17/03/2026
The hottest women’s health topic of March 2026:
Thanks for the question
There’s been a lot of discussion recently about a South African study that found hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and panty liners sold locally.
First, let’s explain what a hormone-disrupting chemical actually is. These are compounds that can interfere with your body’s endocrine system, which is the network of glands and hormones that regulate things like reproduction, metabolism, growth and even mood. Some of these chemicals can mimic or block natural hormones, or change how your body produces and uses them.
The study tested 16 brands of pads and several liners and found at least two different types of these chemicals in every product tested: things like phthalates, bisphenols and parabens.
Why did this gain attention? Because menstrual products are in direct contact with very sensitive tissue for several days each cycle, and over years that repeated contact means your body could be exposed repeatedly.
Now does this prove these pads cause cancer, infertility, or conditions like endometriosis?
No. This one study shows the presence of the chemicals.
What it doesn’t show is exactly how much gets into your body, or at what level that would cause disease. That kind of cause-and-effect hasn’t been proven here. Scientists have linked endocrine-disruptors to some reproductive and health issues in other research, but individual risk depends on many factors and cumulative exposure from all sources.
So here’s what this does mean: it highlights a gap in regulation and disclosure: manufacturers aren’t required to list all chemical content in menstrual products, and the products you buy may contain substances that can interfere with hormones.
You don’t need to panic. These chemicals are everywhere in the environment, food packaging, plastics and personal care products, but the study does remind us to be thoughtful about exposure and to ask for safer, transparent standards.
If you want to reduce exposure, some options include choosing products with safety certification like OEKO-TEX Standard 100, considering reusable menstrual products, and supporting calls for clearer ingredient disclosure.
Bottom line: this research is a wake-up call, not a health verdict. The last word isn’t ‘danger’, it’s awareness.”