Read Your Labels: Tampons

I often express to clients that counting chemicals vs calories is most important when it comes to diet. However, counting chemicals also applies to what goes on the skin and in the body. An example of this: feminine products.

A group of chemicals sometimes referred to as “endocrine disruptors”—because they may mess with the hormones your body’s endocrine system regulates—have been linked to brain disorders, reproductive issues, obesity and cancer. (Recent reports from Europe pegged the healthcare costs of these chemicals somewhere north of $200 billion.)

Unfortunately, experts say tampons belong on this growing list of potentially hazardous personal care products.

Unlike something you swallow, substances you place inside your vagina may not go through the body's typical elimination and metabolic processes, says Ami Zota, an assistant professor of environmental health at George Washington University. Instead, tampon chemicals are absorbed by the vaginal mucosa, and from there are able to pass almost directly into your bloodstream.

Check out the ingredients list on your average box of tampons. You're reading chemicals sometimes referred to as “endocrine disruptors” because they mess with the hormones your body’s endocrine system regulates.

Women, we are actually inserting these chemicals INSIDE our lady parts.

Could it be that your irregular periods, yeast infections, UTI's and infertility issues are in part due to the chemicals in your feminine care products?

More and more companies are cutting back on the amount of chemicals used in their products, but small amounts still remain.

Target has some lovely tampon options that are safe and clean. LOLA is also a wonderful brand that delivery tampons straight to your door. I, personally, use the Honest Company tampons and panty liners and they are wonderfully organic too.

Be in the know. Read your labels. Love your body.