Top 3 Period Symptoms Your Pads or Tampons May be Causing

Most women don’t realize pads or tampons can cause their period symptoms. We tend to equate these painful, annoying symptoms to hormone fluctuations, genetics, or just a part of being a woman.  

But the reality is, none of these may be the case, even though they can play a role for some women. 

A lot of women don’t realize that the menstrual products they use - tampons, pads, and even menstrual cups - may just be the cause of many of the uncomfortable symptoms they experience each month. 

If you’re reading this because you’re struggling with your periods, read on to learn about the top 3 symptoms that could be the fault of your feminine products. 

Symptom #1: Heavy Period Bleeding

According to the CDC, the term menorrhagia is used to describe menstrual bleeding lasting more than seven days or very heavy bleeding. 

Heavy bleeding means you’re experiencing at least one of the following: 

• You need to change your pad or tampon every 2 hours or less. 
• You have clots that are at least the size of a quarter. 
• The amount of blood you expel makes you nervous to even leave your home. 

If any of these apply to you, we highly recommend speaking to your doctor right away to rule out a serious medical condition that needs immediate treatment. 

However, once you do that, and your doctor doesn’t indicate any hormone issues or other physical reasons, it may be time to consider getting rid of pads or tampons. 

For example, dioxin is a toxic chemical that results from the bleaching process used to make pads and tampons. It can accumulate in the body and remain there for as long as 20 years. 

Symptom #2: Headaches

According to The Cleveland Clinic, 70% of migraine sufferers are women. Among this group of women, as many as 70% state they notice a connection between their painful headaches and their periods. 

While it’s a rare condition, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) could be the reason why so many women experience menstrual headaches. 

The Mayo Clinic lists using superabsorbent tampons as one of the risk factors for this condition. Also, menstrual cups have been known to lead to TSS too. 

Symptom #3: Stomach Cramps

Most of us have come to view abdominal cramps as just another part of having a period. 

While it’s true that the uterus needs to contract to expel the blood and tissue from the body, extremely painful cramps that keep you lying in bed all day are not normal. 

Some gynecologists admit that many of today’s menstrual products are made with irritating chemicals that could make cramps worse. 

Plastics and synthetic fibers - unlike more eco-friendly products - can irritate the vaginal wall, which can exacerbate cramping. 

Also, it’s important to remember to check your products’ expiration date. Expired products can have bacterial growth, which can lead to painful and dangerous infections. 

Improve Your Period Symptoms with Cariona

If your period is a struggle for you every month, the products you’re using could be to blame. 

Disposable pads contain chemicals, fragrances, and additives that many users are sensitive to, and they could be contributing to your painful symptoms. 

Cariona cloth pads are made from natural fabrics, which reduces your exposure to potential irritants. They also offer reusable pads in different sizes to fit various body types and needs. 

It is possible to get relief!

Do you have questions about our products? Contact us today!