This is a bit of a personal question here. I have year round allergy & sinus problems. I have noticed that whenever it's that "time of the month" they are worse than normal. I couldn't figure out why that was until recently. I'm starting to come to the conclussion that maybe it's the actual pads that I'm using. They are scented or rather "odor absorbing " or "odor neutralizing" or whatever they're calling them. I think they're making me sick! I've had severe headaches sometimes to the point of becoming full blown migraines (with the vommiting, senstivity to light, etc. that goes along wtih the migraines), sinus pressure/pain, running nose, etc.
Has anyone else had a smilar problem? Are there unscented pads on the market? Or all natural, disposal pads?
Is there some other connection between the two (allergies/sinus probs + menstrual cycle) that I'm missing?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much.
By the way, the pads I normally use are either Kotex or Always if that helps.
Do you get an allergic rash from the pads? I don't think the pads are causing sinus allergic reactions. I have bad allergies as well. And I do notice that I get them worse when I am about to get my period. I really just thought it might be that when I get my period my immune system goes down a bit. I really don't know. But if you aren't getting an allergic rash I don't think it is the pad that causes it.
Definitely try all cotton pads/tampons first and see if it helps. You can find at Whole Foods (Seventh Generation and another brand). I had contact allergies to the bleach in the other kids. However I agree with the below comments that the headaches and runny nose seems odd. But see if the all cotton pads help first. Good luck!
You really aren't supposed to use anything scented or powders or anything like that around your lady parts.
They def. make unscented everything-pads, tampons, etc
You could also try the Diva cup. I have one and it makes life so much easier.
You could be sensitive to the scent which I guess could possibly cause the sinus/allergy problem. There are definitely unscented ones. Migraines, though, are very common during periods due to the flucuation of hormones.
Try Seventh Generation. I had a reaction to all the other pads on the market but mine was swelling and redness. Hope a change helps you.
I suppose it's possible that there is something in the pads you are allergic to, but I'd think that you'd have some kind of skin reaction to it (rash, hives), if you were allergic. But that's just a guess. And migraines/headaches are often associated with your menstrual cycle. I often get pre-menstrual headaches, and migraines are also not uncommon. That doesn't explain the nasal symptoms, though. Interested to see what other people think.
