Just as the seasons give rhythm to nature, menstruation marks out your life, from puberty to menopause. They are signals that help you reconnect with your body, your cycle and your sensations. Living your period naturally means reconnecting with this intimate part of yourself - and choosing protection that respects your health and well-being.

Here's a roundup of natural alternatives to conventional disposable pads, which often contain plastic, chlorine and other controversial substances.

Organic cotton disposable sanitary pads: kind to you and kind to the planet

Some brands, such as Natracare offernon-chlorine-bleached organic cotton disposable towelswith an anti-leak film based on corn starch and wood cellulose to effectively absorb the flow.

Unlike conventional cotton, which requires a lot of water and pesticides to grow, organic cotton reduces our ecological footprint. These products contain no plastics, perfumes or synthetics. They remain highly absorbent and effective against odors, while being gentler on your skin and intimate flora.

Washable sanitary towels: the zero-waste option

If you're a zero-waste enthusiast, washable towels are a sustainable solution. Homemade or bought ready-to-use, they snap onto your underwear. Simply rinse by hand before putting in the washing machine.

Available in different sizes, colors and thicknesses, they adapt to your flow and preferences. Although the initial investment is higher, these pads can last for several years. years, provided you have enough to cover a complete cycle.

A word of warning: make sure you bring a waterproof bag if you need to change them on the move.

Organic cotton tampons: safer, but always handle with care

Tampons are often criticized for their risk of toxic shock syndrome. This risk exists, even with organic versions, and it 's imperative not to keep them in for more than 6 hours at a time.

Conventional tampons sometimes contain pesticide residues, chlorine or synthetic materials such as rayon. As the vaginal mucosa is highly permeable, these substances can pass into the bloodstream.

Natracare tampons (with or without applicator) certified 100% organic cotton, fragrance-free and bleach-free, are a healthier alternative. Created to meet environmental and health concerns, they avoid dioxin pollution, a by-product of chlorine bleaching.

Menstrual panties: practical, pretty and booming

In recent years menstrual panties has won over a wide audience, especially teenage girls. The principle? Integrate an absorbent part into the fabric of the underwear. The result: invisible protection, effective against flow and odors, as long as the absorption capacity is respected.

Although their price may be a deterrent, menstrual panties represent a lasting investment. There's something to suit every taste and body type: with or without lace, high or low waist, with or without cut-outs... Some brands even offer menstrual swimwear.

When it comes to care, you'll need to before machine washing.

The menstrual cup: economical and ecological

The cup was one of the first natural alternatives to be democratized. Made from medical-grade silicone, it collects blood directly in the vagina, without absorbing it. It's available in a range of sizes to suit your flow and anatomy (including whether or not you've given birth).

Usable for up to 10 years, the cup is an economical, discreet and space-saving solution. It empties approximately every 6 hours (or more frequently as required) and is sterilized in boiling water between cycles.

The only drawback is that you need water point close to the toilet to rinse it, which can sometimes make it difficult to use outside the home.

The market for natural sanitary protection continues to grow, driven by the growing demand for transparency about its composition and the increasing number of studies into the health impacts of conventional protection. Numerous French and European brands have emerged with ethical, ecological and sometimes even solidarity-based commitments.

Now you have a choice: to honor your cycle with protection that's more respectful of your health, your body and the planet.