Every day millions of women and girls deliver high amounts of toxins into their bloodstream thanks to chemically laden tampons and sanitary pads. These products contain high amounts of industrial contaminants that enter the body through a highly permeable tissue — the body absorbs more toxins through the vaginal wall than through the digestive system.
Although the FDA offers recommendations, there are no regulations for the makers of feminine protection products. Tampons and pads are made from genetically engineered cotton and contain multiple toxic compounds, including synthetic fragrances, bleaches, foams, gels, anti-bacterial agents, and surfactants.
This is not good for Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism — toxins can trigger the immune system and cause thyroid flares and hormone and thyroid imbalances.
Although the FDA offers recommendations, there are no regulations manufacturers are required to follow regarding the use of toxic chemicals in these products.
The dangers of toxins in tampons when you have Hashimoto’s low thyroid
No manufacturing regulation means anything goes when it comes to making feminine products, even if its chemicals known to cause cancer.
This is especially problematic because vaginal tissue is so permeable compared to other parts of the body that drug companies are looking at ways to deliver drugs vaginally as a way to bypass liver metabolization. This means these toxins go into the bloodstream in much higher amounts than if they were ingested.
Additionally, thin ridges that line the vaginal wall increase the surface area for more absorption as well as retain the chemicals.
Tampons aren’t the only concern; the many toxins in conventional sanitary pads can be absorbed through the permeable skin of the vulva.
When you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, you should avoid conventional tampons and pads that raise the toxins in your system.
Toxic chemicals in feminine products
Tampons and pads aren’t the only hygiene products geared towards women loaded with toxins. The list also includes feminine wipes, washes, douches, sprays, and creams.
These chemicals include dioxins and other bleaching chemicals, pesticide residues, anti-bacterials, unknown fragrances, dyes, spermicides, phthalates, and surfactants (also used in detergents).
These chemicals have been linked to cancer, hormone imbalances, reproductive harm, allergic rashes, and asthma.
Douches in particular can cause numerous reproductive and health disorders and should be avoided.
It’s vital to pass on all these products if you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, as they will introduce high concentrations of toxins to your bloodstream, which will imbalance the immune system, hormones, and thyroid. Our daily toxic burden from life in general is high enough.
Good feminine hygiene alternatives and practices when you have Hashimoto’s low thyroid
Fortunately, you have alternatives, although their numbers are dwarfed popular toxic-laden brands (look online for more options). Go for non-toxic, all natural pads and tampons, or consider the menstrual cup or even cloth pads.
Other products such as wipes, washes, sprays, and douches are not necessary if you remember the body functions best with the right support.
Support your vaginal health by keeping blood sugar stable and inflammation down by minimizing the sugars and starchy carbs that cause yeast and bacterial infections.
Take probiotics designed to support vaginal health and eat 7-10 servings of vegetables a day to support your good bacteria in general.
Eat a whole foods diet and screen for intolerances to gluten, dairy, or other foods — many women have found food sensitivities causes vaginal itching and inflammation.
All of these tips will also help you better manage your Hashimoto’s low thyroid.
Ask my office for more advice about Hashimoto’s low thyroid.
How to learn if you have Hashimoto’s low thyroid
Many patients are not diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s until after several years and going through several doctors. It is a demoralizing journey richly illustrated in my book The Truth About Low Thyroid: Stories of Hope and Healing for Those Suffering With Hashimoto’s Low Thyroid Disease, through real-life stories from patients in my practice. Managing Hashimoto’s goes far beyond using thyroid medication as you must work to stop the immune system from attacking the thyroid. For more information on identifying and managing Hashimoto’s low thyroid, contact my office.
About Dr. Josh Redd, Chiropractic Physician — Utah, Arizona, New Mexico functional medicine
Dr. Joshua J. Redd, DC, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, author of The Truth About Low Thyroid: Stories of Hope and Healing for Those Suffering With Hashimoto’s Low Thyroid Disease, is a chiropractic physician and the founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness Center with practices in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. He sees patients from around the world who suffer from challenging thyroid disorders, Hashimoto’s disease, and other autoimmune conditions. In addition to his chiropractic degree, Dr. Redd has a BS in Health and Wellness, a BS in Anatomy, and a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. He speaks across the nation, teaching physicians about functional blood chemistry, low thyroid, Hashimoto’s, and autoimmunity. You can join his Facebook page here.
