Conventional menstrual products are a waste . We put it bluntly. They're responsible for a host of vulvovaginal conditions, such as allergies, candidiasis, infections, irritations... and they're also highly polluting .

Enough is enough! It's enough that women (and other people who menstruate) have to live their periods in silence, along with the associated pain, illness, and discomfort.

We want to do our part to break the taboo surrounding menstruation . We've been addressing this topic with complete naturalness for a long time, and we'll continue to do so.

One of the ways we've chosen to make this possible is by offering sustainable menstrual products for pre-teens and adolescents . We believe it's very important that they have these options from the start. If you have someone at home experiencing their first period and you have any questions, please contact us with any questions you may have.

Reasons to change your menstrual products

Before we talk about sustainable and healthy alternatives for menstruation, let's give you three compelling reasons to make the switch.

• Health

Health comes first! And, although we're part of Alma Eko, a project with an ecological focus, the main reason we're proposing this change is health. As we've already mentioned, conventional menstrual hygiene products aren't good for our health, primarily because they interfere with the microbiota of the vulva and vagina .
But we're not just going to talk about intimate hygiene products. As a side benefit of using these products, you can eliminate invasive treatments for fungal infections or candida, for example, from your life . We also want to offer alternative solutions to pain management medications. .

• Respect for the environment

The menstrual hygiene products we're going to suggest generate infinitely less waste than conventional products. The most widely available pads and tampons are non-recyclable and highly polluting due to the materials they're made from.
The products we're going to suggest are reusable for years, saving the planet a huge amount of waste for every woman who uses them. Imagine if we all used them!

• Economy

You've probably noticed. If these products last for years, the initial investment is a little higher, but over the course of your fertile life, you'll save a ton of money.

Hygiene product and accessory options

Let's talk about specific hygiene products for your period that are better for your health and the environment:

• Menstrual cup

It's possibly the star product in the world of sustainable menstruation. It's been a revolution in the last decade. It replaces conventional tampons and is completely harmless to our bodies (as long as it's made with medical-grade silicone).
The cup doesn't absorb menstrual flow, but rather retains it. This is very important, since tampons not only collect menstrual fluid but also absorb vaginal mucus, a bacterial barrier that is absolutely essential for our health.
At Alma Eko you will find the menstrual cup from the Spanish brand Cyclo , made of medical silicone, of course, and in three different sizes, including S, for teenagers.
This cup can be used for up to 10 years and is an investment of less than €30. Do you realize the savings?

 

• Cloth pads
  

For those who prefer not to insert anything into their vagina or to combine the cup with other options, there are two alternatives. We'll start with cloth pads.
Let's put the first fear to rest: they won't swell like diapers. They're made with technical fabrics that offer great absorbency in a small volume, and they always contain a waterproof, leak-proof layer inside (this layer never comes into contact with the body).
They are made with body-friendly fabrics and can be used for approximately three years . Again, a larger initial investment, but much more cost-effective in the long run.
At Alma Eko , we have two cloth pad options : Cyclo and others made by La Recortá, a local artisan. You'll also find different sizes (day, night, and panty liners) and a special pack for your first period .
Click on the links to see what care they require. You'll see they're easy to maintain.

• Menstrual panties

They're a very practical option and are definitely here to stay. Their strong point is that they're incredibly comfortable . They're like wearing regular underwear, so you won't feel uncomfortable because they move around.
They're ideal for exercising, and if your flow isn't too heavy, you can wear them all day outside because they're highly absorbent.
At Alma Eko, we have the Spanish brand Cocoro . You'll see that we offer different models, so you can choose the one you like best and, as always, with options specially designed for teenagers.

 

• Ecological tampons

It's not an option we have in our store because, as we've already told you, health comes first for us, but we wanted to let you know that they do exist. You can find several eco-friendly tampon options on the market: organic cotton (disposable, very similar to conventional tampons, but without toxic components), cloth, and natural sponge (and we may have missed some other options that we're not familiar with). The last two options are reusable. We don't recommend them because, although they are more environmentally friendly, they are not as friendly to our bodies , as they continue to absorb vaginal mucus, and we've already talked about how this is harmful to our health.

• Bags for carrying cloth pads

We didn't want to leave this section without suggesting a solution for using cloth pads outside the home. You might be worried about what to do with them when you have to change and aren't in the bathroom. The solution is easy. Opt for reusable waterproof bags or this toiletry bag specially designed for carrying cloth pads . It has two wet/dry compartments, so you can carry clean and used pads separately. In both cases, you can ensure that nothing in your purse or backpack gets dirty.

 

Drug-free pain management options

This is a huge issue. We should start from the premise that menstruation doesn't have to hurt , and yet society has normalized this pain and, furthermore, demands that we hide it .

If you have painful periods, something is not right. We encourage you to see a professional . The problem is that, often, these same professionals normalize this pain and offer pharmacological solutions without delving into the causes of the pain. Therefore, if you experience painful periods, we urge you to seek a professional who will address this issue with the importance it deserves.

Another factor that worsens menstrual pain and discomfort is our lifestyle . We are cyclical, with four distinct menstrual phases in which our body and mind don't always function the same. However, in this world where productivity prevails above all else, these phases, this cyclical nature, have no place. They want us to be linear and for our performance to always be the same.

There's still a lot to be done in this regard. Together we can continue to explain the importance of this . Until the message gets through, we don't want to tell you not to take medication. If you need it and it helps, go ahead. But we do want to offer you alternative solutions.

• To anti-inflammatory diet

Most of us aren't aware of how much our diet affects our menstrual cycle . Everything in general, but it has a significant impact on menstruation in particular.
This topic could be the subject of a whole book. So let's focus on one key point: much of the pain and discomfort we feel is related to inflammation in our uterus . Let's reduce it with the help of a proper diet. At least during the premenstrual and menstrual phases, opt for an anti-inflammatory diet . How do you achieve this? By reducing or eliminating the consumption of ultra-processed foods, grains (especially those containing gluten), sugars, refined flours, starches, dairy products, and even legumes.
We also suggest adding herbal teas to your diet to help support your menstrual cycle . At Alma Eko, we offer the calming and anti-inflammatory Cyclo infusions. These two teas are made with specially selected herbs, spices, and fruits. Click on the links to learn about their specific properties.

• Adapted physical exercise

Menstrual pain often incapacitates us. We can't move from the couch. We tend to think that rest is the best solution, and the truth is, it is in many cases. But other times, getting moving can be very beneficial . But, of course, it can't be just any type of exercise; it must be movements adapted to our situation.
We invite you to try yoga routines, stretching, and dance sessions specifically designed to relieve menstrual discomfort and also reduce inflammation during the premenstrual phase (which can be a preventative treatment for menstrual pain). Basically, these exercises are designed to increase heat and relax the pelvic area. They can be very effective.

• Local heat

In the previous paragraph, we've already uncovered another key factor: heat in the pelvic area. Menstrual pain is usually caused by small contractions in the uterus that occur to expel menstrual flow . Local heat makes the uterus' job easier. The reason is simple: this heat makes menstrual flow more liquid and, therefore, easier to expel. Seed bags are very effective for applying heat to the area.

• Natural hormone regulators and alternative pain treatments

If you've tried the above options and continue to experience aches and pains related to your menstrual cycle, it may be time to consider more effective options. There are hormone regulators and alternative pain treatments made with natural ingredients that can help. We've decided not to offer specific solutions in this regard because we believe that, in this situation, it's best to consult with well-trained professionals who can guide you on the best solution for you.

We hope that among all these tips, you'll find something that will help you have a healthier and more sustainable period. You can find all of Alma Eko's sustainable menstruation products at this link .