Let’s be real, period cramps are the absolute worst. The kind of pain that makes you want to curl up in a blanket and cancel all your plans.
But what if I told you that some of the things you’re using every single day, things you wouldn’t even think twice about, might actually be making your PMS and cramps way worse?
Yep. It’s not just bad luck or genetics. The toxins lurking in your everyday products could be throwing your hormones completely out of whack, making that time of the month even more miserable.
But the good news? You can do something about it. By making a few simple swaps, you can support your body and start having less painful, less exhausting, and way more manageable periods.
So let’s dive in. What’s making your cramps worse and what are the better, safer alternatives?
1. The Problem: Toxins in Your Tampons and Pads
Many conventional menstrual products are filled with hidden chemicals that your body absorbs. These include:
- Dioxins and Furans – Found in bleached cotton products, these are linked to hormone disruption and inflammation.
- Fragrance – That “fresh” scent is actually a mixture of undisclosed chemicals that can irritate your body.
- Pesticides – Since cotton is one of the most pesticide-heavy crops, non-organic tampons and pads may contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals.
- Plastics and Phthalates – These can interfere with your endocrine system, which controls your hormones.
The Fix: Switch to organic, unbleached cotton tampons and pads or better yet, try a menstrual cup (I have one but could never bring myself to use it but a lot of women swear by it) or period underwear like Thinx.
These options are free from harsh chemicals and won’t throw your hormones out of balance.
2. The Problem: Tap Water (Yes, Even Bottled Water!)
Drinking water should be healthy, right? Unfortunately, many public water supplies contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can mess with your hormones, leading to worse PMS, bloating, and cramps.
Common contaminants in tap and bottled water:
- Chlorine & Fluoride – Can interfere with your thyroid, which regulates hormones.
- Pesticides & Herbicides – Traces of agricultural chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body.
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic) – These can cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
- Microplastics – Found in bottled water, these tiny plastic particles contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA.
The Fix: Have your water tested by a lab so you know what contaminants need to be filtered out. Then you can get the appropriate filter from there.
You can read more about water filters and testing kits here.
And ditch the plastic bottles! Choose a glass or stainless-steel reusable water bottle instead.
3. The Problem: Toxins in Your Skincare & Makeup
Your skin can absorbs up to 60% of what you put on it, and many conventional skincare and makeup products are loaded with endocrine disruptors, a fancy way of saying chemicals that mess with your hormones.
Ingredients to watch out for:
- Parabens – Common in lotions, shampoos, and face products; act as synthetic estrogen in the body.
- Phthalates – Found in perfumes and skincare; linked to hormone disruption.
- Fragrance – A loophole for companies to hide dozens of chemicals under one word.
- Triclosan – Found in antibacterial soaps and some toothpaste; can disrupt hormones.
The Fix: Switch to clean, non-toxic beauty brands that use natural ingredients and avoid synthetic chemicals. You can check out some of my picks here. These are great options.
4. The Problem: Cleaning Products That Disrupt Your Hormones
If your cleaning supplies have a super-strong scent, they likely contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can throw your hormones way off balance.
These chemicals can be absorbed through your skin and inhaled, contributing to inflammation, fatigue, and, you guessed it… worse period symptoms.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Ammonia & Bleach – Found in many household cleaners; can irritate the lungs and endocrine system.
- Fragrance – Again, a hidden mix of undisclosed chemicals.
- Triclosan – Found in antibacterial cleaners; disrupts thyroid function.
The Fix: Switch to non-toxic cleaning products or make your own!
Simple swaps include:
- White vinegar + water + essential oils for an all-purpose cleaner
- Castile soap for dishes and handwashing
- Baking soda + vinegar for scrubbing surfaces
5. The Problem: Plastics in the Kitchen
Hormone-disrupting BPA and phthalates aren’t just in water bottles. They’re also in:
- Plastic food storage containers
- Plastic wrap
- Non-stick cookware
- Canned foods (the lining often contains BPA!)
These chemicals mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances, cramps, and PMS symptoms.
The Fix: Swap out plastic for glass, stainless steel, or silicone alternatives.
- Glass or stainless-steel food storage instead of plastic Tupperware.
- Beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
- Stainless steel or cast iron cookware instead of non-stick pans. (Tip: instead of a whole set, just get the pans that you use the most often.)
- Food in glass jars instead of cans or fresh/frozen foods when possible
The Bottom Line: Small Swaps, Big Changes
If you’ve been struggling with miserable periods and killer cramps, it’s not all in your head. Your everyday products could be working against you, but the power is in your hands.
By making small, simple swaps, you can balance your hormones, feel way better, and make your period a little less awful.
Let’s Chat!
Have you ever noticed a difference in your period after switching to cleaner products? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your experience. 💬👇
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