How to avoid Hormone Disruptors during
your Menstrual Cycle?
April 30, 2022. 2 mins read
A woman’s body changes throughout her lifetime. Each stages of life, starting from from fetal development to post-menopause, involves a direct relationship between her hormones and how her body develops and functions. When this relationship is in balance, it helps create the conditions for good health.
When this relationship is out of balance, it can lead to a range of health problems that can be painful and devastating. Hormone disruptors are one category of the industrial chemicals that can increase a woman’s risk for health problems. They are of particular concern because they can alter the critical hormonal balances required for proper health and development at all stages of a woman’s life.
Hormones regulate a wide range of functions in our body. For example, work with the reproductive system, kidney, guts, liver and fat to help maintain and control body energy levels. Hormone disruptors are substances not naturally found in the body but they can interfere with body’s functions. Phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA) and DDT are some of the more commonly known hormone disruptors.
How We Are Exposed?
Hormone disruptors get into our bodies when we breathe, eat, drink and have skin contact with them.
Phthalates, a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are widely known to be harmful to woman health. Phthalates are very common in plastics, cosmetics, and apparently menstrual pads.
From babies and toddlers to postpartum people to elders, are going to be exposed to diapers, and menstruating people (including nonbinary people and transmen) to menstrual pads. These put phthalates right up against our thin genital skin.
What You Can Do
Make simple changes in your hygienic products to help protect your health.
1. Purchase “organic” menstrual pads that only contain an organic cotton core. Avoid chemical scents, because chemicals found in the perfumes can increase the chance of irritation, infections and throw off PH levels.
2. Always read the ingredients! If you aren’t sure what it is then chances are, you should avoid it. Ingredients like polyesters, polypropylene and fiber finishes are not vaginal friendly.
3. Menstrual cups are a good option for those who feel comfortable using them, but you must ensure you’re washing them frequently with unscented soap to avoid irritation or infection. Menstrual discs are also a similar option but aren’t reusable.
4. Always make sure your use the appropriate sized menstrual pads for your menstrual flow and change your pad each time you use the bathroom.
5. Don’t pee and think you’ll be okay to change your pad next time, this will increase the risk of infection and cause irritation. Some menstrual pads boxes state they can be left in for 12 hours, which isn’t recommended unless you’re sleeping.
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Our mission is to help women lead healthier, happier lives by connecting them with our beauty and wellness community. You can be at any stage of womanhood, becoming momity is just a click away!