Women's Health Week Focus - Low-tox Sanitary Products
This week is Women's Health Week, and the theme is 'Grow Your Knowledge'. One area that is lesser spoken about when it comes to women's health, and where a potential knowledge gap lies, is the area of sanitary products. With growing consumer choice around sanitary items, and emerging research revealing some of the worrisome chemicals that have been found in some sanitary products, it seems like the perfect time to dive into this topic!
Why is choosing low-tox sanitary items a good idea?
A menstruating female may use more than 10,000 menstrual products over her lifetime, and mucous membranes in the vagina and vulva rapidly absorb chemicals without metabolizing them (far more easily than absorption through the skin). There are a growing number of studies which have detected a range of environmental chemicals in sanitary products such as pads and tampons. Dioxins, bleach, phthalates, parabens, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and pesticides are some of the environmental chemicals of concern that have been detected in feminine hygiene products.All of these have endocrine (hormone) disrupting properties, and some can increase the risk of certain types of cancers. They also disrupt the balance of the delicate and important vaginal microbiome. As Philip Tierno, a clinical microbiology and pathology professor at New York University states, "When you place a synthetic product in the vaginal vault, those bacteria respond to the changed physical environment." Tierno also states that natural fibres, such as cotton, are best for the health of the vaginal microbiome.In regards to the health impacts of these chemicals in humans, the evidence is somewhat mixed and it's still very much early days. One review cited many different conclusions from 20 studies. These conclusions include, "Although low concentrations, presence of chemicals warrants concern for users" and "Due to the presence of phthalates, parabens, bisphenols, and triclocarbans in menstrual products; depending on absorption rate, menstrual products could substantially contribute to exposure."
So what's my take?
Even though these endocrine disrupting chemical levels have been reported to be relatively low in several studies, due to the sensitive mucosal tissue and rapid absorption in the female genitourinary tract AND the frequency of use (as I said, maybe more than 10 000 times in a women's life!), I believe it's very good idea to lower the body burden and choose safer products when possible until we have more conclusive safety data.
What are some safer, lower-tox options?
TOM Organic have a great range of certified organic cotton tampons, pads and liners which are free from synthetics, plastics, chlorine and dioxin bleach that are commonly found in conventional period products. TOM Organic also do low-tox period undies and cups.
Other good brands of tampons and pads include Natracare, Organyc and Tsuno.
As far as menstrual cups go, DivaCup, OrganiCup and Lunette Menstrual cups are great options
ModiBodi and Bonds both state they avoid using PFAS chemicals, which break down slowly over time and are referred to as the "forever chemicals".
hannah:PAD and TOM Organic also sell reusable pads and liners, but more brands are coming out with some great reusable options.
Bottom Line
It’s important for women to be informed and ‘grow knowledge’ around the products we use so intimately, especially when they are a necessity, not a luxury. Let’s keep the conversations going around all things women’s health related (especially menstruation and vaginal health) moving forward so we can ensure any taboo around this topic is well and truly left in the past.
Until next time,
Stacey.
