Tampons & Toxic Shock Syndrome

“Please explain what toxic shock syndrome is. If it’s really caused by tampons, why haven’t we heard more about it lately?”

Toxic shock syndrome is a term doctors use to describe what happens when a bacterial infection affects several organs at once, overwhelming the body’s ability to fight the massive infections. And you’re absolutely right. Tampons don’t cause TSS—only bacteria like Streptococcus pyogense or Staphylococcus aureus do.

The Link Between Toxic Shock & Tampons

During the 1980s, when toxic shock syndrome first became widely-known to most of us, many tampons were made of rayon fibers. Today, almost all are cotton but back then many were rayon and it seems that the rayon provided an ideal environment for the bacteria to flourish.

Today, doctors still urge women to use the lowest absorbency needed and not to use a tampon for more than a few hours. And recent changes to FDA regulations now mandates that terms like “junior” and “light” be standardized so women can better judge a product’s absorbency. But if the potential link between tampons and toxic shock syndrome bothers you, talk to your gynecologist for more information.

TSS Isn’t Just a Menstrual Infection

It’s important to remember that the bacterium most often linked to toxic shock, S. aureus is part of the normal “floral” already living on the skin and most of us have already developed antibodies against it.

It’s also important to remember that TSS isn’t just an infection that strikes tampon users. It’s also possible, for example, following surgery. Despite what you might think, menstrual and non-menstrual TSS cases are reported almost equally these days.

Talking To Your Doctor About Toxic Shock Syndrome

If toxic shock syndrome worries you, talk to your primary care provider for the advice that’s right for you. Toxic shock syndrome can be a very serious infection but it shouldn’t necessarily cause you to throw out your feminine hygiene products.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2003). Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Chuang, Y., et al. (2005). Toxic shock syndrome in children: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management.

FDA. (2004). Medical devices; labeling for menstrual tampons; ranges of absorbency, change from “junior” to “light.” Final rule.

Beer & Macular Degeneration

“Is it true that beer causes macular degeneration?”

In 1998 the journal Opthamology published what it called the Beaver Dam Study, which found that men who drank beer had a slightly higher rate of macular degeneration than people who reported drinking no beer.

However, even the researchers behind this study found the results, in their words, “only borderline significant”. (On a related note, there is some evidence that wine drinkers may actually have lower risks of macular degeneration than non-drinkers.)

If this issue is important to you, have a talk with your eye care professional for the information that’s appropriate for you. Only he or she can evaluate your unique risk factors for macular degeneration and tell you if a beer in the evening is something that’s all right for you to enjoy.

References:

Moss, S., Klein, R., Klein, B., Jensen, S., Meuer, S. (1998). Alcohol consumption and the 5-year incidence of age-related maculopathy: the Beaver Dam eye study.

Alli

“I just started taking Alli but I read on another site that it can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Is this true?  Would you take it?  Please, no stories about oily gas, OK?”

Congratulations on taking a very important step toward wellness. Yes, it’s true that fat blockers like Alli can decrease your absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. That’s why the information that comes with Alli instructs users to take a multi-vitamin separately every day.

Alli can also interfere with the way your body uses certain medications so always follow the usage guidelines and talk to your doctor about any concerns.

“Alli may not be “natural” but you shouldn’t believe the scare-mongering stories you’ll see on some other ‘natural’ web sites.”

I’m not aware of any evidence that the use of Alli is leading to widespread deficiencies. But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.  Alli may not be right for everyone and it may not fit into the “natural” category but if using Alli for a month helps you lose a few pounds, get fit and move closer to a healthier lifestyle, I have no problem with it.