Tampons + Toxins
For many of us, tampons are an annoying but routine companion in our lives. You may have never considered that tampons could actually be interfering with your health and hormones!
Tampons are used by 85% of women in the United States and actually contain some pretty alarming chemicals. One study found that women who use tampons have higher level of toxic metals in their blood, as well as higher markers of oxidative stress. Tampons often include compounds such as pesticides, aluminum, alcohols, and fragrance. It is believed that these compounds can seep into our bodies from the tampons, especially since vaginal tissue is particularly absorbent. That’s not great!
Even more concerning, many tampons go through a bleaching step, which produces a byproduct called dioxin. Dioxin exposure has been linked to women's health problems such as endometriosis and cancer. While the measurable amounts of dioxin in tampons and pads are quite low, we don’t yet have a threshold for “harmless” amounts of this chemical (especially given the sensitive tissue that tampons sit against). In general, a small exposure over a long period of time can still result in serious health conditions, is much harder to study, and may even be worse than a big exposure a limited number of times.
Note: pads and liners contain many of the same chemicals as tampons. Since they are not sitting internally, however, they are thought to offer less exposure overall. Safer pad recommendations are included below.
Better safe than sorry
The FDA (and some studies) have shown that these toxins are not harmful in the amounts present in tampons. But there is a LOT we don’t know about chronic exposure to these chemicals (long-term studies take time to complete) and if there is a safer option out there, why not do everything in our power to protect our already over-exposed system?
Safer alternatives
REUSABLE period underwear
This is what I use and I’m never going back. This magic underwear is absorbent and can absorb the same amount as 7 tampons. They are comfy, keep you feeling dry, and can go straight into the washing machine. Serious game changer and way more eco-friendly than tampons and pads! I’ve tried thinx (my fav) and the period co (the most cost effective).
Organic, toxin-free tampons + pads
Purchasing tampons and pads made from organic cotton ensures that there is no pesticide exposure. Make sure you look for brands that clearly state no bleaching, no fragrances, and no dyes, in addition to organic materials. BPA-free applicators are a nice plus, but since the applicator doesn’t sit inside your body the way the cotton does, it’s less of an issue. General rule of thumb: if you can’t pronounce an ingredient of your tampon, ditch it (and you sometimes have to do some googling to find the ingredients in your tampons, they usually aren’t on the box!). brands I personally use and love are Cora and L. (not sponsored, just my personal recommendation).
Menstrual cups
Most menstrual cups are made with medical-grade silicone and are free of BPA and other plastics, but be sure to double check ingredients just to be safe. While this can be an intimidating option if you’ve never tried it, they are surprisingly comfortable, environmentally friendly, and easy to get the hang of. Some popular brands are Diva Cup and the Lena Cup (not sponsored).
Do you know what a normal period looks like? Take the quiz- How well do you know your cycle?
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