Toxic Tampons? What You Need to Know About Heavy Metals in Menstrual Products

As if periods weren’t already enough of a pain in the… well, you know where… now we have to worry about toxic metals in our tampons? It’s enough to make anyone want to curl up in a ball and hide under the covers for a couple of days (which, coincidentally, is about how long my period lasts).

But before we all freak out and start fashioning DIY menstrual products out of organic cotton and good vibes, let’s take a deep breath and look at what we actually know.

The Bloody Truth: What’s Really in Your Tampon?

A recent study published in Environment International found measurable concentrations of 16 different metals in popular tampon brands, including some nasty customers like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Now, before you set fire to your tampon stash, it’s important to note that the study doesn’t conclusively link these metals to negative health effects. It’s more of a “hey, this stuff is in there, maybe we should look into it” kind of deal.

But still, it’s pretty concerning. I mean, we’re putting these things in one of the most absorbent parts of our bodies for hours at a time. And over a lifetime? The average menstruator might use over 7,400 tampons. That’s a lot of potential exposure to questionable chemicals.

The Organic Dilemma

Here’s where it gets really frustrating: going organic isn’t necessarily the answer. The study found that while lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, arsenic levels were actually higher in organic ones. It’s like playing toxic metal whack-a-mole with our vaginas.

What’s a Menstruator to Do?

So, what are our options? Short of going full-on free-bleeder (which, hey, no judgment if that’s your jam), here are a few things to consider:

1. Look for simpler ingredients: Avoid tampons with fragrances, colorants, or plastic components like polyester and polypropylene.
2. Consider alternatives: Menstrual cups, period underwear, or good old-fashioned cloth pads might be worth a try. Bonus: many of these options are better for the environment, too.
3. Do your research: There are apps out there that let you scan product barcodes to see what chemicals they contain. 
4. Raise your voice: The more we talk about this issue and demand better regulation and testing, the more likely manufacturers and regulators are to listen.

The Bigger Picture

Look, I’m not here to tell you to panic and throw out all your tampons. The truth is, we’re exposed to trace amounts of chemicals and metals in many aspects of our daily lives. As Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola, an OB-GYN and environmental health expert, told NPR: “When you start to look at the kind of chemicals that are found in our human system, the reality is that in modern life, we’re kind of swimming in them.”

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care or push for better. The fact that tampons are classified as medical devices by the FDA, yet aren’t required to be tested for chemical contaminants, is pretty messed up. We deserve better.

The Emotional Toll

It’s totally valid to feel angry, frustrated, or scared about this news. Our bodies go through enough during menstruation without having to worry about toxic metals. It’s okay to be upset that once again, issues primarily affecting people with uteruses are being overlooked or under-researched.

But remember: knowledge is power. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can take some control back. And who knows? Maybe this will be the push we need to finally get some serious regulation and research into menstrual products.

In the meantime, whether you decide to stick with tampons, switch to alternative products, or go full medieval and retreat to a red tent once a month, remember that your feelings about this are valid. Period.