Flowing Towards a Natural Lifestyle: A Dive Into Organic Menstrual Products

As women, most of us have one beautiful yet mysterious trait in common: a menstrual cycle. Therefore, menstrual hygiene products are a basic necessity for women. According to a 2021 report from the National Organization for Women, the average woman spends about $20 on feminine hygiene products per cycle, totaling up to about $18,000 throughout her lifetime. 

Women have been dealing with their periods and the need for menstrual products since the beginning of time. The history of the tampon dates back to ancient times when women used various materials such as wool, papyrus and sea sponges to manage their menstrual flow. In the 1920s, menstrual equity activist Mary Kenner invented the sanitary belt, laying the foundation for the modern-day pad. In 1933, the first modern disposable tampon was patented under the name “Tampax.” 

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in consumer consciousness as people look towards healthier and more sustainable choices, and this shift has extended to feminine hygiene products. One sector of the menstrual product industry that has seen a remarkable transformation is the organic tampon industry. Next to the usual offerings of maxi pads, tampons, menstrual cups and other feminine health products on the shelves, you can now find organic versions of tampons. But this bears the question: Does organic mean that these products are better or healthier for you?

Most conventional tampons are made from cotton and rayon, a substance derived from wood pulp, but they also may contain plastic components in the string or the applicator and chemicals used for fragrance. On the other hand, Stephanie Hack, M.D. — OB-GYN and host of the Lady Parts Doctor Podcast — said in an article with Shape Magazine that organic tampons are typically made out of 100 percent cotton and are free from dyes, plastics, bleach, fragrances and pesticide-treated cotton that are sometimes in traditional tampons.

It should be noted that tampons are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a class II medical device. In an article with Teen Vogue, Dr. Melissa Goist — obstetrician/gynecologist at The Ohio State University Medical Center — exclaims that “regular tampons are considered very safe in general” because the FDA oversees it all. A woman will use an average of 11,000 tampons in her lifetime. It's only at high levels that these ingredients, often stemming from the non-organic manufacturing process such as pesticides and chlorine in the bleaching process containing dioxin, cause harm to the body. However, opting for organic options can help reduce your harm and exposure. 

As buying organic menstrual products may benefit your body, it also benefits the environment. Plastic menstrual products generate more than 200,000 tons of waste per year according to the California State University San Marcos. Most menstrual products are made up of plastic and are non-biodegradable, taking approximately 500 to 800 years to decompose. While not all, most organic tampon brands are made of biodegradable material and contain minimal packaging or compostable containers.

Pooja Makhijani, writer for the New York Times, conceptualizes this shift as menstruation getting a “Gen Z makeover.” The global organic tampons market is expected to grow by $327.96 million from 2022-2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 6.21 percent according to a Global Newswire 2022 report. 

Despite cultural shifts and advances in technology, there are significant barriers to the widespread use of reusable or recyclable products. The organic menstrual product industry is similar to that of the organic health food sector, with its hint of privilege and higher price tag. For many women, the ins and outs of the organic menstrual product industry are a topic of no concern, as even acquiring a standard menstrual product in the first place is a struggle. According to a report by the National Organization for Women, periods can be devastating for the over 210,000 women experiencing homelessness in the United States. 

Overall, there is not much scientific evidence to suggest that non-organic tampons harm women’s health or that organic tampons are less harmful. Menstrual health is a public health issue, but it also provides a personal choice. Given the information, it’s up to you to decide. What choice will you make?