I never thought I’d be writing these words on LinkedIn, but we need more regulation in women’s health. This past week, a study revealed that tampons are a source of exposure to metal(loid)s. The initial research is not incredibly conclusive given the low levels of toxins, but tampons have been around since the 1930s, and it’s 2024 and there’s not enough information about the risk. Of course, we need more research. But this is also a regulatory failure. The lack of consumer protection not only creates potential harm for folks who use tampons, but it also gives credence to the dark web of health misinformation on social media. This is especially problematic in women’s health given the historic lack of evidence-based research to rely on. Simply put: We need more research into products that impact our health and better regulation, rather than entrusting companies to self-report. If we want to counterbalance the rise of health misinformation on social media, we have to create more trust in the institutions that are supposed to protect our health.
I always look to Jennifer Gunter for good evidence-based information on topics like this https://vajenda.substack.com/p/dont-panic-about-lead-in-tampons
You'd think we would have learned this lesson with back in the 80's with toxic shock syndrome https://time.com/4422774/tampons-toxic-cancer/
I would expand the scope to food addictives, processing methods, supplements etc, basically any consumer product coming into contact with us or indirectly affecting something we consume… it’s scary how much modification can occur to food without knowing the full consequences of that
Had no idea, and am glad you raised this, Carine Carmy...it's a good reminder that research (creating/testing knowledge) is important, and it is not something industry can do, we need foundational science and regulatory work that isn't dependent on companies.
Agree! It’s easier to start a company and a healthcare product these days, and we need to ensure that the regulations are there and also they do not delay the process of innovation.
Agree 100% - there is not nearly enough research out there, especially on things like herbal supplements during pregnancy too. I wish we had better information, based on research for women.
The Vajenda shared a break down of this study and some context for why we probably shouldn't panic (yet). Thank you Czuee Morey, Ph.D. for pointing me to this: https://vajenda.substack.com/p/dont-panic-about-lead-in-tampons
And they for some reason have dye in them too. I've been avoiding foods with certain ingredients...I didn't realize until recently there are nasty chemicals in tampons!
Amen!
CEO & Founder at The Flex Co. | EY Entrepreneur of the Year
1moThank you so much for sharing this news. It’s really important. I fully agree that there needs to be far more funding for women’s health broadly. While not everyone gets infections from tampons, I personally was getting infections for 15 years which is why I created The Flex Co. Women deserve more options and all of those options healthy ones regardless of what product they choose.