products to this 
group of survivors is at least unduly exploitative. 

Furthermore, such a marketing strategy sends a grossly mistaken message to the general 
public that cosmetics and fragrances are unconditionally safe. Giving these free products in 
a hospital setting contravenes the Hippocratic Oath: "first do no harm." Cosmetics and 
fragrances are potentially harmful because they contain the following elements: (i) known 
carcinogens that disable the growth regulator mechanism of breast cells; (ii) estrogenic 
activity to facilitate the entry of the carcinogens into breast cells that have receptors 
that are estrogen positive; and (iii) a narcotizing drug and ingredients with addictive 
properties to change the biochemistry of the brain and thus could urge the consumers to keep 
using the products. 

Even if women cannot fully comprehend all the evidence presented herein or the significance 
of the medical literature cited, they still should be able to draw an adverse inference 
regarding the safety of cosmetics and fragranced products from the facts enumerated below.


That all the principal parties refused my repeated requests for a listing of the items in 
any one cosmetic kit, even though tax payer dollars are being used to administer the 
program.


That the wearing of perfumes and fragranced products is being banned in some high schools, 
public places, workplaces and public buildings.


That an individual won monetary damages in a court judgment under the Americans with 
Disabilities Act because of secondhand exposure to fragranced products. 
Closing commentary
The incidence of breast cancer is expected to continue to increase with time. Regrettably, 
it seems the desire for glamour and aromatic fragrances takes precedence over the potential 
for developing a life-threatening illness. Clearly for their financial gain, the principals 
are exploiting these facts to the potential detriment and demise of women. When all the 
scientific evidence is in and when women get sick and then get sick and tired of being sick 
and tired, perhaps they will come together and seek some relief through court action. 
The medical and scientific evidence presented herein is clear, solid, persuasive and 
compelling. Therefore, breast cancer survivors should reject outright the gift-bearing 
marketing strategy of the principals. 

Unfortunately, in spite of this evidence, many women are likely to continue to believe that 
cosmetics pose no breast cancer risk. With that kind of mindset, it is not likely that the 
principals will change their behavior. 

Women will undoubtedly continue to clamor from every hill top and every mountain side for a cure. Unfortunately, they have no control over how research funding is spent, what type of research is done or when the research will be done. Further, women who participate in double blind clinical trials have no control over whether they receive the drug or the placebo. However, the individual woman does have a great measure of control over her behavior and lifestyle. Moreover, it is far more humane and doable to try to prevent breast cancer in the first place than to try to cure it once it is fully developed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LITERATURE CITED


1. Beckley-Kartey SA, Hotchkiss SA, Capel M. Comparative in vitro skin absorption and metabolism of coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) in human, rat and mouse. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1997 Jul: 145(1): 34-42.

2. Yourick JJ, Bronaugh RL. Percutaneous absorption and metabolishm of courmarin in human and rat skin. J Appl Toxicol 1997 May-Jun; 17(3): 153-8. 

3. Mirick DK, Davis S and Thomas DB. Antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2002 Oct 16; 94(20): 1578-80. 

4. Barbre PD, Byford JR, Shaw LE, Horton RA, Pope GS and Sauer MJ. Oestrogenic activity of isobutylparaben in vitro and in vivo. J Appl Toxicol 2002 Jul-Aug; 22(4): 219-26. 

5. Okubo T, Yokoyama Y, Kano K and Kano I. ER-dependent estrogenic activity of parabens assessed by proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and expression of ERalpha and PR. Food Chem Toxicol 2001 Dec; 39(12): 1225-32.

6. Darbre PD, Byford JR, Shaw LE, Hall S, Coldham NG, Pope GS and Sauer MJ. Oestrogenic activity of benzylparaben. J Appl Toxicol 2003 Jan-Feb; 23(1): 43-51.

7. Bitsch N, Dudas, C, Korner W, Failing K, Biselle S, Rimkus G and Brunn H. Estrogenic activity of musk fragrances detected by the E-screen assay using human mcf-7 cells. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2002 Oct; 43(3): 257-64.

8. Smith -Warner SA, Spiegelman D, Yaun SS, van den Brandt PA, Folson AR, Goldbohm A, Graham S, Holmberg L, Howe GR, Marshall JR, Miller AR, Potter JD, Speizer FE, Willett WC, Wolk A, Hunter DJ. Alcohol and Breast Cancer in Women. A pooled analysis of cohort studies. JAMA 1998; 279: 535-40. 

9. Colditz GA. A prospective assessment of moderate alcohol intake and major chronic diseases. Ann Epidemiol 1990; 1: 167-77.

10. Garfinkel L, Boffetta P and Stellman SD. Alcohol and breast cancer: a cohort study. Prev Med 1988; 17: 686-93.

11. Hossain SJ, Aoshima H, Koda H and Kiso Y. Potentiation of the ionotropic GABA receptor response by whiskey fragrance. J Agric Food Chem 2002; Nov 6; 50(23); 6828-34.

12. Aoshima H and Hammamoto K. Potentiation of GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes by perfume and phytoncid. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1999; Apr; 63(4): 743-8.

13. Whitten RJ, Maitra R and Reynolds JN. Modulation of GABAA receptor function by alcohols: effects of subunit composition and differential effects of ethanol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1996; Oct 20(7) 1313-9. 

14. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Vol. 56, Vol. 82; 2002

15. Anderson, R and Anderson, J Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Archives of Environmental Health. 1997, 53: 138-45.

16. Thun MJ, Altekruse SF, Namboodiri MM, Calle EE, Myers DG and Heath CW Jr. Hair dye use and risk of fatal cancers in U.S. women. J Natl Cancer Inst 1994 Feb 2; 86(3): 210-5.

17. Correa A, Jackson L, Mohan A, Perry H and Helzlsouer K. Use of hair dyes, hematopoetic neoplasms, and lymphomas: a literature review. II. Lymphomas and muntiple myeloma. Cancer Invest 2000; 18(5): 467-79.

18. Calle EE, Mervis CA, Thun MJ, Rodriguez C, Wingo PA and Heath CW Jr. Diethylstilbestrol and risk of fatal breast cancer in a prospective cohort of US women. Am J Epidemiol 1996 Oct 1; 144(7): 645-52. 

Yannah

Simple. Natural. Pure. Mineral Makeup Group Owner
Balanced Hormones Naturally Group Owner
Broken Arrow Moms Group Owner

[cecygirl]

Hi friend, I agree 100% with Yannah owner of this group soyfulliving, I have read Dr. Lee's books in English and Spanish, I represented a company of a hormonal cream, I own a group of woman "my girlfriens club" I do seminars for woman educating about all this subjects and more...that sometimes we don't want to talk about...... We need to talk about it and get the proper help that we need.

If you are looking for a fresh all natural body fragrance I am very proud to recomend CECY GIRL organic skin care IT IS ALL NATURAL MADE WITH  ESSENCIAL OILS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU AND YOU SKIN
WWW.CECYGIRL.COM

Love this group....very positive!!!

besos
Cecy

[emme-t]

Thank you both for the encouragement to find a new direction in perfume.  It is scary how many things are covered up for the sake of $$.  

After all, ". . . the love of money is the root of all evil. . ."

m