So There’s Lead in Your Tampons... Now What?

If you haven’t heard yet, a recent study was published stating that concerning levels of lead, arsenic, and heavy metals were found in certain (read: most) brands of tampons and pads. That means that for an unknown amount of time (but likely as long as you have been menstruating) your body has been exposed to consistent sources of hormone disrupting, inflammatory, and cancer-causing materials. It also serves as a reminder that for your whole life, you have been exposed to these same materials found in water, in soil, and in the clothing you wear. Here’s what you should know.

Yes, this is serious. But it’s not surprising.

Lead, arsenic, and heavy metals are naturally occuring. You are exposed to these daily through the water you drink, the clothing you wear, and the food you eat. The difference is that most of this contamination is observed, studied, and most importantly: regulated. While it’s not unheard of that something like cotton would retain a certain amount of lead from seed to harvest, it is concerning that the levels present in these menstrual products have not been tested or regulated before hitting the drugstore shelves. No regulatory or production oversight combined with a strong profit motive means we have more questions than answers surrounding our safety.

When it comes to these menstrual products (as with many items manufactured for the health & subsistence of AFAB folks), there aren’t regulations & therefore testing surrounding toxin exposure. For perspective, the EPA observes water quality and oversees infrastructural efforts to ensure that it is safe for consumption. While there is going to be lead in your municipal drinking water, in theory the infrastructural oversight ensures there are aren’t toxic levels. Obviously local policy makers and structural inequities can impede this type of oversight, as is the case in Flint, MI, but that is a conversation for another day.

The point is: You are going to be exposed to these chemicals, but there should be regulatory oversight to ensure the levels at which you’re exposed aren’t toxic. Even if the average levels of these heavy metals and toxins are relatively low in menstrual products per the study, consistent use over many years and the absorption capacity of the vaginal lining make this an issue that triggers more concern. Plus the scientific community’s historical lack of research surrounding women’s health makes it pretty hard to know how this could impact menstruators long term.

Now, breathe and take back your agency.

Here’s what we know:

You don’t have to use tampons or pads, as there are many many alternative options for menstrual products (like what I’ve linked for you below).
More research needs to be done on the potential implications of this preliminary study. There are limitations to what information has been collected so far, and this isn’t a death sentence.
Your illness, just like your wellness, is something impacted by hundreds of small factors accrued over many years - a good portion of which have likely been out of your control. Contaminated menstrual products aren’t the key to all your ailments, just like drinking matcha instead of coffee isn’t the key to perfect health. Remember nuance in these times of black & white thinking.

Where do we go from here?

If exposure to these toxins worries you, that’s okay! If you don’t think there’s enough information from this preliminary study to cause concern, that’s also okay. You get to be the one steering the ship when it comes to your health.

If you are concerned about exposure, here’s what I would recommend as a Clinical Herbalist:

Support your natural detoxification pathways by reducing or better yet, eliminating alcohol, drinking more water, eating more fiber & minimally processed foods.
Herbs can be a major supporter to vaginal health. Drinking marshmallow tea (an hour or more after other medications) can support the mucosal tissue. Red Raspberry is a uterine tonic, and a tea consumed daily can assist in lowering stress on your reproductive system. A Sitz Bath of Rose Petals, Chamomile, Calendula, and Marshmallow can do wonders for vaginal balance as well.
Avoid hacks & “detoxes” - your body is intuitive and capable of detoxifying for you. Trusting your body and supporting it holistically are your most powerful tools.

Ways to support your menstrual health (no matter what products you’re using)

Track your cycle and adjust your lifestyle to accommodate it. Check out my upcoming cycle syncing workshop to learn more.
Notice when things feel “off” and advocate for yourself! Just because something is common, does not mean it’s normal. If you want to learn more about what specific support your body needs, book a wellness intake and begin your journey with Herbal Medicine.
Nervous system support is a powerful adjunct to menstrual support. Chronic stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which can of course lead to reproductive health issues. DO NOT LET THIS STUDY OVERTAKE YOU. Regulate and make informed decisions that affirm your agency.

My favorite menstrual care products

Personally, I haven’t used pads or tampons in many years. Mostly because the inflexibility of tampons can increase pain, and the waste both products cause felt like an environmental impact I didn’t want to make. If I was using pads & tampons would I discontinue using them? Honestly, yes. Or at least do more research on smaller-scale brands that have a stronger ethical framework. For me, this study is enough information to make an educated choice about my own menstrual health.