Menstrual products with pollution risks can introduce dangerous chemicals directly into your bloodstream, having devastating consequences for hormone health and fertility. According to one recent study, conventional tampons made of rayon contain carbon disulfide which has been linked to endocrine disruption.
Select organic tampons free of rayon, chlorine bleaching and pesticides; follow their usage directions carefully, limiting wear time to eight hours at most to avoid TSS (toxic shock syndrome).
What is hormone-free?
Conventional tampons contain chemicals which have been linked with hormonal issues, fertility problems and even cancer. Substances like dioxin, rayon and synthetic fragrances may disturb your delicate hormonal balance -organic tampons are typically made without these toxins, using all-cotton cores and BPA-free plastic applicators instead.
Conventional tampons contain chemicals that may enter your bloodstream through microscopic abrasions caused by inserting and removing them, while bacteria from your hands could rub off onto it and enter your vagina where they multiply and cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Experts state that whether or not you use regular or organic tampons, your risk of TSS should remain minimal provided you follow all guidelines for safe usage; changing every four hours and selecting an absorbency level that corresponds with your flow. In fact, some brands have earned the Made Safe label, verifying they don’t contain potentially hazardous contaminants.
What are the benefits of hormone-free tampons?
Conventional tampons contain toxic chemicals like dioxin that have been linked with fertility problems and other health concerns, while organic ones typically use cotton and natural materials that are gentler on the body and more absorbent, helping prevent leaks.
Organic tampons tend to be free from fragrances and dyes that can irritate vaginal health, as well as being made with cotton grown without pesticides or other harsh chemicals.
TSS (tampon skin syndrome) can occur with organic tampons too; TSS is caused by bacteria and can occur regardless of its material. Your risk increases with increased absorbency and length of use; to lower it further choose one with low absorbency and change every four to six hours for optimal performance. Because TSS may be serious or even life-threatening it’s essential that any symptoms be reported immediately to medical personnel.
What are the disadvantages of hormone-free tampons?
There has long been an assumption that hormone-free tampons are more likely to lead to TSS than their hormone-containing counterparts; however, this has never been established conclusively. Therefore, it remains essential to follow basic safety rules regarding their usage – such as choosing one with lower absorbency for your flow and changing it frequently – when choosing and wearing your tampons.
Another possible issue lies with organic cotton tampons: dioxins. Dioxin is a highly hazardous environmental pollutant with links to cancer and disruption of endocrine function; produced when wood pulp is bleached using chlorine gas bleaching agents, although dioxin levels in some organic cotton tampons may be minimal; even so, its presence could potentially harm vaginal cells and disrupt natural hormones.
Hormone-free tampons are more eco-friendly than their conventional counterparts as they don’t contain synthetic chemicals or harmful pesticides, plus many organic cotton versions reduce chemical exposure throughout your month. You may also consider eco-friendly menstrual products like reusable pads and cups as part of an overall holistic menstrual regime.
What are the best hormone-free tampons?
Are You Searching for Organic or Safe Tampons? There are plenty of choices out there – but which brand would best meet your needs?
For optimal hormone-free tampons, look for those without pesticides, dioxins/chlorine fragrances and chlorine bleaching processes. Furthermore, BPA can mimic hormones and interfere with their production, so selecting products without it would also be advantageous.
Keep in mind, however, that organic or natural tampons do not eliminate the risk of TSS (Tampon Sanitization Syndrome), an extremely rare disorder which can result in symptoms including nausea, vomiting, high fever, rashes and more. The best way to lower your TSS risk is to follow product directions closely, change tampons every four hours and refrain from wearing them overnight.
Lola is one of the leading natural brands, offering biodegradable tampons made entirely from cotton (without synthetic materials or fragrances) as part of their subscription service that delivers them right to your door.
