Let’s talk about something most women use every single month without thinking twice about it. Pads, pantyliners, tampons. You grab them, you trust them, you move on with your life.
But recently, a new South African study caused a bit of a stir when researchers found endocrine disrupting chemicals in menstrual products sold locally. Naturally, everyone went into panic mode. Cue the reels, the WhatsApps, and the “we are being poisoned” headlines.
So let’s take a breath and unpack what the study actually says, what it does not say, and what we can realistically do about it.
Because knowledge without panic is power.
What the study actually looked at
The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, analysed sanitary pads and pantyliners available in South Africa to see whether they contained endocrine disrupting chemicals, also known as EDCs.
Researchers tested 16 brands of pads and several pantyliners and screened for three main chemical groups:
• Phthalates
• Bisphenols (including BPA)
• Parabens
These are chemicals commonly used in plastics, adhesives, preservatives and manufacturing processes.
And here is the headline finding.
Every single product tested contained at least two endocrine disrupting chemicals!
Yes. Even some marketed as “organic” or “free from harmful chemicals”.
Before we spiral, what are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with your hormone system. They can mimic hormones like oestrogen or block normal hormonal signalling in the body.
This is why they get attention in research around fertility, metabolic health, thyroid function and hormone related cancers.
Now here is the important nuance. Exposure does not automatically equal harm. Dose, frequency, absorption and cumulative exposure all matter. That is exactly what this study tried to explore.
The part that matters most. Exposure
The researchers did not just detect chemicals. They also estimated potential exposure levels through skin contact.
Here are a few key findings simplified:
• Bisphenols were found in all pads tested
• Phthalates were especially common in pantyliners
• Parabens appeared in most products
But the bigger concern was not one single exposure. It was repeated exposure over years.
Think about it.
Many women use menstrual products every month for decades. That is long term contact with highly absorbent and permeable vulvar tissue, which can absorb chemicals more easily than skin on other parts of the body.
So the conversation is less about toxicity in one pad and more about cumulative exposure across a lifetime.
Another interesting point nobody is talking about
The study suggests these chemicals are not always intentionally added.
They may migrate into products from:
• Plastics used in packaging
• Adhesives
• Manufacturing equipment
• Contaminated water used during production
Even the heat pressing process can move chemicals into the top layer that touches your skin.
So this is not necessarily a case of brands secretly adding toxins. It is more about supply chains, materials and regulation gaps.
Speaking of regulation… here is the real problem
In South Africa, menstrual products are regulated for things like absorbency and microbiological safety. But there are currently no specific standards for chemical content.
That means brands are not required to disclose full ingredient lists.
Which explains why consumers feel blindsided.
Honestly, I get it. We read labels on food. We read labels on skincare. But period products? We just assume they are safe.
Should you panic and throw everything away?
No.
This study is important but it is not proof that using pads causes disease. What it does is highlight a potential exposure source that deserves more research and better transparency.
Also remember this. EDC exposure comes from many places:
• Food packaging
• Cosmetics
• Household products
• Water
• Air pollution
Pads are one piece of a much bigger puzzle.
But that does not mean we ignore it. It just means we approach it calmly and make better choices where we can.
Practical swaps if you want to reduce exposure
You do not have to go full crunchy overnight and start sewing reusable pads in your kitchen. Unless you want to. No judgement.
But here are some realistic alternatives.
1. Look for certified products
The researchers recommend choosing products certified under OEKO TEX Standard 100, which restricts harmful substances.
Certification does not mean zero chemicals, but it does mean stricter testing.
2. Consider reusable options
Reusable pads, menstrual cups and period underwear reduce both chemical exposure and environmental waste.
Bonus. They also save money long term, which in this economy is a win.
3. Choose fragrance free
Fragrance often hides additional chemical compounds. Fragrance free is a simple swap with minimal effort.
4. Rotate products
Using a mix of pads, cups and period underwear can reduce repeated exposure to one product type.
5. Support brands with transparency
Consumer demand drives change. The more we ask questions, the more brands respond.
My personal take
This study didn’t shock me, if I’m honest. It just added more context to conversations I’ve been having with my community for years.
I’ve been encouraging women to explore alternatives like menstrual cups, reusable pads and period underwear. Not because I think pads are evil or that we need to panic, but because reducing our exposure to endocrine disruptors is just one more step in taking ownership of our health.
We live in a modern world. Exposure is everywhere. Food packaging, beauty products, cleaning products, even the air we breathe. The goal has never been perfection. The goal is awareness and better choices where we can realistically make them.
Swapping period products is actually one of the easier wins. It is something you use every month, for decades, so even a small upgrade can make a meaningful difference over time.
This study simply reinforces what many of us have already felt. Curiosity around what we are putting on and in our bodies is not extreme. It is responsible.
The bottom line
This study showed that endocrine disrupting chemicals were detected in menstrual products sold in South Africa.
It raised important questions about cumulative exposure, regulation and ingredient transparency.
But it is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to stay informed, ask questions and explore alternatives that align with your comfort level.
And honestly, if there is one thing we should all take from this, it is this.
Women deserve better research, better transparency and better products.
Full stop.
[…] If you’re interested in learning more about period products and how they affect your health, check out my other post here. […]