Hormone-disrupting chemicals found in South African sanitary pads and pantyliners, study finds. But what does it really mean?

Recent research reporting the presence of hormone-disrupting chemicals in some sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa has raised understandable concern. Menstrual products are used regularly, intimately, and often over many years, which makes any suggestion of chemical exposure feel personal and alarming.

Before panic sets in, it is important to slow the conversation down and understand what these findings actually mean and, just as importantly, what they do not mean.

What are hormone-disrupting chemicals?

Hormone-disrupting chemicals, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are substances that can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and stress response.

According to the World Health Organisation, endocrine disruptors can mimic, block, or alter natural hormones, potentially affecting how the body functions. Common examples include certain pesticides, plastics, industrial chemicals, and residues from manufacturing processes.

What matters is not simply whether a chemical is present, but how much of it exists, how often exposure occurs, and how the body absorbs it.

What did the study actually find?

The study identified trace levels of certain chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties in some menstrual products. This finding alone does not automatically mean these products are unsafe or that harm is occurring.

Modern laboratory testing can detect extremely small quantities of substances, sometimes at levels far below what is known to cause biological effects. Many everyday items, including food packaging, cosmetics, and household products, contain trace chemical residues that fall within existing regulatory safety limits.

The key question researchers continue to explore is whether repeated, long-term exposure through intimate products could contribute meaningfully to overall hormone disruption. At present, this question does not have a definitive scientific answer.

Why menstrual products receive closer scrutiny

Menstrual products are worn close to the body and used for extended periods, sometimes over decades. The vaginal and vulvar area has a higher absorption potential than intact skin on other parts of the body. This does not mean harm is occurring. It does explain why scientists and regulators pay closer attention to these products and why precautionary discussions are justified. Importantly, regulatory standards already exist to limit chemical exposure in consumer products, and ongoing research continues to refine these standards as scientific understanding evolves.

Risk is about exposure, not presence

Public health experts consistently emphasise that risk is determined by dose and duration, not presence alone. An endocrine disruptor detected at very low levels may pose little to no risk in real-world use. Risk increases when exposure is frequent, cumulative, and combined with other sources of the same chemicals from food, air, water, or personal care products. This is why health guidance often focuses on reducing overall exposure across daily life rather than eliminating a single product.

Reducing potential exposure without panic

For those who prefer a precautionary approach while research continues, small, balanced steps may help reduce overall exposure. These include varying menstrual product use where possible, choosing products that clearly disclose materials and manufacturing processes, avoiding fragranced options, and practising good menstrual hygiene by changing products regularly. These are not urgent directives, but options available to individuals who wish to make informed choices.

What this conversation is really about

This study is less about fear and more about transparency, research, and informed choice. It highlights the importance of continued independent testing, clearer product labelling, strong regulatory oversight, and public education that empowers rather than alarms. Menstrual health is a public health issue, not a private inconvenience. Conversations like these help ensure that products designed for everyday use are continually evaluated against the best available science.

Health literacy allows people to make informed decisions while science continues to refine what we know. And that, ultimately, is how public health progresses.