Recently more and more information has been coming to light regarding women and their periods. Specifically, with the products that we use to manage our monthly cycle. However, this information is not new, but it’s just now making its way to the masses and to us.
As young women we’re all getting our periods and having to maintain them throughout our daily lives. We use tampons, pads and other products while we’re on our period and some of use even take birth control (for various reasons).
A study by the University of La Plata in Argentina discovered that most tampons (around 85%) cotton balls and sanitary products (like gauze) contain glyphosate. Glyphosate has been ruled as “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organization.
However, according to the Huffington Post, the feminine hygiene industry doesn’t disclose the ingredients on their products. Therefore, there is no data for us to read so we can consider potential health risks.
The only way around this potential threat of cancer is to buy organic pads and tampons. Or use products like Diva Cup, a silicone or rubber cup that is inserted into the vagina, to collect rather than absorb.
Another issue some women are facing is a correlation between taking hormonal birth control (pills, IUDs etc.) and being diagnosed or prescribed medication for depression.
In a study conducted in Denmark and published in JAMA Psychiatry, fourteen years’ worth of data on the health of more than 1 million women was analyzed through national healthcare systems and databases. It measured depression based off of diagnosis from a psychiatric hospital (severe depression) or the filling of any antidepressant prescription.
The study found that 2 percent of women, ages 15-34 were diagnosed at a hospital and 13 percent filled prescriptions for antidepressants.
According to NPR, the study found that there was an “among women not taking hormonal birth control, 1.7 percent took antidepressants and 0.28 percent received a depression diagnosis at a psychiatric hospital. By comparison, 2.2 percent of women who started birth control began taking antidepressants afterward, and 0.3 percent were diagnosed with depression at a hospital.”
NPR also stated that there is an 80 percent increase in risk for those taking oral contraceptives in ages 15-19, and they would begin taking antidepressants after going on birth control.
NPR later goes on to say that “none of this means that birth control does not cause depression, but it doesn’t mean it does, either.”
These findings, although quite miniscule, are very concerning.
The study goes on to find that after a woman has taken birth control for four years, their risk of depression decreases, after their risk peaking at six months.
Birth control is very common among women these days, especially young college girls. However, for those who choose to use non-hormonal uses of contraceptives like copper IUDs, there is not any data that analyzes its effects on women.
But guard your hearts and minds, ladies. For women who begin being sexually active at a younger age, mostly in their adolescence, their risk of depression and anxiety increases.
Also, guard your wallets, because being a women and being reminded of that every single month both physically and financially is exhausting.
According to the Huffington Post, on average women will spend about $18,171 in their lifetimes just on their periods.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Eighteen thousand one hundred and seventy-one dollars.
Here’s how they have it broken down: Birth Control- $11,400 Tampons- $1,773 Panty Liners- $443
New underwear- $2,200 Midol- $1,229 Acne Medication-$94 Chocolate- $912 Heating pad-$40
Next time you have a midnight run to Safeway maybe re-think that extra box of chocolate and maybe buy organic products for the sake of your wallet and your uterus.