Menstrual Products And Mental Health: Research And Self-Care

In the wake of 2024 research on the safety of menstrual products, women may experience emotions like fear and anxiety. Being unable to access safe menstrual products or learning that products you’ve used for years are unsafe can lead to mental health complications. Learning ways to cope and move forward may improve your well-being and help you develop a plan of action unique to your situation. Consulting a therapist may be helpful if anxiety impacts your day-to-day well-being.

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Recent research on menstrual hygiene products and health 

Research suggests that up to 86% of women in the US use tampons. 

In June of 2024, researchers found that tampons could expose individuals who use them to high concentrations of toxic metals like lead and mercury, among others. Although the medical effects of this potential exposure have not yet been thoroughly studied, the results may be alarming to those who may have used tampons in the past or are currently using them. The research may also lead to uncertainty about the safety of other reproductive health products and concerns that women’s health is not being taken seriously. 

Mental health impacts

Those who have looked at the recent research on lead and other metals in menstrual products might experience the following mental health challenges. 

Fear of not being able to access safe products

Because millions of those who menstruate use tampons to manage their menstrual cycles, the news that they may not be able to access these products safely can lead to fear, worry, and upset. In addition, they may start to lack trust in all of the menstrual products being marketed to them. 

Reproductive health concerns 

Few studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of products like sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and tampons. In addition, the absorbency of products like menstrual pads was not tested with real blood until 2023. Most products with absorbent materials, like pads and tampons, were instead tested using a saline solution, often leading to inaccurate estimates of how much blood these products could absorb.

Those who use these menstrual products may fear that little is being done to support them in finding safe ways to manage menstruation. In addition, some people may not be able to afford safe menstrual products, which can lead to burnout from financial insecurity, stress, and anxiety.

For those who don’t have sufficient finances to purchase period products, tampons or toilet paper might be the only available options if they are seeking cheap or free products in a bathroom or shelter. Reproductive rights generally include the right to menstruate safely and without impacting one’s environment, health, or personal hygiene. Without this safety, women may experience significant mental health concerns. 

How to address mental health during this time 

If you are facing mental health challenges in the wake of recent news, you’re not alone. Below are a few ways to improve mental health and wellness. 

Consider alternative menstrual product options 

Although the menstrual products you choose to use are up to you, you might consider switching to another option if you are worried about using tampons. However, talk to your doctor and read the fine print on the packaging before purchasing. 

Some people might use reusable cloth pads or period underwear instead of disposable pads, as these products can absorb menstrual flow before being washed and reused. These pads can be made at home or purchased from small businesses. Using a menstrual product that you trust can improve mental health and menstrual hygiene. 

Practice self-care 

Self-care can significantly improve anxiety and depression symptoms that may arise in response to concerning research. Below are evidence-based strategies for self-regulation: 

• Exercising: Exercise can increase endorphins in the brain. You may find that your mood improves after approximately 30 minutes of movement. Exercising daily may help you regulate your emotions and cope with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety. 
• Talking to your support system: Keeping emotions and challenging thoughts inside may worsen symptoms. Consider talking to someone you love about the recent research and how you’ve been impacted. If they’ve also been affected, you might offer mutual support to each other and work through challenging thoughts together.  
• Advocating for your rights: Externalizing strong emotional responses through advocacy and activism work for menstrual equity can be a healthy way to cope. Advocate for your rights when you’re in situations related to reproductive rights, sign petitions, and attend women’s rights gatherings. 
• Maintaining your hygiene: Maintain your hygiene by taking regular showers and presenting yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.
• Partaking in hobbies: Hobbies can be a healthy distraction from mental health challenges like stress. Find a few skills or hobbies you can turn to when you’re feeling unwell. For example, you might try creating art, singing, learning a song on the guitar, or doing DIY projects.
• Taking a break: If necessary, take a mental health break. You might consider using PTO to take a day off from work, go on a hike, or spend time alone in nature. Any leisure activity that helps you regulate your emotions can be a healthy way to take a break. 

Join reproductive rights movements

Multiple reproductive rights movements have been formed to address recent research and legislation on reproductive products, decisions, and healthcare. If you connect with a movement's message, consider joining. Experts suggest that activism and advocacy can reduce loneliness and depression and increase social connection. 

Celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day

Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on May 28th each year to raise awareness for menstrual rights and promote the creation of a society where the stigma surrounding menstruation no longer exists. This day also explores access to safe, healthy, and affordable menstrual products for people in the US. You can celebrate by sharing awareness posts on social media, wearing “The Menstruation Bracelet” offered by the Menstrual Hygiene Day team, or having a period party event.

Work through anxiety in therapy

Connect with a therapist

Talk to a therapist

If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression in response to recent news, consider talking to a mental health professional. A therapist can guide you in developing healthy coping skills and talking through your emotions. In addition, you can discuss related challenges like oppression, sexism, and reproductive rights. 

If you cannot access in-person therapy due to barriers like cost, distance, or lack of providers in your area, you might consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. An online platform can enable you to choose the gender of your therapist, and you can also note if you’d like to meet with an LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC therapist. 

Studies generally support the effectiveness of online therapy for challenges like depression and anxiety. In a 2018 study, internet-based treatment appeared to be more effective than face-to-face options for reducing symptom severity, increasing quality of life, and providing a cost-effective treatment option.