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Periods. Periods. Periods.

  • Writer: Alex Kelly
    Alex Kelly
  • Jan 10
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 2



The Problem with Feminine Products

Because the FDA classifies menstrual products as medical devices, companies are not legally required to disclose ingredients. There are a few states that have enacted menstrual product disclosure laws, but these are far and few between.


Many of the unregulated toxic chemicals in menstrual products are carcinogens, allergens, and endocrine disruptors that may lead to an increase of breast cancer, reproductive issues, allergic reactions, hormone issues, etc. 


how to reduce your exposure to feminine product toxins

  • Switch to a safer brand 

  • Shop brands that disclose all ingredients

  • Choose unscented products

  • Choose chlorine-free bleached tampons/pads

  • Or unbleached cotton tampons/pads


Ingredients to Avoid

  • Benzethonium Chloride

  • Benzocaine

  • Butylparaben

  • D&C Red 33

  • Diazolidinyl urea

  • Dioxins and Furans

  • DMDM Hydantoin

  • Ethylparaben

  • Ext. Violet 2

  • FD&C Yellow No. 5

  • Fragrance

  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone

  • Methylisothiazolinone

  • Methylparaben

  • Octoxynol 9

  • Pesticide residues

  • Polyoxymethylene Urea

  • Propylparaben

  • Quaternium-15

  • 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1

  • 3-Diol


Safer Tampons & Pads

  • Cora

  • Oi

  • Rael

  • Organyc

  • Natracare



Reusable and Eco-Friendly Feminine Products


Working Out on Your Period

Period (early follicular phase): It is normal to have lower energy levels and feel less active while on your period. However, light exercise can help alleviate cramps, increase energy, and balance your mood. Low impact workouts may feel best during this phase. However, if you still feel up for more intense, higher impact workouts that’s okay too! The key is listening to your body. 

  • walking, stretching, yoga, and pilates


Late Follicular Phase (period ends to ovulation): During this phase you will experience an increase in estrogen and testosterone, making it easier to build muscle. Weight training and high tensity workouts may feel best during this phase. 

  • running, HIIT, cycling, weight training, bodyweight conditioning


Ovulation: You will experience a peak in hormones during ovulation, which may give you extra energy. Exercises that burn extra calories and make you sweat may feel best. 

  • HIIT, cycling, running, weight lifting, swimming


Luteal Phase (days 15-28): During this phase progesterone rises and estrogen levels dip then come back up. It’s normal to feel more sluggish during this phase. The fluctuations of hormones may give you energy at the beginning of your workouts, but taper off toward the end - decreasing your endurance. Listen to your body and do what feels right. Low impact workouts may feel best. Water retention is common during this phase, as well as a more difficult time cooling down. It is important to stay hydrated (added electrolytes can be helpful), and you may find you need more recovery time after workouts. 

  • low impact cardio, walking, yoga, swimming, pilates

Nutrition on Your Period

Period Cramps: Holistic Remedies

Menstrual discomfort is extremely individualized. There is no “one-fix” for everyone. I asked in my stories, and these were some of the top responses I received when it came to real-life cramp relief.




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