#DrsNote 04 March 2026

A couple of weeks ago, new research from the University of the Free State found that menstrual products used by millions of South Africans may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals – even whenmarketed as ‘free from harmful chemicals’. The study titled “The Presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Sanitary Pads: A Study Done in South Africa,” found that every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested contained at least two endocrine-disrupting chemicals, raising concerns about consumer safety, transparency, and long-term exposure. To get a better understanding of what this means, we are joined in studio by Dr. Ruth Apostolov, a leading advocate for menstrual equity and women’s health alongside Gynaecologist Dr Bandile Masuku.