Think about how many tampons, pads, and liners you use over the course of your reproductive years. Thousands of hours of contact with the products you use during your period is a pretty good reason to pay attention to what’s in them.
Tampons and pads are in direct contact with vaginal or vulvar tissue for several hours at a time. This matters because these tissues are highly permeable and can allow chemicals to enter the bloodstream. In fact, this is precisely why vaginal administration is used for many medications. Depending on the medication and formulation, vaginal administration can result in blood levels that are 10–80 times higher than oral administration.
Research has detected a variety of chemicals and contaminants in menstrual products, including phthalates, parabens, bisphenols, PFAs, pesticides, fragrance chemicals, and other potentially concerning compounds.
When you’re using menstrual products month after month, year after year, it’s important to choose products that minimize unnecessary chemical exposure. And if you’re trying to conceive, reducing your overall exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is an important part of creating a healthier environment for fertility.
So What Should You Look For?
Tampons:
- Organic cotton
- Fragrance-free
- Unbleached
- No unnecessary additives
- No applicator or a biodegradable paper applicator
- Plastic-free packaging, if possible
Pads + Liners:
- 100% organic cotton or hemp
- Fragrance-free
- Unbleached
- Minimal plastic and synthetic materials when possible
Menstrual Cups:
- 100% medical-grade silicone
- No added fragrance or unnecessary additives
- A reputable manufacturer that clearly discloses the materials used
What About “Organic” or “Natural”?
Look for companies that clearly disclose what their products are made from, and avoid unnecessary fragrance, dyes, and other additives.
It’s also worth remembering that menstrual products are not required to provide the same type of full ingredient disclosure that you see on food packaging. That can make it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re being exposed to.
You don’t have to eliminate every possible exposure from your life. The goal is to reduce the exposures you can control, especially when making a cleaner choice is relatively easy.
Your menstrual products are something you use over and over again. Choose products that support your health rather than adding unnecessary chemical exposure.
Check out my Product Guide to find my favorite toxin-conscious menstrual care products.
References:
PMID: 24583634, 32866732, 30744632, 30659930
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please work with your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare plan, particularly if you are pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, taking medication, or managing a medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.