Menopause and Super Size Me?

By on January 3, 2013

I can’t help but wonder WHO is designing the feminine hygiene products these days. As I go through this next phase of my life, the need to up the ante on protection has taken on a whole new meaning.

Foot-Long-PadShopping for these products has become like shopping for toilet paper.  You got the dollar menu on up to what they must think is the crème dela crème of super sizing! They no doubt  continue to reinvent the wheel in order to raise the price. I don’t mind new and improved, but wasted real estate? The size of pads have become a joke – and give a whole new meaning to “Foot Long.” Are they serious? They’ve gone from bad to worse in design.

As I approach menopause, Aunt Flow from Redlands comes on with a vengeance! Considering I started my moon cycle at 13 (and no pregnancies), that’s 36 years of shopping the feminine hygiene aisle.  Lucky for me, my cycle has always been long and heavy (7+ days). Sarcastic? Yes and no. Lucky because each time we menstruate, we detox (another blog topic).  This past year, I’ve had to go from buying panty liners and tampons to now adding diapers (maxi pads) to the cart. I welcome the change, and I’m doing my best to embrace all the changes, but perhaps “they” need women to help design these things?

Leak proof should not mean GARGANTUAN! I can’t seem to find anything smaller than a footlong. And please know this is not to put down anyone needing these larger pads. But, the makers need to understand that size 4 women like me need protection without feeling like we are wearing a diaper. Toddlers waddle when they walk – we don’t need to! I’m creative, mechanically inclined, but a Houdini engineer mind I am not. Getting these things in the right place takes precision and patience. The unused portions are a ridiculous waste of money!

I’ve tried numerous alternatives and brands but they lack protection. As for Toxic Shock Syndrome (from tampons), I’ve been well aware of the risks. I do not think of what can happen; instead I am proactive in staying healthy. The bright side is I’m thankful my days of diapers, cigars and Aunt Flow are coming to an end. All I can do is laugh and look forward to my monthly savings, and… not having to plan my life around Aunt Flow’s visits.

May those still needing these products find some natural ones that work, that fit, and some without a ridiculous price tag.  I leave you with a couple of links that may or may not inspire you to make your own or buy from someone who is.

Considering cloth diapers are better for the child, the environment, and the wallet, these are too. A “How To” for the Naturalista’s with some sewing savvy.

hillbillyhousewife.com 

This next link is from a dear husband that designed sanitary pads for his wife (and then some). A sweet story that turned into a sanitary napkin revolution.

ted.com

 

Costs aside, I do not appreciate buying more than I need. I like quality over quantity and common sense over what the hell are they thinking.

About Carmen

Author, Coach, and Herbalsita POWERED BY: Real Food and barefoot walking/running. Connect with Carmen on Google+

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