For years, menstrual protection products were perceived as everyday items, with no real questioning about their composition. Today, things are changing.

More and more studies and analyses are revealing the presence of traces of chemical substances in certain disposable menstrual protection products, leading many women to question their long-term impact.

Concerning substances identified in certain protection products

Analyses conducted by ANSES have highlighted the presence of several types of chemical substances in tampons and sanitary pads.

Among them:

Pesticide residues

They can come from non-organic cotton cultivation.

Dioxins

By-products linked to certain fiber bleaching processes.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Compounds present in the environment that can be found in certain raw materials.

Fragrances and chemical additives

Added to some protection products to mask odors, they can be irritating to mucous membranes.

👉 These substances can result from industrial processes, and some of them are classified as concerning for human health or the environment by various scientific authorities.

A crucial question: repeated exposure

Health authorities indicate that detected levels generally remain low.

But this raises a fundamental question: what does repeated exposure, month after month, for years, on a particularly sensitive intimate area, mean?

These menstrual protection products are used:

• several hours a day
• several days each month
• for decades (a woman experiences approximately 38 to 42 years of cycles in her lifetime)

It is this repetition over time that is now leading many women to reconsider their choice of protection.

Toxic shock syndrome: a risk to be aware of

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious infection, primarily associated with the use of internal protection products such as tampons.

It is caused by a bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) capable of producing a dangerous toxin.

According to Mayo Clinic:

• it remains rare
• but can have serious consequences
• it requires vigilance in the use of internal protection products

Even if this risk is uncommon, it is one of the reasons why some women choose to avoid internal protection products like tampons. 👉 Discover the article menstrual panties vs. tampons: what protection to choose?

Why more and more women are changing their menstrual protection products

Faced with this information, a movement is developing. Many women today wish to:

• reduce their exposure to chemical substances
• opt for more natural solutions
• choose protection products with transparent compositions

This change is part of a global approach to well-being and respect for the body.

Healthier alternatives exist

Today, several solutions allow for a more natural approach to periods:

• washable pads
• menstrual cup
• menstrual disc
• menstrual panties

These alternatives often offer:

• more transparency
• less waste
• better respect for the body

Menstrual panties: a no-compromise solution

Menstrual panties today represent one of the most complete alternatives. However, not all are created equal: the quality of materials and composition can vary, and some do not guarantee the absence of undesirable substances in their composition. It is therefore essential to research their manufacturing and certifications before making a choice.

Menstrual panties offer:

• protection without insertion
• daily comfort
• a reusable and sustainable solution

At Sherydane, menstrual panties are designed to meet these requirements. They are made with OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, guaranteeing the absence of harmful substances for the skin, and GOTS certified organic cotton, one of the most demanding textile labels in the world. The latter guarantees respect for the environment and the working conditions of producers.

Sherydane menstrual panties are also:

• designed in Switzerland
• ethically manufactured in France
• designed to combine health, comfort, and elegance

👉 Discover Sherydane menstrual panties: https://sherydane.com

A holistic approach to menstrual well-being

Choosing healthier protection is a first step. But taking care of oneself during periods also involves:

• an adapted diet: what to eat during periods to feel better
• moments of rest: understanding menstrual fatigue
• natural solutions: how to relieve menstrual pain naturally

Understand to choose better

Informing oneself, understanding, and questioning the products one uses is essential.

Every woman deserves to be able to choose menstrual protection consciously, in harmony with her body and values.

👉 To better understand how the menstrual cycle works and its impacts on the body, consult our complete guide to periods and the menstrual cycle.