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This post is for the girlies—and anyone curious about periods, sustainable care, and self-care. Before we dive in, here’s your one and only trigger warning: if you think periods are “gross,” you’ve been warned. For those sticking around, we’re not diving deep into the science of menstruation. Instead, we’re talking self-care, sustainable period products, and tips to make that time of the month more manageable. If you don't directly experience menstruations, this might also be a great read to better understand and support those in your life that do.
Periods are unique to every individual. Some have mild symptoms and light flows, while others endure intense pain and discomfort. Some people breeze through their cycle as if it’s just another Tuesday; others feel like they’re are fighting a silent war. It’s important to understand not everyone experience is the same and to honor your body’s needs to find solutions that work for you.
Period Products: A Choice that Matters
There are three main menstrual products you’ll find on store shelves: pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. Let’s break them down:
Pads: These line your underwear to absorb blood, like a sponge. Some have wings that hug the underwear for added stability. They’re a common starter product and remain a favorite for many. Pads need to be changed ever 4-8 hours.
Tampons: These insert into the vaginal cavity and also act like a sponge. Many prefer tampons over pads for their convenience and sometimes comfort level. Tampons need to be changed every 4-8 hours.
Menstrual Cups: These are reusable cups inserted to form a seal around the vaginal wall to prevent leakage and collect blood rather than absorb it. They can stay in for 8-12 hours at a time.
The Impact of Period Care Products:
Among the three main types of period care products, tampons are the only single-use option. Pads, on the other hand, come in both single-use and reusable forms, including attachable pads and period underwear. Menstrual cups are exclusively reusable.
Periods vary for each person and even from cycle to cycle due to factors like hormones or lifestyle. However, the average period lasts 5-7 days. If we assume product changes at least every 8 hours, that amounts to about 3 changes per day, or 15-21 products per month. Yet, factors such as heavy flow, swimming, or discomfort from certain products often require more frequent changes. Taking these factors into account, it’s more realistic to estimate around 20 products per cycle or month.
Over a lifetime, with the average woman experiencing approximately 450 periods, this amounts to potentially 9,000 single-use menstrual products being used and most likely landfilled. Switching to reusable options like menstrual cups, reusable pads, or period underwear—or a combination of these—can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Imagine the trips to the store you won’t have to make, the money you’ll save, the waste you’ll prevent, and the peace of mind knowing you’re always prepared.
What’s in Your Products?
Your vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of your body, so the materials in your period care products matter a great deal. Many conventional products contain questionable ingredients like synthetic fragrances, phthalates, toxic metals, paraffin, and parabens to name a few. These substances can irritate sensitive skin and lead to other more serious health concerns. If single use tampons and pads are your sanitary tool of choice then I urge you to look for ones made with organic, non-toxic materials. If you’re considering reusable pads, period underwear or cups, ensure they’re made with natural or medical-grade components. Always research products to find what aligns with your values and health needs. Not all are created equally. Consult with your primary care doctor or gynecologist if you have allergies to specific materials for guidance on finding the right product for you.
Self-Care During your Cycle
Periods often come with a long list of symptoms: cramps, mood swings, nausea, fatigue, and cravings, to name a few. While everyone’s experience is different, here are some self-care tips to help.
Hydrate! This one is very important because you are actively loosing fluids. Being dehydrated can worsen symptoms too. Try to drink water and other fluids that replenish your electrolytes too rather than chugging lots of sugar and caffeine as tempting as it is.
Time to spill the tea. I can't comment on my own experiences here because as much as I would love to love tea I just cant get behind it but maybe you can! There are lots of plants out there that we put in tea that have amazing medicinal benefits. A few teas being red raspberry leaf, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, cinnamon, green tea and oolong tea. Certain teas are better for certain symptoms like reducing inflammation or easing nausea.
Teas however can be helpful to drink or to bath in. Whattt? I know it sounds silly but herbal bath salts are really just bathing tea if you think about it. Our Salt & Soak blend: Restore, is one I formulated after being inspired by mensuration. It includes an assortment of salts rich in minerals that help promote hydration, and relaxation both mentally and physically. The infusion of botanicals and aroma therapeutic essential oils also serve you well.
Much like a bath, a heating pad can provide great relief. Some may find that an ice pack to reduce inflammation would be more productive but I have always found a heating pad to be the most comforting especially for stubborn cramps.
Period cravings often signals of nutrient deficiencies. For example if you are craving chocolate, then your body might need magnesium. Want salty snacks? Your body might be low in electrolytes. Be kind to yourself and have a treat! But also, keep in mind that sometimes what we think we want and what our body needs are different things. Eating nutrient rich meals can help replenish your energy too which in turn can help you to get a little movement going. Don't worry I am not going to tell you to head to the gym but something as gentle as a sleepy stretching yoga exercise can help! YouTube is a great resource here with some video being very specific to your level of comfort and skill.
Finally what I recommend is rest. Your body is working hard during your cycle. Listen to it and prioritize sleep and relaxation if that's what it tell you.
If you don't experience mensuration but read this article in hopes to better understand the experience of others experiencing it or to possibly find ways to help make the experience less unpleasant than I applaud you! No matter the topic it is always a gesture of kindness to seek out understanding for situations you may not find yourself facing to better connect and relate to others. Way to go and keep being you. If you read this in hopes to "sustainify" your own period care, or just see if any of these tips might help you out then I sincerely hope you found it of value. thank you for being here, and thank you for taking an interest in caring for you.
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