- General Questions and Answers
- Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream
- Bath and Body Products
- Hair Care Products
- Facial Care Products
- Joint Health Products
Q: I've used your products for years with wonderful results. I noticed some changes in your ingredients. Why change a good thing?
We hope you like our new product labels! Since we were updating our labels, we took the opportunity to make a few small changes in our products to enhance the great results our customers already enjoy.
We choose our ingredients, and the way we combine them, to create a synergistic effect and results you can quickly see and feel. The order of some of our ingredients has changed to maximize their effectiveness. We also discontinued the use of Cocomide Propyl Betaine in our Wild Mint Shampoo and Spearmint Bodywash. Although Cocomide Propyl Betaine is a mild, non-toxic surfactant (wetting agent) derived from coconut, a chemical process was required. We are dedicated to providing your with 100% chemical free products!
Q: Why have you changed the names of your products?
With our label change, we realized it was time to freshen things up a bit. We wanted to differentiate between our two progesterone creams (with and without phytoestrogens) so we gave them new names. We also faced regulations that prohibit identifying specific health conditions. For example, we had to change "Arthritis Formula" to Joint Pain Therapy. Be assured, it is the same results-driven product
with a new name.
Q: What chemicals should I avoid in my personal care products?
Each year, there approximately 700 new chemicals introduced to the US market. Unfortunately, chemical companies are not required to conduct safety tests for toxicity. Many of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, and some are considered carcinogenic. Still, even so-called "natural" personal care products utilize harsh chemicals as foaming agents, preservatives, fragrance, and colors.
It's impossible to avoid chemicals in our surroundings, but you can make a chemical free healthy choice in your personal care products. We make it simple by offering 100% chemical and fragrance free products. Please see the list of Ingredients We Don't Use.
Q: What beneficial ingredients do you use?
Our chemical free products are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. We utilize ingredients that maintain
a healthy pH balance, organic and non-organic herbs known for their medicinal properties, and pure, organic essential oils.
Q: What ingredients do you use as preservatives?
Each of the chemical free Organic Excellence products contain Grape Seed Extract and Vegetable Glycerin which act as very effective natural preservatives. See our Ingredient Glossary.
Q: Do you use ingredients that have been tested on animals?
No, never.
Q: I have MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). Can I feel safe using your products?
Absolutely. Every Organic Excellence product is 100% chemical free. Most of our products are fragrance free too. Our Wild Mint Shampoo, Conditioner, and Styling Spray, along with our Spearmint Bodywash, do have a small amount of certified organic peppermint and spearmint oils which add a slight hint of natural fragrance. See our Ingredient Glossary.
Q: Do you ship your products Internationally?
Yes, we do provide International shipping, however at this time we are unable to ship our Bio-identical Progesterone Cream products to Canada. For more information on shipping, please visit Customer Care.
Q: Who was Dr. John R. Lee, MD?
Over a decade ago, Dr. John Lee first published his research conclusions regarding the health risks associated with the synthetic hormones used in hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Lee is known as the Medical Doctor who pioneered the use of transdermal progesterone cream to achieve safe and effective hormonal balance.
The chemical and fragrance free Organic Excellence progesterone creams are formulated to meet the strict criteria outlined in Dr. Lee's best-selling book, "What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" and contain approximately 500 mg. of bio-identical progesterone.
Q: What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a steroid hormone made by the corpus luteum of the ovary at ovulation. In women with a normal menstrual cycle, the body produces 20 to 30 mg of progesterone daily during the luteal phase (ovulation). Progesterone is also produced, to a smaller degree, by the adrenal glands.
Progesterone is manufactured in the body from the steroid hormone pregnenolone, and is a precursor to most of the other steroid hormones, including cortisol, androstenedione, the estrogens and testosterone.
Progesterone is the "master hormone" and is the only hormone that converts into other hormones as needed to create a balancing affect on the entire endocrine (hormonal) system.
Q: How do I know which Organic Excellence Progesterone Cream to use?
We recommend that women of all ages begin with Feminine Balance Therapy, our progesterone cream WITHOUT phytoestrogens. Women experiencing PMS and/or perimenopause, and those with
an excess of estrogen (estrogen dominance) will benefit tremendously from this cream.
For women in menopause and beyond experiencing the symptoms of estrogen deficiency, such as 10 hot flashes per day or more, Balance Plus Therapy, our cream WITH phytoestrogens is an excellence choice. This cream is rich in estrogen-like plant based herbs that stimulate estrogen receptors to relieve the symptoms commonly associated with low estrogen levels.
Q: How do I use progesterone cream?
According to Dr. Lee, MD: Gently massage 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cream into thin-skinned areas of
the body such as the neck, face, chest, inner arms, and the palms of the hands.
Perimenopausal Women: Begin on the 12th day of your cycle. (Day 1 is the first day of your menstrual flow.) Continue through day 26.
Menopausal Women: Use 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon for 25 consecutive days, then take a 5-day break. Many women find it easiest to start using the cream on the first day of each month and discontinue use on the 25th day.
Q: What if my periods are irregular and I don't know when or if my 12th day will come?
It's ideal to begin using progesterone cream as close to ovulation as possible. However, in perimenopause, there will be an increasing number of months when ovulation doesn't occur. You
might experience prolonged bleeding one month, and skip your period the next, making it difficult
to know when to begin using progesterone cream and when to stop.
If an irregular cycle makes it impossible to follow the directions, begin using the cream as close to
when you would normally ovulate as possible (based on your most recent period). If months have
passed since your last cycle and you have no idea when your ovulation time might be, just choose
a convenient date to begin. Continue use for 14 days, and begin again on the same day each month thereafter.
Q: I am a young woman with bad PMS. Will your progesterone cream help me?
Yes! Many women find relief from their monthly PMS symptoms with bio-identical progesterone. Simply use the cream as directed for menstruating women to balance your monthly excess or "surge"
of estrogen that causes the uncomfortable symptoms of Pre-menstrual Syndrome.
Q: My perimenopause symptoms are horrible! When can I expect to get relief with your progesterone cream?
Every woman is unique and how quickly you notice results will vary based on how imbalanced your hormones are, if you have recently used contraceptive pills or synthetic hormone replacement therapy, etc. We have had women report great results in as little as 2 days. Some require more time. For women switching from HRT or "the pill" to bio-identical progesterone cream, which both cause your own hormones to stop working on their own, it can take 3-6 months to achieve hormonal balance.
Q: What if I experience spotting during the days I'm using the progesterone cream?
It isn't unusual to experience light spotting on occasion, especially as your body adjusts to healthier progesterone levels. If spotting occurs, continue to use the cream as directed.
Q: What if my period starts during the days I'm using the cream?
This does happen on occasion, especially in women close to actual menopause experiencing very irregular periods. If a full flow should occur, discontinue the cream, counting the first day of bleeding
as day 1. Resume use on day 12 and repeat monthly.
Q: What is "estrogen dominance?"
About 10 - 15 years before menopause, women experience seemingly normal cycles, however ovulation has not actually occurred. Known as anovulatory cycles, without ovulation, the body does not produce progesterone. With increasingly more anovulatory cycles, progesterone levels continue to drop allowing estrogen levels to become "unopposed" or in excess.
Q: What are the symptoms of estrogen dominance?
In his bestselling book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause," Dr. John R. Lee MD
lists the following effects of an excess of estrogen:
- Creates proliferative endometrium
- Breast cell stimulation (fibrocystic breasts)
- Increased body fat and weight gain
- Salt and fluid retention
- Depression, anxiety, and headaches
- Cyclical migraines
- Poor sleep patterns
- Interferes with thyroid hormone function
- Impairs blood sugar control
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Little or no libido effect
- Loss of zinc and retention of copper
- Reduced oxygen levels in all cells
- Causes endometrial cancer
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- Restrains bone loss
- Reduces vascular tone (dilates blood vessels)
- Triggers autoimmune diseases
- Creates progesterone receptors
- Prevents vaginal dryness & mucosal atrophy
- Increases risk of gall bladder disease
Q: What is progesterone cream made from?
Our progesterone comes from a substance called diosgenin. A steroid sapogenin, diosgenin is extracted from the tubers of the Mexican Wild Yam. In the laboratory, diosgenin is synthesized to
create progesterone identical to that produced by the human body.
Q: Why do I need progesterone cream?
While your body will continue to produce estrogen throughout your lifetime, progesterone production slows dramatically during perimenopause and eventually stops altogether. Supplementation of natural,
USP progesterone helps maintain the proper function of other vital hormones and every organ in your body. Progesterone affects brain function, fat metabolism, thyroid function, water balance, bone health, energy production, immune function, thermogenesis, the survival and development of the embryo and fetus and much more.
Q: Are Wild Yam products the same as progesterone?
No. Although progesterone cream is derived from Mexican Wild Yam, a special lab process is required to create progesterone that is bio-identical, or, exactly like what is produced naturally in the body. Look for "USP Progesterone" on the label to assure optimum quality, safety, and effectiveness.
Q: What does "USP" mean?
When you see "USP progesterone" on a label, the product has met the quality assurance standards
and specifications outlined by The United States Pharmacopeia. The United States Pharmacopeia sets and maintains standards for medicines, drug substances, and dietary supplements.
Q: What is "bio-identical" progesterone cream?
The term "bio-identical" refers to progesterone that undergoes a special laboratory process, making it identical in chemical structure to the progesterone produced by the human body. Only USP progesterone cream is truly bio-identical.
Q: Is progesterone cream safe to use?
Bio-identical progesterone is a safe and effective, natural approach way to replenish healthy progesterone levels in the body. Since this "master hormone" has the ability to convert into other hormones as needed, it naturally helps to create and maintain hormonal balance.
Q: Are there contraindications with any supplements or medications?
If you are currently using synthetic hormone replacement therapy, including contraceptives, please consult with your medical doctor before using bio-identical progesterone cream.
Q: I'm trying to conceive and have a history of miscarriages. Will progesterone cream help
and is it safe to use before I become pregnant?
Natural progesterone, being bio-identical to the body, has been used in fertility clinics since the
1940's. Research shows that a deficiency of progesterone, which is required to sustain a developing fetus, is a leading cause of miscarriages and premature births. Many healthcare practitioners recommend bio-identical progesterone cream for patients with fertility issues. Always consult your licensed health care professional before using natural progesterone during pregnancy.
Q: Will my medical doctor recommend bio-identical progesterone cream?
Most allopathic medicine doctors have focused more on estrogen than progesterone. However, healthcare practitioners and medical doctors are beginning to understand progesterone's vital role, especially during perimenopause. Many licensed healthcare practitioners recommend the Organic Excellence Progesterone Creams to their patients.
Q: Does bio-identical progesterone cream offer any health benefits?
In his bestselling book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause," Dr. John R. Lee, MD notes the benefits of supplementation with bio-identical progesterone cream as follows:
- Maintains secretory endometrium
- Protects against breast fibrocysts
- Helps use fat for energy
- Natural diuretic
- Natural anti-depressant & calms anxiety
- Prevents cyclical migraines
- Promotes normal sleep patterns
- Facilitates thyroid hormone function
- Helps normalize blood sugar levels
- Normalizes blood clotting
- Helps restores normal libido
- Normalizes zinc and copper levels
- Restores proper cell oxygen levels
- Prevents endometrial and breast cancer
- Decreased risk of prostate cancer in men
- Stimulates new bone formation
- Improves vascular tone
- Prevents autoimmune diseases
- Increases sensitivity of estrogen receptors
- Necessary for survival of embryo
- Prevents coronary artery spasm and atherosclerotic plaque.
Q: Can men use the Organic Excellence Progesterone Cream?
Bio-identical progesterone is highly beneficial for men over 50 experiencing hormonal changes. Progesterone levels decrease in men too, leading to an excess of estrogen which is linked to prostate cancer. As the master hormone, progesterone can also balance lowered testosterone levels, which reduces sex drive and can lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
Q: As a man, how should I use the cream?
Use the cream as directed for non-menstruating women. Apply 1/8 teaspoon to a thin-skinned
area of your body each morning and night. Use for 25 consecutive days, then discontinue for 5 days.
Q: Since you don't use Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, does your shampoo and bodywash lather?
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth are harsh, toxic sudsing agents. Our special combination of ingredients do create a slight, smooth lather, however not like what is produced by this commonly used chemical.
Q: Most of your products are fragrance free. Why do you add essential oils to some of them?
We use a small amount of specific essential oils for their natural fragrance and medicinal qualities.
For example, the organic spearmint oil in our Spearmint Bodywash soothes the skin and calms itching.
In our Wild Mint Styling Spray, it lends a refreshing hint of fragrance. Organic peppermint oil, found in our Wild Mint Shampoo and Wild Mint Styling Spray, refreshes and clarifies. Some essential oils even act as natural preservatives.
Q: Does your conditioner cause that "heavy hair" feeling that so many others do?
No, and our customers frequently comment on that fact. They love how our Wild Mint Conditioner moisturizes and adds body without building up.
Q: Do your hair care products protect against UV rays?
Yes. Each of our hair care products contains ingredients to protect your hair from pollution and other environmental factors, and from the harsh effects of ultra-violet rays.
Q: I love C-Max! Is it the same as Skin Renewal Therapy?
Yes, Skin Renewal Therapy is the exact same formulation that you have come to love.
Q: What about the Silk Protein Formula? Did you rename it Anti-Aging Therapy?
Yes, we did, but the ingredients have remained the same. They synergistically offer powerful
anti-aging benefits that we identified by changing the name to Anti-Aging Therapy.
Q: What is Silk Protein? Does it come from an animal?
Hydrolyzed Silk Protein has the ability to repair damaged skin. Firming and very moisturizing,
it easily absorbs deep into the skin due to the low molecular weight of silk amino acids. Our Silk
Protein is not from the silk worm or any other animal source.
Q: What is Acerola Extract and why is it in Skin Renewal Therapy?
Acerola Extract is a key ingredient in Skin Renewal Therapy for its ability to repair damaged skin and renew skin cells. It boasts an exceptionally high concentration of Vitamin C. This is the only form of Vitamin C proven to stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell renewal.
Q: What happened to your fabulous Arthritis Pain Formula?
When we began to design our new labels, we discovered regulations that prohibit identifying
specific health conditions. We had to change "Arthritis Formula" to Joint Pain Therapy. Be assured,
it is the same results-driven product with a new name.
Q: The ingredients in the Joint Pain Therapy and Inflammation Therapy seem similar. What's the difference between them?
We use several of the same highly effective pain relieving ingredients in each of our joint pain creams, however the quantity of those ingredients is different in each. For example, Inflammation Relief Therapy (formerly Joint Pain Cream for Inflammation) contains less Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM than Joint Pain Therapy (formerly Joint Pain Cream for Arthritis) to specifically target degenerative conditions such as Arthritis and Osteoporosis. Inflammation Relief Therapy contains more of the natural anti-inflammatory ingredients Pregnenolone, Ginger Extract, MSM, Emu Oil, and Shark Oil to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with inflammation.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice
of a licensed medical doctor. Organic Excellence does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you
have or suspect a mental or physical health condition, please see your healthcare provider.
