Glyphosate Levels in Sanitary Items

Alarming Levels of Glyphosate in Tampons

A study by PAN UK, Women’s Environmental Network and the Pesticide Collaboration found one tampon sample containing 40× more glyphosate that the UK/EU drinking water limit.
Accompanied by AMPA (the glyphosate by‑product), this reveals contamination likely from heavily treated cotton; one of the planet’s most pesticide‑laden crops. This is concerning as vaginal exposure allows chemicals to bypass liver metabolism and enter directly into the bloodstream.

Estrogen-Mimicking EDCs & Reproductive Disorders

Many of these environmental chemicals; including glyphosate, are known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They mimic, block, or alter estrogen and progesterone actions; disrupting reproductive and hormonal balance.

Links to Endometriosis & Adenomyosis

Reviews show EDCs (pesticides, bisphenols, phthalates) are tied to the development of conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, due to estrogenic effects and inflammation.
EDCs alter expression of estrogen receptors; dysregulate immune responses; and may trigger auto-inflammatory cell proliferation in uterine tissues.

PCOS & Fertility Challenges

A detailed review in Reproductive Sciences links glyphosate exposure to PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian and uterine damage, and infertility; driven by hormonal imbalance and oxidative stress.
Glyphosate interferes with ovarian follicles; disrupts estrogen/progesterone production; and may cause epigenetic changes passed across generations.

What Glyphosate & Other Environmental Disrupter Chemicals Actually Do

1. Mimicking Estrogen Glyphosate and other chemicals (especially those found in plastics), can stick to estrogen receptors in the body, acting like xenoestrogens (fake estrogen). This can cause cells in estrogen-sensitive areas, suchas the uterus, to grow too much. This is apparent even when the chemical is present in tiny amounts.
2. Messing with Hormone Signals These chemicals alter the body’s hormone system, especially the part that controls the ovaries and menstrual cycle (the HPA axis). This can lead to hormone imbalances, irregular periods, or conditions like PCOS.
3. Damaging Reproductive Organs Glyphosate can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the tissues of the uterus and ovaries. This damage can make it harder for an embryo to implant and may increase the risk of infertility or miscarriage.
4. Long-Term and Inherited Effects Some chemicals can change how genes are switched on or off, without changing the DNA itself. These changes can affect not just the person exposed but possibly their children and grandchildren too.

Why Tampon Contamination Matters

How they enter the body: Chemicals in tampons can be absorbed easily through the vagina and go straight into the bloodstream, skipping the body’s natural filters like the liver.
Small amounts still matter: Even low levels of hormone-like chemicals can upset the body’s hormone balance and lead to health problems.
It’s not just one source: Tampons add to the chemicals we’re already exposed to through food, water, and the environment; all together, this can put a serious strain on our health.

Regulation void: Unlike food or water, period products in the UK/EU aren’t regulated for pesticide residues.

Solution

What you can do: Choose menstrual cups or certified organic, chemical-free disposable pads/tampons. Use brands that are transparent about their ingredient and pushing for stricter regulations.

Detoxing EDCs from the Body: The RN-Cleanse

Avoiding toxic products is only part of the solution, many people already carry a body burden of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from years of exposure. The RN-Cleanse combined with Sassi V steam is a natural detox protocol designed to help flush these chemicals from the body and support hormone health.

How RN-Cleanse works:

• Supports the liver, which is responsible for breaking down and eliminating toxins.
• Helps balance gut health, improving the body’s ability to remove excess hormones and EDCs.
• Uses targeted herbs and nutrients known to assist in detoxification pathways.

Enemas (especially with coffee)supports liver function and stimulates the colon to release waste more efficiently, helping remove stored toxins and reducing inflammation.

Dry skin brushing is another simple but powerful tool use don the RN-Cleanse. By gently brushing the skin in upward strokes toward the heart, you stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps carry waste out of the body. This boosts circulation, reduces toxin buildup, and supports clearer skin and overall well-being.

The RN-Cleanse 10 day home retreat package forms a holistic approach to detoxifying the body from hormone-disrupting chemicals, to give your system the support it needs to heal and rebalance. Learn more below.

Make your home a retreat, be guided with naturopathic support. Boost energy, focus and creativity, with a naturopathic gut reset, to live life to the fullest.