As a sustainable periods advocate and researcher, I've heard countless stories from menstruators who've made the switch to reusable products. One common thread is that many report a slight but noticeable reduction in menstrual cramps and period length (and some other symptoms). At first, I thought it might be due to the way reusable products fit our anatomy that somehow ease the “cramp”, but oh boy, was I in for a surprise! Let's dive into the fascinating chemical world of period products and their potential impact on our monthly visitor.
What's the correlation?
When I first heard about the potential link between disposable products and increased menstrual cramps, I was skeptical. How bad can it be? Isn’t it considered “clean” and thus more “hygiene” to use disposables? While more research is needed to establish a direct causal relationship, there's growing evidence suggesting that the chemicals in disposable products may indeed contribute to more intense cramping1.
The hidden cost of chemicals
For years, we've been told that disposable pads and tampons are the gold standard for period care.
I understand many of the “hygiene” products are “hygiene” exactly because of their economical, disposable capability. It’s the norm that they are only suppose to use for a few hours at a time. But exactly because of that, the testing on disposbles are less vigorous, the materials that are used on them has to be as cheap as possible(talking about you plastics), and the long term impact of disposable pads are yet to be researched, since the commercialisation in 60s and 70s.
Recent studies have shed light on some concerning facts that disposable menstrual products often contain a cocktail of chemicals that would make even a chemist's head spin:
- Dioxins and furans (from bleaching processes)
- Pesticide residues (from conventionally grown cotton)
- Phthalates (plasticiser and fragrances)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (from adhesives or manufacturing process)
Some of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and can potentially:
- Disrupt hormone balance
- Cause inflammation
- Irritate sensitive tissues
- Contribute to stronger menstrual cramps
The cost of it includes healthcare cost, productivity loss, not to mention environmental clean-up and waste management cost, the numbers of which remain under-researched.
Why is it a problem?
Our vaginal tissue is highly absorbent, which means it's great at soaking up moisture – but not so great at discriminating between good and potentially harmful substances. When we use disposable products containing these chemicals, we're essentially giving them a free pass into our bodies.
Why should we consider reusable menstrual products?
Switching to reusable menstrual products offers more than just a reduction in waste — a significant bonus in itself. It also means giving our bodies a break from unnecessary chemical exposure. Reusable options, such as PFAS-free period underwear like the Relief Everyday Breathe Cheeky, medical-grade silicone menstrual cups, and natural fibre cloth pads, are crafted from stable, long-lasting materials.
These products are gentler on our bodies because they lack the chemicals commonly found in disposable products, which are often used for just a few hours and then discarded.
Benefits of reusable products:
- Reduced exposure to potentially harmful chemicals
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Environmentally friendly
- Often more comfortable and breathable(slightly less cramps)
Is it really convenient?
I get it – the thought of washing period underwear or emptying a menstrual cup can seem daunting. But trust me, it's not as bad as you might think! Most reusable products are designed with convenience in mind.
The Relief Heavy Flow High-Waist Brief can hold up to 12 hours of flow — perfect for long workdays or overnight protection. Sometimes, you forget that you’re even on your period. And let's be honest, is rinsing out a pair of undies really more inconvenient than running to the store because you've run out of tampons?
One of my friends told me, “During lockdown, period underwear was my life saver!”
The takeaway
While we can't definitively say that disposable products cause worse cramps, there's enough evidence to make us pause and consider our options. By switching to reusable menstrual products, we're not just potentially easing our cramps – we're also reducing our exposure to unnecessary chemicals, saving money, and helping the planet.
Whether you're a busy professional who needs all-day protection, an athlete looking for leak-proof performance, or someone with sensitive skin tired of irritation from disposables, there's a reusable option out there for you.
So why not give reusables a try? Your body (and the planet) might just thank you for it. And who knows? You might find yourself joining the chorus of menstruators singing the praises of reduced cramps and increased comfort. Now that's what I call a period win!
Related: Menstrual Insomnia Explained — and How to Finally Rest
Many of us report sleep struggles before or during our period. Could chemical exposure be influencing our sleep too? Read more in our article about period-related insomnia.
References
[1] Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review
[2] Menstrual products as a source of environmental chemical exposure: A review from the epidemiologic perspective
