Period Panties Without PFAS: Why What You Wear During Stressful Times Matters More Than You Think

Moving house is one of those life moments where everything feels upside down. Your routine disappears, stress levels spike, meals become irregular, and your nervous system is working overtime.

And if you menstruate? Your cycle notices.

As the founder of a period underwear brand — and someone who’s smack in the middle of a house move — I’m being reminded in real time how closely stress, hormones, and menstrual health are connected. When life gets chaotic, your body needs more support, not less.

That’s why choosing period panties without PFAS has become a non-negotiable for me — especially during stressful seasons. Read more about it here. I am moving house at the moment and so this is something I've been reflecting on.

Let’s talk about why.

Stress, Hormones & Your Menstrual Cycle

Stress isn’t just a mental thing. It’s physiological.

When you’re under ongoing stress, your body pumps out more cortisol. Elevated cortisol can throw off your reproductive hormones, which often shows up as:

Irregular or late periods
More intense PMS symptoms
Heavier or lighter flow
Cramps that hit harder
Exhaustion that won’t quit

Big life changes — like a move, job switch, or emotional upheaval — tend to show up in your cycle first.

And when your internal world is shaky, what you put on your body becomes even more important.

Why PFAS Don’t Belong in Your Period Underwear

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are nicknamed “forever chemicals” for a reason: they stick around. In our bodies. In the environment. And they’ve been linked to:

Hormonal disruption
Immune system issues
Long-term health risks

Unfortunately, some period products use PFAS to achieve water or stain resistance. These PFAS chemicals are common in conventional hygiene products and even some waterproof jackets, but they have no place in something as intimate as period underwear.

Here’s the kicker:

Your vulva is highly absorbent.

Whatever sits against your skin for hours — especially in a sensitive area — can make its way into your system. During times of stress, when your hormones are already off-kilter, chemical exposure is the last thing you need.

That’s why switching to non-toxic period underwear made from safe materials like organic cotton, bamboo viscose, or TENCEL lyocell, can be a quiet but powerful act of self-care.

Look for certifications like Oeko-Tex Certified, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which signal lower environmental footprint and fewer harmful chemicals.

Stressful Seasons Call for Simpler Period Care

When life’s a whirlwind, the last thing you want is to deal with complicated period logistics. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Fewer Decisions

Reusable period products like underwear or even reusable menstrual pads mean no emergency runs to the shop, no checking if you’re stocked up, no panic. Just grab, wear, wash, repeat.

2. No Leaks, No Anxiety

If you’re lifting boxes, running errands, or juggling five things at once, leaks shouldn’t be on your radar. Quality period underwear with a leakproof lining or barrier keeps you covered — literally and emotionally.

3. Hormone-Friendly by Design

Choosing period panties without PFAS is one of the simplest ways to support hormone health, especially when your body’s already under pressure.

4. Comfort That Actually Feels Comforting

Think: buttery-soft fabric. Breathable design. Moisture-wicking materials that move with you. Because when everything else feels chaotic, your underwear shouldn’t.

Why We Made Fri Period Underwear PFAS-Free

When we started Fri Period, we asked: What would it look like to make period care that respects your body, your hormones, and the planet?

Our answer:

No PFAS (although PFAS are sadly impossible to avoid due to their presence throughout our evironment - yup, it leaches into our water and soil! - we do everything we can to avoid using PFAS in our products!)
No azo dyes
No heavy metals
Just thoughtfully chosen, high-performing, sustainable fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton and bamboo viscose.

Our non-toxic period products are made for real life:

Messy days
Busy weeks
Big transitions
Hormonal rollercoasters

Each pair features:

A breathable, leakproof lining that’s soft on skin
An absorbent core designed to handle everything from spotting to heavy flow
A stretchy yet secure fit that moves with you

Because your period doesn’t pause when life gets hard — and neither should your comfort.

PS: If you’re curious, you can read more about our materials here.

Period Care = Self-Care (Especially When Life Is Loud)

Supporting your cycle doesn’t mean adding more to your to-do list. Sometimes, it just means choosing products that reduce your body’s burden.

Wearing period panties without PFAS is one small but meaningful way to do that — especially when life feels messy.

So if you’re in the middle of a move, a breakup, a career leap, or just trying to hold it all together... here’s your gentle reminder:

You don’t need to push through.
You don’t need to ignore your body.
And you definitely don’t need to settle for uncomfortable, toxic period products.

Your body is doing its best. The least we can do is support it back.

In one recent study, 65% of period products tested contained measurable levels of PFAS — many without disclosure. Choosing third-party-tested brands can help reduce your exposure.

Ready to switch to period panties without PFAS?

Explore our comfy, leak-proof, and PFAS-free underwear designed to support your body — even during life’s messiest moments.

FAQs

1. What are PFAS and why are they harmful?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down easily. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and long-term health concerns.

2. How can I tell if my period underwear has PFAS?
Check if the brand discloses third-party PFAS-free certification, such as testing from UL labs or Intertek Labs. Transparency matters.

3. Are PFAS-free period panties still leakproof?
Absolutely. At Fri Period, we’ve created leakproof undies that don’t compromise on performance or safety — no chemicals needed.

4. Can stress really affect my period?
Yes! Stress can mess with hormone levels, making periods irregular, heavier, or more painful.

5. Is reusable period underwear actually eco-friendly?
Yes — when well cared for, reusable period panties significantly reduce waste compared to disposable sanitary products and lower your environmental footprint.