WELLNESS // AYURVEDA
Making an Organic Choice
Reading labels on menstrual health products
by Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD
W
hen it comes to giving advice for
choosing menstrual health and
hygiene products, there are two
primary issues I consider: women’s well-being
and the environmental impact.
First, health! The vagina has an extensive
network of capillaries and nerves. There is a rich
blood supply which means that the skin absorbs
A LOT of what we place in that area of the
body. I suggest trying to only choose products
that are clean and chemical-free as much as
possible. Look for products that are free of per-
fumes and dyes. Go for all cotton and organic.
When reading labels, scan for unbleached
since some of the toxins in products are
byproducts of bleaching. For example, dioxin
and furan are known carcinogens that are a
result of manufacturing and bleaching of fibers
in menstrual care items. Some of these byprod-
ucts are also potential hormone disrupters, the
long-term of effects of which we are still trying
to understand. In addition, consider the pos-
sible cumulative effects of using these products
over decades.
As if these concerns aren’t enough, it’s
also hard to discern what we may actually be
exposed to when we place items right next
to the absorbent skin of the vaginal canal
and even the outer lips of the yoni. Reading
labels is important but sometimes gives you
limited information; and much of what might
be unsafe is hidden in proprietary ingredients
that are novel and highly absorbent. Tampon
manufacturers are not required to list all in-
gredients, which is something that women are
currently protesting in an effort to change.
And then there’s waste, which affects
environmental health. Look for manufactur-ers that limit their packaging. Try to use
tampons without applicators if it works for
you, or with minimal or recycled applicators.
Washable re-usables like menstrual cups, cloth
pads, or even sponges can be great choices for
people who can use them without difficulty.
Whatever you choose to use, remember
that you’ll be selecting something that can
have an impact on both your body and the
environment. Fortunately, there are a number
of innovative companies offering functional
solutions that put health first.Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board certified OB/GYN
as well as a board certified Integrative and Holistic
Medicine and a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist. She has
a clinical practice in Los Angeles, is a mother of two
children, and is active in social and environmental
initiatives: thedrsuzanne.com.