With more options than ever to manage your period, the prospect of switching to organic tampons may sound appealing – but what exactly are they made up of?
Before purchasing cotton fabric from any supplier, always seek certifications such as GOTS or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 to verify its organic nature and that the company uses responsible manufacturing practices.
What is Hormone-Free Tampons?
Menstrual cups and period pants can help manage periods, but tampons remain the go-to choice. Organic and hormone-free tampons have become increasingly common as people strive to find healthier solutions to managing their periods.
Organic tampons differ from regular ones in that they’re made with 100% cotton instead of synthetic materials like dyes, fragrances and bleach that may cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Furthermore, organic varieties often contain less dioxin – a chemical which may contribute to TSS symptoms if present.
Though organic cotton tampons do not contain pesticides, this does not make them 100% safe; one study concluded that there were still detectable levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA).
As you shop for organic tampons, look for third-party certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe to ensure they’re truly organic. Additionally, pay attention to the ingredients list and ensure it does not contain artificial fragrances, dyes or synthetic materials. Finally, think about applicator type: some organic tampons come equipped with plastic applicators while others may feature cardboard or BPA-free versions.
How to Choose Hormone-Free Tampons
Many women don’t understand what goes into the menstrual products they use each month. Polluted products release unwelcome chemicals directly into their vagina, potentially disrupting hormonal balance and fertility while also leading to irritation. Switching to non-toxic tampons and pads reduces exposure while supporting hormone health, fertility, and vaginal health.
Key ingredients to avoid when selecting products are rayon (natural cellulose processed with carbon disulfide and linked with female reproductive toxicity) and synthetic materials which contain hormone-disrupting BPA. If possible, choose 100% certified organic cotton products with plant-based applicators as these chemicals could pose serious health hazards.
Be sure to choose a tampon with the lowest absorbency possible that suits you; for beginners, consider trying a regular, non-scented tampon with an easy applicator for easier insertion. Change it every four to six hours and seek medical advice if pain or changes in menstrual cycle occur suddenly.
Benefits of Hormone-Free Tampons
Even though organic tampons have garnered considerable buzz, there’s no scientific proof they are safer than regular ones. Switching could actually increase your risk for TSS (a rare but life-threatening condition associated with using tampons).
There are other ways you can reduce your exposure to chemicals in period products, like pads, panty liners and menstrual cups that do not necessarily absorb as much blood than tampons – such as opting for brands using recycled and biodegradable packaging that does not contain VOCs, phthalates and BPA (bisphenol A). Reusable plastic bottles also may contain chemicals known as PFASs that could increase exposure.
If you choose tampons, always opt for those with the lowest absorbency and change them every 4-8 hours. Also remember to wash your hands prior and after inserting tampons – this can help avoid infection!
Conclusions
Choose non-toxic menstrual products to reduce exposure to chemicals, which will benefit hormone health and fertility. Glyphosate pesticide (used to kill weeds) has been linked with cancer risk as well as hormonal disruption; however, this should not be an issue when selecting tampons due to extremely low amounts of Glyphosate present.
In the 1980s, highly absorbent tampons were blamed for toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an uncommon but serious illness. TSS is caused by Staphylococcus aureus in vaginal flora rather than any specific tampon itself; organic varieties may be safer as they don’t bleached with chlorine to produce dioxin-based dioxin that’s known to be carcinogenic and hormone disrupting; however it still poses real risks despite low dioxin emissions; regardless, TSS risks remain very real – menstruators deserve access to safe yet affordable menstrual care that doesn’t come at the cost of their health!
