Menstrual Products Found To Contain Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
When menstrual products such as pads and tampons come into contact with permeable vaginal and vulvar tissue, the chemicals they contain can be absorbed into the body. To learn more about chemical content of these products, researchers at George Mason University reviewed 15 previously published studies, which spanned from 2013 to 2023 in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
Their analysis suggested that tampons, pads, and liners contained measurable levels of several harmful constituents, including phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, and dioxins. Exposure to these compounds could pose potential risks to reproductive health, possibly contributing to or exacerbating conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. More research is needed to determine the level of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in newer products, including menstrual underwear, cups, and discs. “Future research should focus on clarifying the exposure per menstrual cycle to these chemicals to understand how menorrhagia and cycle length influence exposure from menstrual products,” say the researchers.
Source
obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17668
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