Heavy Metals in Tampons

Women are exposed to more chemicals than men, especially through personal care products. A woman uses many products each day, such as lotion, perfume, makeup, haircare, and even menstrual items, without knowing what’s really in them.

 

That’s a lot of chemicals. Many of these chemicals are harmful, and they could get into our blood through the skin, which can then lead to many health problems, like disrupting hormones. Imagine using these chemicals every day for the whole year.

 

When it comes to tampons, A woman may use them for multiple hours at a time every month, for decades. That’s around 7,400+ tampons in her lifetime.

 

A recent study found considerable levels of heavy metals in tampons, such as lead, cadmium, and even arsenic. These sound dangerous to be around. You won’t want them near your body, let alone inside it.

 

Some experts say the levels are “low” or “safe.” But here’s the thing: the vaginal canal is incredibly absorbent. Even the smallest amount of these substances counts.

 

We want to create awareness so you can make better-informed decisions for you and your family. What goes in your body should support your health, not quietly chip away at it.

 

Let’s take a closer look at what the research actually says. We’ll break down the risks and give you safer, healthier options to consider.

 

What Heavy Metals Are Found in Tampons?

 

 

A recent peer-reviewed study published in Environment International examined 30 tampons from 14 different brands across the U.S., U.K., and Greece. The results were eye-opening. Every single tampon that was tested contained detectable levels of heavy metals, some of which are known to be toxic to human health:

 

• Lead
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Nickel
• Chromium
• Cobalt
• Mercury
• Copper
• Zinc
• Iron
• Manganese
• Vanadium
• Barium
• Calcium
• Selenium
• Strontium

 

That’s a total of 16 metals found across the tampon samples. Lead was found in all 30 tampons tested. This is concerning because there is no safe level of lead exposure for the human body.

 

The study found that the levels of heavy metals in the tampons differ based on brand, region, absorbency, and whether the tampon was organic or not. Non-organic tampons tended to have more lead. Organic ones, surprisingly, had more arsenic.

 

No tampon was completely free of contamination. So, how did these metals end up in tampons in the first place?

 

The study points to a few likely sources. One is contaminated raw materials. Cotton can absorb metals from polluted soil or water.

 

Another possibility is the manufacturing process itself. This includes the use of dyes, fragrances, antimicrobial agents, chemical additives, and plastic components. Bleaching and other chemical treatments may also introduce or concentrate certain metals.

 

How Heavy Metals Affect the Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is incredibly sensitive. It’s mostly made up of protective bacteria like Lactobacillus that keep the environment slightly acidic and help prevent infections. When that balance gets disrupted, it doesn’t take much for things to feel off.

 

Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic are toxic and disruptive. They can interfere with that delicate ecosystem and reduce the good bacteria your body depends on to stay balanced. Even low levels can cause shifts that make the vagina more prone to irritation, infection, and inflammation.

 

And it’s not just a local problem.

 

Vaginal tissue is extremely absorbent. These metals can move from the tampon into your bloodstream. From there, they travel. They don’t just stay put.

 

Over time, repeated exposure to them can lead to inflammation throughout the body, mess with hormones, and add stress to the immune system.

 

If you’re already managing chronic illness, hormone imbalances, gut problems, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune issues, that extra toxic load matters. It can be the thing that holds your healing back or pushes symptoms further out of control.

 

Other Tampon Issues That Impact the Vaginal Microbiome

 

 

Your vaginal microbiome is a key part of your health. It’s a whole ecosystem working hard to keep your pH balanced, protect against infections, and check for inflammation. But many tampons have other hidden issues beyond heavy metals worth considering.

 

Bleached Cotton and Synthetic Fibers

Most tampons aren’t made from pure, organic cotton. A lot are blended with rayon, which is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t behave the same way as cotton in the body. It’s rougher and more absorbent, which might sound good, but it can irritate the delicate vaginal lining.

 

Then there’s bleaching. To make cotton look white and pristine, it’s often treated with chlorine-based chemicals. This process can leave behind dioxins.

 

Dioxins are notable, serious environmental pollutants. While modern bleaching methods have reduced the levels of dioxins, traces can still remain in the final product. Because tampons are used internally and often for several hours at a time, even tiny amounts of dioxins can accumulate over time and pose health risks.

 

When dioxins enter the body, they can persist for years, building up in fat tissue and disrupting biological processes. One major concern is their ability to interfere with the endocrine system. Dioxins can disrupt hormone balance, potentially contributing to irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, reduced fertility, and other reproductive health issues. They can also affect thyroid function and lower testosterone levels, which have broader implications for energy, mood, and metabolism.

 

Another serious concern is the link between dioxin exposure and cancer. Dioxins are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, meaning they’re known to cause cancer in humans. Prolonged, low-level exposure, such as what could occur with repeated tampon use over many years, may increase the risk of certain cancers, including reproductive system cancers.

 

Dioxins can also impair the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, and they’ve been shown to influence inflammation, which is a root contributor to many chronic health conditions. When exposure happens through the highly absorbent and sensitive vaginal mucosa, the potential impact on systemic inflammation and immune response may be even more significant.

 

And if you are purchasing organic cotton tampons, remember that heavy metals were also found in these options from the study above.

 

Fragrances and Chemical Additives

Scented tampons are still on the market. “Clean” or “fresh” might sound beneficial on the label, but what’s really inside those fragrances? They can actually introduce synthetic compounds directly into one of the most absorbent and sensitive areas of the body: the vaginal canal. The vaginal lining allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, meaning these chemicals can quickly circulate throughout the body, similar to heavy metals and other toxins.

 

Fragrances in tampons are often made from undisclosed chemical blends, including known endocrine disruptors like phthalates and synthetic musks. These substances can interfere with hormone balance, potentially affecting the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall reproductive health. Endocrine disruption is especially concerning for young women and teens, whose hormonal systems are still developing.

 

Chemical additives like bleach byproducts, pesticides from non-organic cotton, organic pesticides from organic cotton, and preservatives used in scenting agents may also contribute to inflammation, irritation, and allergic reactions. Many people experience chronic issues such as itching, burning, or recurring infections without realizing their menstrual products may be contributing to the problem. Over time, repeated exposure to these chemicals may also increase the body’s toxic burden, which can affect the immune system and make it harder for the body to detox effectively.

 

Some of these additives have also been linked to more serious long-term concerns, including increased risks of reproductive disorders, fibroids, and even certain cancers. Although more research is needed to fully understand the cumulative impact, many experts agree that limiting exposure to these chemicals is a smart and proactive choice, especially given how frequently tampons are used.

 

Dryness and Discomfort

Tampons don’t just soak up blood. They also pull in your body’s natural moisture. If the tampon is too absorbent for your flow, or if it stays in too long, it can dry you out.

 

When the vaginal lining becomes dry or irritated, it creates the perfect conditions for bad bacteria to take over. This can lead to increased irritation and create an environment more vulnerable to imbalances in the vaginal microbiome. When that protective balance is disrupted, it can lead to issues like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or chronic inflammation.

 

Oxygen Exposure and Microbiome Shifts

Your vagina is naturally low in oxygen. This is a good thing because protective bacteria like Lactobacillus thrive in low-oxygen conditions. But when you insert a tampon, you introduce oxygen. That small shift can make it easier for less friendly bacteria to multiply.

 

For some women, that means bacterial vaginosis. For others, it’s just a feeling that things are “off.” Very rarely, this means Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a life-threatening infection, and ironically is on tampon labels as a warning.

 

Whichever one it is, it’s a disruption your body didn’t ask for.

 

Plastic Applicators, Glues, and Binders

It’s not just what’s in the tampon. It’s also what comes with it. Many conventional tampons come with plastic applicators, synthetic glues, and binders that may seem harmless but can carry hidden health risks. Plastic applicators, often made from polyethylene or polypropylene, can contain chemical residues and hormone-disrupting compounds like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances can leach into the body through repeated contact with sensitive vaginal tissue, especially with long-term use.

 

Tampons also often rely on glues and binders to hold the fibers together and maintain their shape. These additives can be made from synthetic materials that may irritate the vaginal lining or trigger allergic reactions. Over time, exposure to these compounds can contribute to low-grade inflammation or even disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome, increasing the risk of infections.

 

That’s the thing. They don’t have to be listed. You’d never eat food without knowing what’s in it. But with tampons? You’re often left guessing.

 

Safer Alternatives to Explore

 

 

Remember, the study showed that all tampons tested contained lead. Not just a few—all of them.

 

But the amounts and the type of metal weren’t the same. It varied by brand, the region where the tampon was sold, absorbency level, and whether the product was labeled organic or not.

 

Here’s what stood out:

 

• Non-organic tampons had the highest lead levels.
• Organic tampons had the highest arsenic levels.

 

No tampon was free from metal contamination. No type, category, or tampon brand came out clean.

 

That’s why we recommend avoiding tampons altogether, or at least until we can be absolutely sure there are none of the contamination concerns outlined above.

 

What are the better alternatives?

 

• Organic Cotton Pads: They’re widely available, easy to use, and don’t go inside the body. Look for unscented, chlorine-free versions made with 100% certified organic cotton.
• Reusable Cloth Pads: These might take a little getting used to, but they’re soft, breathable, and great for reducing waste. Choose organic cotton if possible, and wash them with gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
• Medical-Grade Silicone Menstrual Cups: These cups sit inside the vagina, but they’re made from medical-grade silicone—a material considered safe and biocompatible. Unlike tampons, they don’t absorb anything. They collect, which helps protect your vaginal microbiome. Just make sure to clean and sanitize them properly between uses, as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is also an associated risk.

 

Closing Thoughts On Tampons and Heavy Metals

We’re constantly exposed to chemicals: through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use every day. Tampons can feel like a small piece of that puzzle, but they sit in one of the most absorbent areas of the body. That makes them worth paying attention to.

 

If your body is already dealing with chronic symptoms, hormonal imbalances, or detox challenges, even small exposures can feel like added weight.

 

Swapping tampons for safer alternatives, like organic pads or silicone menstrual cups, is a simple yet effective shift. It’s one small step that supports your body’s ability to heal and thrive, especially if you’re already working hard to restore your health.

 

Again, this isn’t about scaring you. It’s about giving your body fewer things to fight against. And the good news is that you have options.

 

If you suspect heavy metal buildup or you’re dealing with persistent symptoms you can’t explain, it’s important to dig deeper. A trusted functional practitioner can help you uncover what’s really going on, identify your exposures, and support your body’s unique healing path.

 

Your health is worth protecting. Even the smallest changes can add up to something influential.

 

Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Medicine Practitioners

Our Empower Functional Health practice is honored to be trusted carnivore diet functional medicine practitioners, supporting patients and clients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping individuals achieve root-cause healing in order to live the life they are meant to, nearly symptom-free. We provide holistic health thought leadership and evidence-based insights, paired with clinical pearls, to help you achieve your wellness goals. We welcome you to explore our free resources, and if you find that self-troubleshooting falls short, we’re here to guide you with personalized support and protocols. Our Personalized Health Plan (PHP) is the ideal starting point for uncovering your root causes. You can learn more about this powerful, proprietary tool in-depth here.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. While we are board-certified in holistic nutrition and are functional practitioners, we are not providing medical advice. Whenever you start a new diet or protocol, always consult with your trusted practitioner first.