We don't often think about the connection between our period pain and what we lather onto our scalp. However, our skin is a highly absorbent organ and what we massage into our scalp can be absorbed into our bloodstream. In fact, the scents and ingredients in our hair care routine that we inhale (like that giant mouthful of hairspray you accidentally ate!) can enter our bodies and negatively impact our hormone health. Since our hormones control our menstrual cycle, this can exaggerate menstrual symptoms.

The World Health Organization says endocrine disruptors, or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are substances that are “suspected to be associated with altered reproductive function in men and women, increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns, and delays in neurodevelopment in men and women. children, as well as changes in immune function.”

I don't know about you, but a hormone disrupting shampoo that smells like a coconut gave birth to a cherry blossom is not worth the risk!

There are chemicals that disrupt hormones, also called external estrogens or 'xenoestrogens'. This is because they are similar to the body's own estrogen, but not exactly the same. They can enter our body and bind to estrogen receptors, causing a negative effect.