Menstruation still carries a stigma today. Many people who menstruate feel pressured to hide what’s happening during that time of the month. This expectation of silence comes with consequences, leaving women with undiagnosed period abnormalities, a lack of overall knowledge of what should and shouldn’t be happening during your period, and an insufficient amount of research being dedicated to women’s health.
Ready-to-buy disposable pads have only been widely accessible since the 1920s, and modern tampons with disposable applicators were only just patented in 1933. That’s all to say that what we consider the standard for period care is only about a century old. It’s no surprise that there is still much we are learning about these products and their potential effects on our health.
Over the summer, I came across growing concerns about menstrual products potentially containing toxic substances.
The FDA website describes a study that took place this year which aimed to examine the levels of metal in eleven different tampons. They make sure to emphasize that there were only “trace levels” of metals which are expected to have negligible effects. I do feel it is important to point out that of the 19 metals which were found in the samples, two of them were arsenic and lead.
Half of the world’s population relies on menstrual products; it is a bit unnerving to think that a considerable part of the world’s population is being unknowingly exposed to toxic metals. Furthermore, it’s not exactly avoidable — the same study found metals in all tampons they tested, including both organic and conventional tampons. So even those thinking they’re making the “better” choice are facing the same exposure.
The research process is ongoing; we still don’t know the full extent of potential health effects of long-term exposure. Or even if there are any. But just the fact that metals like arsenic are present in internally used products is undoubtedly worrisome.
This is only just one example of women’s health being overlooked. For much of modern medical research, women have been excluded from or underrepresented in clinical studies. In fact, it was only just recently that women were included in clinical trials. It’s more than a single miscalculation. It’s a consistent pattern of exclusion whose consequences researchers are still working to address.
I think one of the most important steps forward is conducting research that doesn’t just include women but centers their health needs and experiences. It is equally important for organizations like the FDA and agencies inside these companies to ensure the safety and quality of the products they put on shelves. Also, we need accessible menstrual products that give people confidence in what they’re using, and I implore you to do your own research on the products that you buy. The more we understand our bodies and the products we use, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions about our health.
