Academics are calling on the government to introduce regulation to ban toxic chemicals from period products as they launch the one of the world’s largest-ever conferences into menstruation.
A core theme of the upcoming Menstruation Research Conference 2026 is around the design, health and sustainability of period products. Keynote speaker Helen Lynn will outline the issues around the lack of regulation of such products, and will encourage attendees to sign up to the Women’s Environmental Network’s (Wen) open letter calling for change.
Helen, an honorary researcher at the University of Exeter and Senior Consultant and Research Fellow at Wen, , said independent tests have found levels of toxic chemicals like “forever chemical” PFAS, heavy metals like Lead, Arsenic and Mercury, pesticides such as glyphosate, biocidal sliver and synthetic fragrances:
She said: “Period products are placed in prolonged contact with the highly permeable vulval and vaginal tissues. The vaginal tissue itself is thought to be up to 80% more absorbent than the skin elsewhere on the body. Repeated tests have shown that toxic chemicals are present in period products. Worryingly, we know there are no safe levels of exposure for many of these chemicals, so even small amounts could be harmful. We believe everyone who needs them should have access to safe, sustainable and accessible period products, and we’re calling on governments to take action now.”
Helen’s talk will head up two days of events at the conference at Brighton and Sussex Medical School at the University of Sussex campus on July 7 and 8. It is hosted by the Menstruation Research Network and the 4M Consortium of researchers focusing on menstruation and mental health. For the first time, they have combined forces, making the event the largest ever hosted in the UK, and one of the largest in the world. The conference will include more than 300 research presentations. Registration for the conference is still open.
Co-organiser Professor Gemma Sharp, of the University of Exeter, who leads the 4M Consortium, said: “We know that research into women’s health has been woefully under-funded, and our conference is crucial to advancing knowledge in this area. We’re learning ever more about how menstruation and menopause link to wider issues in our physical and mental health. Our conference also brings in the psychological, biomedical and environmental experience across the life course, to foster crucial collaborations to improve health.”
Co-organiser Dr Chi Eziefula, of Brighton and Sussex Medical School, said: “This conference is very international, bringing together researchers from 66 countries with a unique focus on menstruation. We’re hosting experts in biological and social science, policy, advocacy, the arts and industry to highlight the latest research, ideas and creative solutions to support good menstrual health across the globe. We will highlight the huge range of research that is available to guide policy and to make menstruation and menopause less stigmatised and more healthy.”