Menstrual products like tampons and pads can contain harmful chemicals like dioxin, which is a known, and banned, hormone disruptor. The issue is, dioxin residue is still found in these products. Not only can dioxin disrupt hormones, but it’s a known carcinogen that is linked with endometriosis.

The good news is once you swap out conventional tampons and pads you will never go back. Menstrual cups are my go-to swap for tampons. They are made from silicone, don’t cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) like tampons can, and can be used for years. Not only are they better for your hormones, but they save you money. If you don’t feel ready for a menstrual cup, you can get organic tampons without plastic. Learn more about menstrual cups here. 

Period panties are my favorite pad alternative, but you could also use organic pads or reusable cloth pads.

To read more posts about eliminating toxins from your daily life, check out our dedicated section to the topic on our blog, Period Matters.

This is an excerpt from a post written by Amanda Montalvo, RD, FDN-P, an Integrative Dietitian that runs Your Non Toxic Life: a blog, nutrition consulting service, and Facebook group that helps women detoxify their minds and bodies and balance their hormones. Abridged content curated and edited by Nayla Al-Mamlouk.