We need more research into tampons – and all period products
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- We need more research into tampons – and all period products
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A University of Otago study recently found low levels of oestrogen-like chemicals in some tampons. While there’s no evidence tampons are unsafe, we do need more research and more thorough safety testing.
Stuff recently published an article sharing new findings from the University of Otago that some tampons release low levels of chemicals that can act like oestrogen.
The researchers tested 18 tampon products, from multiple brands and countries, for a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. They found extracts from about half of these products showed oestrogen-like activity.
What is oestrogen-like activity and why is it important?
Chemicals that act like oestrogen and other hormones are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Some EDCs trick our body into thinking they are hormones, while others block natural hormones from doing their job, leading to hormonal imbalance. There’s evidence EDCs are linked to other health conditions. But we don’t yet understand enough about the cause-and-effect relationship.
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Tampons have been around for decades. This study didn’t prove that tampons are unsafe or cause health problems. What it did show is that it’s possible to make tampons without these chemicals, since half the tampons tested didn’t show any estrogenic activity. But there’s still so much we don’t know about the safety of these products. What we need now is more research into the safety of all period products.”
Beth Messenger, Medical Director -
All period products need to be tested more thoroughly
This area of healthcare is often over-looked, and there’s currently little published research into the safety of any period products. Partly this is because until recently, period products weren’t recognised as healthcare products. This study is a step in the right direction. As the report authors highlighted, more research and more comprehensive safety testing of all period products is needed.
Some are already working to plug this gap. Recently, The Spinoff published a piece from microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles about the research she’s crowdfunding into the safety of menstrual cups and discs.
What’s the safest period product?
It’s hard to give definitive advice about what the safest period products are, when this research is still so new. We know it’s frustrating when experts don’t have all the answers.
But we can take heart in knowing that, as more people recognise period products as healthcare products, more research is being done, so people with vaginas can be assured they’re using safe products in the future.
Remember, it’s also possible to stop your period entirely using contraception. Make an appointment with us to talk about it.