National Period Day- Detox Your Time of the Month
Period Action Day (PAD) is occurring on October 8 in the US, and it inspired me to write on this important subject, because it could use attention here in Canada as well.
Not all women and girls have access to menstruation products in North America, let alone the rest of the world, and this day brings awareness to that concerning fact.
What does it mean to not have access to these products? Where there is lack of access, there may also be lack of education. 1 in 5 American girls have missed school from not having access to menstruation products. This highlights the ‘period poverty’ we are still battling in the world, affecting the mobility and access to education for women and girls.
In the wellness communities, it is also being brought forth that not all menstrual products are created equal, and some of the popular brands actually contain many harmful chemicals.
A lot of this is due to the perfumes, scents and bleaches used in these products which can actually lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome and a host of other negative health effects. Unless the product is listed as made with organic cotton, it may have been exposed to pesticides. Period products containing dioxins, phthalates, parabens and BPA are the main culprits who affect our hormonal health, disrupt our endocrine system and can damage our immune and reproductive systems.
It is safe to say that it’s best to avoid products that contain scents and chemicals in order to maintain good health. Thankfully in recent years there have been many GMO and chemical free alternatives on the market.
Period Stigma ends where education begins. Something that also isn’t widely talked about that I will briefly mention is that most of the modern day period products are not exactly sustainable for the environment. In 2022 alone, 30 billion lbs of menstrual waste will end up in landfills and oceans.
With that said, I’d like to highlight some sustainable menstrual products (for our bodies and the earth).
Menstrual Cup -
A great reusable product, made of medical grade silicone, or depending on the brand, silicone-free. Menstrual cups last up to 12 hours and are a great way to save money and the environment at the same time. These toxic-free alternatives have a life of up to 10 years. It may sound a little daunting at first, but this invention (originally invented way back in 1867) is not all too complicated and has been used by women for many generations.
Organic Cotton Products -
Not a reusable option, yet a toxin-free option! Cotton is one of the top pesticide sprayed crops in the world, so this is a big one to highlight. Switching to organic cotton pads, tampons and panty liners that haven’t been treated with insecticides or pesticides, synthetic materials or have been treated with added fragrances will do wonders to preserve the vagina’s delicate microbiome and maintain our body’s overall health. Growing organic, sustainable, 100% cotton also uses 91% less water, doesn’t damage soil and emits less CO2.
Period Underwear -
Newer on the scene are period underwear. These are being made by many different companies and the best versions are breathable, easy to wash, and have a slim, absorbent design (so it doesn’t feel like wearing a diaper!). There are also many different styles and designs, depending on your underwear style preference. Be sure to avoid brands using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as these have been linked to adverse health risks. Period underwear are a higher initial investment, but last a long time.
Reusable Pads -
Another way to cut down on waste, cost, and toxin exposure, these are designed just like a normal pad except with snaps instead of adhesive to keep the pad in place. Made similarly to period underwear, these absorbent and moisture wicking pads can be thrown in the wash.
Wherever you are on your journey of choosing toxin-free or eco-conscious alternatives, know that any small step in that direction will greatly benefit not only your health, but also your budget in the long run. With a little bit more education and research it can help to make a difference in the world of period poverty when we choose healthier options for ourselves and teach it to our children, so they can teach their children. One last note is that many of the conscious brands are also giving back proceeds of every sale to communities that lack period supplies and education, which is also a way to benefit this greater issue.