Periods are personal. Finding what works for YOU is so important. Just like women can feel pressured to look a certain way, there is a lot of pressure on women to use a particular product on their period.

I remember in school, it used to be considered ‘uncool’ if you used pads. Similarly, it can feel like there is a lot of pressure on women to use menstrual cups. Whilst these are amazing due to their environmental benefits and the money they save you, they aren’t for everyone! Some women simply can’t get on with them and others can’t use them due to conditions such as vaginismus. Putting the focus on one particular product can leave some women feeling ashamed and that they can’t participate in the conversation surrounding periods – an essential conversation needed to break the taboo.

One woman in our community who has vaginismus talked about this in detail, saying “I feel like in the enthusiasm surrounding cups (which I totally understand, given that they’re more eco-friendly and cheaper than conventional products), people like me get forgotten. It adds to the pressure for me to not say anything. When advertisements or influencers say that everyone should be using cups, it makes me feel like I’m not normal. It also doesn’t take into consideration people who may not have the kind of mobility required to use cups. Or people who maybe just aren’t comfortable with penetration.”

It’s important for people to have a choice over what they use and that all products are celebrated. Pads don’t get as much attention, which is why these 4 women tell us why they are proud to use pads:

Amy, Cardiff

“I tend to use both pads and tampons. My normal routine is to wear pads at the beginning and end of my period and I always wear pads at night time throughout. I prefer pads to tampons during these times as I feel as though it allows my body to release and flow freely. On my heavier days, or if I’m wearing an outfit that wouldn’t suit pad-friendly underwear I do wear tampons. I always remember being taught not to wear a tampon for longer than 6-8 hours, so just in case I’m lucky enough to get my 8 hours+ sleep, I’d rather be wearing a pad at night time so I don’t have to worry! For me, wearing a pad rarely feels “messy” or “unclean” which is often an opinion I’ve heard about pads. I wear TOTM’s organic cotton pads which are super comfortable, you hardly notice you are wearing one!”

Kate

“Since a teen, I have been wary of using tampons as I worry about the health implications of them and if they are the best for my body. I put comfort and secure protection first. I use TOTM pads which are secure and very comfortable! The soft, organic cotton used is perfect for providing comfort.”

Jody, Devon

“After having children I was no longer able to use tampons without them causing irritation and feeling uncomfortable. Making the switch to menstrual pads felt like a HUGE step backwards, as I hadn’t used pads since I first started my period as a 12-year-old. Even then I was quickly encouraged to move over to tampons by my mum! I remember talking to a friend about using pads and her response was “Eww, I couldn’t sit in period blood all day! Doesn’t it feel gross?!” I felt ashamed for not using tampons but unfortunately, there was not a lot I could do…

That’s when I discovered TOTM’s organic pads and it completely changed the way I experienced periods. They absorb really well and I no longer have an icky feeling…This has really helped me to feel more confident when on my period and I am no longer ashamed to be a pad user. In fact, any chance I get to talk about periods, I rave about making the switch back from tampons to pads!”

Huge thank you to these women for sharing their stories with us! You can shop our organic cotton pads here. Join in the conversation on socials and tag us in your #PeriodPowerful posts.

The post Why we prefer using pads to tampons : 3 customer stories appeared first on TOTM.

Natasha Williams is a loyal TOTM Customer and supporter. Here she explains why she chose to switch from mainstream to organic, and the differences she noticed:

“So, I made the switch to using organic cotton tampons and sanitary towels about 6 months ago. I found a few brands on the high street that dabbled with the words organic and cotton but would soon realise they were not 100% the real deal. From a random google search, I found TOTM… and this is where my story begins.

Why did I want to switch to organic tampons?

My main reason for wanting to switch over to organic cotton was that I was taking the steps to lead a more non-toxic lifestyle (I’m not there yet, but there has been progress). My hair is my crown (my whole Instagram is dedicated to my hair). I only use natural products when it comes to my hair and sometimes I make my own to ensure I know exactly what I’m putting onto my hair. I was not doing the same for everything else though like my skincare products, household cleaning products and of course feminine hygiene and intimate products. So, I switched it ALL UP.

I had read about all the nasties in the popular well-known tampon brands and I was genuinely shocked. I could not understand why so many nasties were in these products. Why is this information not more public? I had to do my own research to find out more about these ingredients and I just decided that my lady area deserved better.

Noticing a difference…

I didn’t expect to notice any difference when I started using the TOTM range, I was just happy knowing that I was using products that were not going to be harmful. I was taking another step in the right direction to living a cleaner lifestyle.

To my surprise I have noticed two major differences when having my period:

Irritation

I would feel irritation when using conventional tampons, but I just accepted it was that ‘time of the month’ and I did not really pay any real attention to it.  I would just assume that I was using the wrong absorbency (although that never solved the problem). Since switching over to organic tampons I have experienced no irritation whatsoever – which is amazing!

My period is shorter

Before I switched, my periods used to last 5 maybe 6 days (and that was a good month). Sometimes my period would last 7 days. Since switching to organic, my period lasts for approx. 3-4 days! I know this sounds crazy and untrue but I’m being serious. At first, I just thought it was a fluke but then it happened the following month and then the following. You get the picture. I mean if that is not a reason to switch over to organic tampons then I don’t know what is.

Organic is the way forward

When I first switched to organic tampons I didn’t expect to see that much of a difference, but after noticing these differences it’s a real eye-opener. I would never go back to conventional high-street brands.

I have a 9-year-old daughter who has kind of started her period (I know she is only 9 and I want to cry). I will never let her use the chemical-ridden products that are on the market. With a clued-up mum on her side, she will only ever use 100% organic cotton products.

TOTM is my organic brand of choice

I love TOTM. I don’t just love the products, I also love what the brand stands for. TOTM is all about breaking the taboo and discussing vaginas openly. I find it empowering and I’m all about female empowerment! Like Beyoncé says “Who run the world? GIRLS.”

My friends were sick of me nagging them trying to get them to switch.  After going off and doing their own research, they now appreciate it and love TOTM!

I’ll leave you with this final thought – Why would you not be kinder to your vagina…it only deserves the best.

Thanks to Natasha for writing this blog for us! If you have any questions, drop us a comment below. Natasha has a fab YouTube channel where she talks about a range of topics from hair care to non-toxic living. Check it out here. Find out what another customer had to say about our products, by reading this informative article.

The post Organic Tampons: “I noticed a difference…” appeared first on TOTM.

That’s why we are talking about all different types of period pain and encouraging people to join in the conversation.

Whether it’s menstrual cramps, painful disorders or other period-related pain, talking about these types of pains helps break the silence and can improve education on this topic. This can then go on to improve the quality of life for those suffering in silence.

To help drive the conversation, we spoke to women from our community who have shared…

Real and honest stories about their period pains.

Di Mattos, Gloucestershire

“I had awful period pain every month which I was prescribed painkillers for. When I was 16, I was on my Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition and my period started. I had to keep walking miles with a third of my body weight on my back, so I took my big pills to help with the pain. Not sure if it was the pain, or taking the pills on an empty stomach, or just the circumstances, but I collapsed in a field in the middle of nowhere.

Another walking team managed to get a hold of the farmer whose field we were in. He brought his car to pick me up and take me to my teachers at the next check in place. I didn’t complete the expedition, I was in no fit state to continue so my parents came to get me and take me home.”

Lorna Finney, Sheffield

“From around the age of 14, I experienced agonising periods every month, causing me to pass out and vomit. One month the pain was so bad that I held a boiling hot water bottle on my stomach. I ended up with bright red scald marks on my stomach for days afterwards. All I remember was that the burning pain from the hot water bottle was a nice distraction from the period pain – it sounds crazy now! I lived with these symptoms for 3 yrs before finally seeking medical advice.”

Amy Hawkins, Cardiff

“I get high-intensity cramps that come and go – I call them my contractions. Although, that’s a loose comparison as I’ve never given birth. I can’t imagine how intense real contractions actually are!! All I know is that when my period cramps hit, they have literally stopped me in my tracks walking down the street. I have to stand/sit still, close my eyes, screw up my face, clench my fist and pant like a loon until it passes and then I’m fine! (Until the next one!)

This can be super embarrassing if it happens in work, especially when somebody is in the middle of talking to me. I have to excuse them for a second whilst I screw my face/body up into a ball and breathe through it and then continue as normal! I think the taboo of period struggles does need to end particularly in the workplace so us women don’t have to feel embarrassed about displaying and coping with our pain/symptoms!”

Emily Victoria, Staffordshire

“When I was younger, I started to get really bad period pains which would make me sick. At first, I was diagnosed with a rumbling appendix, but then after I had that removed it became clear there was something else going on.

I had a number of tests to check for Endometriosis. Upon going to the doctor age 14 for my results, he told me they couldn’t tell from an internal ultrasound anyway and the best way to treat period pains was just to “have a baby”. I left with no pain relief, no further tests and after I told her, a pretty furious mother! It took about 10 years following that to finally be taken seriously.”

Hannah Stark, Humberside

“Through school, college and uni I had to run out of many classes and leap out of buses to throw up. I’ve even passed out when walking from the staircase to the shower.

I use an ice pack directly on my skin to try and numb the pain. I get so hot on the first day that I’ve never considered using a hot water bottle. Something super cold from the freezer is most effective. It started with a cold flannel and sitting outside in the winter months for hours at the age of 12, but those didn’t stop the pain. Contraception has helped a lot along with really light yoga.”

Rachel Owen, Cardiff

“I experience cramps in the run-up to my period. Some months are worse than others – when the pain is bad I get headaches and nausea along with pain. It can be hard to concentrate in work, but I find eating fresh food and keeping up my exercise regime helps.”

Abbie H, Cardiff

“When I was 14 my period pains became horrendous. I went into school and felt the build up getting worse and worse, painkillers weren’t touching it. I went to the school nurse and buckled. Apparently, my lips had gone grey. Everyone was convinced I was having a miscarriage, they didn’t believe it could just be period pain. They called paramedics who had me on gas and air.

When I was taken to the hospital, they kept checking to see if I was secretly pregnant. I kept telling them it was just my period! They told me that what I was experiencing was like labour contractions and to go on the pill.”

We want to hear your stories! Share your period pain stories with us to be featured across our social channels and help us break the taboo surrounding period pain. Leave a comment below or tweet us @totmorganic!

The post 7 very real period pain stories appeared first on TOTM.

“Women are resilient. Especially those with Endometriosis. For thousands of years, we’ve had to be. Women have a lot to live up. We can reproduce. However, when a woman isn’t trying to make a mini-me, it means she’s likely to be experiencing periods. Society and many people who should never of in the first place tell us it’s normal for us to associate menstruation with feeling significant amounts of pain. This is where I tell you that they were wrong.

How did I find out that I had endometriosis?

My story is similar to the other 176 million women (and counting) who have been diagnosed with Endometriosis. I dreaded every month I saw the red in my pants, tissue or toilet bowl. It carried familiar feelings of apprehension expecting the endless cramping, lower backache, pelvic pain and not to mention feeling like you may pass out or vomit. Check out common symptoms here.

I remember my mother encouraging me to visit the doctors. After years of various testing, I had a diagnostic laparoscopy at my local hospital. From this, they confirmed that I was suffering with Endometriosis.

I’ve yet to have surgery, however, what I do know is over the three years since I was diagnosed, I have got worse. No longer just in my pouch of douglas, the MRI scans show it’s spread further in my pelvis and is also on my kidney. I’m still having tests at an endometriosis clinic to see if it’s in my diaphragm or ribs. When I get this pains starts, I can’t exercise, lay on my side in bed or even twist my body. Whatever I do is painful, even to breath. Let me remind you, pain like this is not normal. That’s why I’m onto my doctors because someone at some point is going to listen to me.

So, lets talk changes!

Let’s get to it. There are so many women who suffer from this awful disease. So, I’ve created a list below of things I’ve changed in my life since diagnosis. If my advice below can help you in any way, sitting here with my three cats fighting for the laptop space and eating fewer biscuits than what I normally do during an evening to type this is totally worth it.

I became aware of endocrine disruptors in everyday products.

It’s not my intention to scare you, but are you aware that many beauty and everyday essentials products contain carcinogens and hormone disruptors?
Natural or man-made, Endocrine Disruptors, like the name, disrupt our hormones. These chemicals have been known to cause fibroids, reproductive issues, cancer, endometriosis and neurodevelopmental delays in children. If you check product labels and see ingredients containing any of the below, I would recommend giving them a wide berth! Your skin is your largest organ after all.

• Phthalates. Rife in beauty products, household items and personal care products.
• Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. (DDT) thankfully, it is now banned in most countries.
• Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. (DDE), a pesticide and a by-product of DDT.
• Dioxins. Found in a lot of dairy products. Think cheese, yoghurts and the obvious, cow’s milk.

I also do my best to avoid the Dirty Dozen cosmetic chemicals which are chemicals used in over 80% of beauty products known to be made from industrial chemicals, carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. You can read more about it here.

Natural contraception over hormonal contraception.

Research suggests that endometriosis may be an oestrogen-dependent disease, meaning the more oestrogen you have in your body, the more it thrives. Research has shown that many women with endometriosis have a hormone imbalance, predominately with higher oestrogen levels. This doesn’t mean the oestrogen is overly high but higher than the progesterone. Women and hormones are complicated things.

It has actually been over two and a half years since I have been on contraception. I strongly suspect I have a hormonal imbalance and after 8 years of trying combination pills and hormonal injections, I decided to stop it all. It took a further 15 months for my body to come back to natural sync. I no longer believe in putting artificial chemicals in my body, especially when there are natural forms of birth control available. I’ve been practising my natural birth control for over a year and it’s never let me down, watch my youtube video to learn more.

Can supplements really help?

Nothing can beat a good diet; however, I think supplementing can never be a bad thing either. I’ve read from various sources that women with endometriosis should try supplementing Evening Primrose Oil, Magnesium, Probiotics and Vitamin B6. Recently I’ve been supplementing Bladderwrack, which is a brown seaweed, high in iodine. I’ve read a particularly interesting study from Dr Greger suggesting women with Endometriosis have iodine deficiencies, so get your bladderwrack (seaweed powder) and give it a go! Watch the video here, comment down below if you do, I’d love to know your thoughts.

I switched over to organic pads and tampons.

As I haven’t been on contraception for over two and half years now, that means I do get my monthly period. I used to invest blindly in sanitary ware and pick up the buy one get one free offer in the supermarket. It never occurred to me to buy organic sanitary wear.

There are a lot of toxic chemicals found in sanitary ware, which helped to make my mind up that I shouldn’t be purchasing them. I’ve been choosing to buy my pads and tampons (say hi also to my menstrual cup which I’ll be trying in a few days time) from a company called TOTM. A company dedicated to starting important conversations about menstrual health and wellness. All of their products are cruelty-free, vegan and biodegradable!

Sadly, despite owning one all my life, I never thought about what chemicals I could be putting in my vagina or what they could do to my body. Tampons that aren’t organic can include toxic chemicals like:

• Chlorine. Bleaches the tampon to give it the white appearance.
• Glyphosate. A herbicide like the roundup weed killer.
• Dioxins. A deadly toxic compound.
• Polyethylene. Think antifreeze or ink.
• Rayon. Cellulose fiber that comes from processed wood pulp.

If the above hasn’t alarmed you, remember the cleaner your sanitary wear, the less risk you have of getting toxic shock syndrome. This is because organic cotton tampons do not have elements that increase your risk of bacteria and other infections.

Down went the weights as I introduced myself to yoga.

I love weight lifting, it’s empowering to be the badass girl in the gym or at home getting stronger every day with every lift. However, when I was suffering, I felt I needed something slower paced. I started watching yoga on youtube and started following tutorials. Yoga is great to get the blood flowing, literally. Whenever I’m fighting off horrific cramping, I hit the mat and move slowly, matching my breath with my body movements. I find this to be a more effective way to deal with pain quickly than swallowing tablets and waiting for them to kick in.

My diet changed, I stopped eating certain foods.

Many people start a vegan (plant-based) diet when they learn about animals and how they end up on the shelves in supermarkets. Partly the ethics made me vegan, but I remember feeling despaired one day after a painful contraception injection and I decided I needed to look after my body better. As a human, we can make as many changes as we like, however, nothing is going to be more powerful than the food we feed our bodies. It’s known that meat and dairy cause inflammation in the body. The last thing you need with endometriosis. For over two and a half years I’ve been vegan. In fact, the day I stopped my birth control, I also went vegan. I can confirm my vegan diet has helped me in regard to the pain I experience. Plants heal my friends!

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

I find when I eat clean (no junk food, even cutting out gluten and soy) before my period, that I don’t experience as much pain. This was put to the test when I tried raw veganism for a week in the beginning of the year. When it came to my period, I was shocked by how I felt, my pain intensity was lower than what it had been for some time. Truth is, food is what fuels our body. If we aren’t putting good in, is it surprising we are getting bad out? I’m no longer 100% raw as I quite like the odd treat, but I have raw days still to keep on the straight and narrow.

Invest time in your mental well-being and talk to others.

If there’s anything I’ve learnt, it’s that Endometriosis is incredibly frustrating. It’s so important you talk to someone who understands. This is even more accessible thanks to the internet. I have friends on Instagram and in Facebook groups who do more than keep me sane! People understand because they are fighting the same battles. I’d also like to add men need advice too, they want to support us ladies, especially our partners who often feel helpless!

Take some time to disconnect, whether that be a walk, meditation or being in nature. It’s so important to value your mental health. Life can be so physically demanding. I like to take time to check in with myself and meditate most mornings. It may sound like a hippy thing to do but it clears my mind and sets me straight. Sometimes you need time to reflect to remember the good things in life when you aren’t in a good place.

Together we are stronger

I hope my tips can help you. I plan to do further blog posts about how I manage my Endometriosis pain naturally. Please let me know if you would like me to write further about this topic.
I know no one asks for the cards that have been dealt, but you have the power to make the best of this situation. What I do know is that together, we are stronger.

A BIG thank you to Elaina for sharing this story and her tips with us! Remember, these are changes that worked for Elaina. Everyone is different and before making radical changes it’s worth seeking medical advice where required – you have to do what’s right for YOU and YOUR body. To read more posts by Elaina, follow her on socials.

Interested in learning more about living with endometriosis? Check out some of our other posts on endometriosis and other menstrual and reproductive health conditions.

The post How I manage endometriosis: 8 changes I made after getting diagnosed appeared first on TOTM.

We spoke to Jo who is diagnosed with menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) to talk about her experience using a menstrual cup with a heavy flow.

Managing a heavy bleed can be challenging. This is definitely the case for Jo, who since the age of fourteen has struggled with extremely heavy periods. If you have not caught up with Jo’s story, then you can catch up here. Now diagnosed with menorrhagia, Jo is constantly looking for ways to make her period more manageable. We, therefore, offered her a TOTM cup to trial for one period. Here’s Jo’s experience using the cup:

My experience using a menstrual cup with a heavy flow

“I wanted to try a cup to prevent using so many sanitary products during my periods. I also needed to try to prevent leaking during the day, due to heavy menstrual bleeding and clots.”

Why did you choose the TOTM cup?

“I was told it was softer than the one I had, and I wanted to support a company like TOTM that promotes sustainability and organic sanitary products. The cup came packaged in sugar cane packaging, and a 100% organic bag, so I knew I was doing the right thing for the environment as well as me.”

Please describe your experience when using the cup (as much detail as you would like to share)

“I was dubious because the last cup I bought looked the same. I had previously bought the correct size, but the rim was quite stiff and – because of this – I felt sick and bruised when I wore it. As soon as I held the TOTM cup, it felt softer and more malleable. Folding it was easier and when it was in, I didn’t feel discomfort at all. I also really appreciate the fact that the bottom of the bell is ridged, so it’s much easier to remove: no losing grip or slipping like you get with a smooth one.”

How did this compare to using a tampon?

“Personally, there’s no comparison. Even with an applicator, putting a tampon in feels dry and wrong. With a cup, you can measure how much blood loss there is, so it’s easier to monitor, especially if you chart your cycle like I do.”

Did you use the cup alongside another TOTM product when on your period?

Day pads

Are you happy to continue using the TOTM cup?

“I will definitely continue to use the cup. As I have menorrhagia, overnight I use TOTM night pads and period pants, but during the day it’s the cup, I only use one day pad as a precaution.”

Any additional feedback?

“As a scared cynic, I did not want to use the cup. I had heard about people trying different ones until they found the right one, but I was unsure. After two difficult births and my heavy periods, I didn’t exactly feel like I had an intact vagina! The cup has actually given me more confidence, but I never would have believed it from anyone else. It’s a very personal choice.”

Thanks to Jo for her switch story #SwitchStories! Curious to try a cup? You can check the range here. If you struggle with a heavy bleed, replacing lost nutrients post-period is so important. Catch up on these tips to get started.

Photo cred: Keith Davies

The post Using a menstrual cup with a heavy flow appeared first on TOTM.

What is your first name?
Jenni

Why did you choose to switch to TOTM products?
I am very aware of the effects of plastic and products that have little to none biodegradable qualities. I wanted to do my bit to make sure my child has a beautiful world to grow up in

Had you used organic cotton period care products before using TOTM?
I am very aware of the effects of plastic and products that have little to none biodegradable qualities. I wanted to do my bit to make sure my child has a beautiful world to grow up in

The post #Switchstories: Jenni’s experience using organic cotton period care appeared first on TOTM.