Estrogenic activity in tampon products.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Tampons are common menstrual products with extended mucosal contact.
• Concerns exist regarding potential exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from tampons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the estrogenic activity in tampon extracts.
• To identify potential EDCs leaching from tampons.

Main Methods:

• Tested 18 brands of synthetic and organic tampons for estrogenic bioactivity using a cell-based estrogen receptor reporter bioassay.
• Conducted comparative chemical analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry on estrogenic-active and non-active tampon brands.

Main Results:

• Estrogenic activity was detected in nearly half of the tampon brands tested, regardless of material type.
• Chemical analysis tentatively identified plasticizers, surfactants, and fragrance agents, including known EDCs like phthalates and alkylphenols, at higher concentrations in estrogenic-active tampons.
• Estrogenic activity varied significantly between brands, suggesting formulation-dependent risks.

Conclusions:

• Compounds capable of activating estrogen receptors can leach from tampons, even at low in vitro levels.
• Endocrine bioactivity assays are crucial for tampon safety assessments.
• Safer tampon formulations are achievable, but further research on long-term health implications of EDC exposure is warranted.