BLOG
The Truth Behind Your Go-To Sanitary Napkins
Sanitary napkins are the go-to menstrual care product for the majority of women in India (surprise, surprise!). But, beyond their utility, lie lesser-known health and environmental hazards that they cause. But let’s talk about you first. Here’s what your go-to pad brand has been hiding from you: Chemical Contamination: The most popular sanitary napkins contain a plethora of chemicals such as dioxins, furans, and pesticide residues. These toxic substances are by-products of the bleaching process used to make the pads appear white. Use them long enough and you’re at risk of severe health issues including reproductive problems, hormonal disruptions, and even cancer! Synthetic Materials: Most sanitary napkins are made from synthetic materials like polyethene, polypropylene, and super-absorbent polymers. These materials not only contribute to environmental pollution but also increase the risk of skin irritation and allergies. So if you’ve been wondering what about your pad has been causing all that itching, and the rashes, now you know. Fragrances and Dyes: Manufacturers often add fragrances and dyes to sanitary napkins to mask odours and enhance their aesthetic appeal. These additives can often trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate any existing sensitivities. And to add fuel to the fire, the lack of disclosure around specific ingredients used in these fragrances raises alarms about potentially undisclosed harmful chemicals. Environmental Hazards: Landfill Overflow: The convenience of disposable sanitary napkins comes at a significant cost to the environment. According to the World Bank, approximately 12 billion sanitary pads are disposed of annually, in India alone. They not only occupy valuable space but release harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater. Plastic Pollution & Waste-Mismanagement: The plastic components of pads are a deadly threat to marine life and ecosystems! Improper disposal or flushing of pads leads to their eventual deposition in water bodies, where they break down into microplastics, endangering aquatic organisms and disrupting fragile ecosystems. Carbon Footprint: The manufacturing process of pads involves the consumption of a vast amount of energy and resources, adding to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production estimated that the average carbon footprint of a single plastic pad is around 5.5 kg of CO2 equivalents – in simpler words what that means is, the production of a single pad releases roughly 5.5 kg of CO2! From extraction and processing of raw materials to transportation and packaging, every step of the production cycle leaves a dire carbon footprint. We've uncovered some more hard-hitting stats on the impact that pads have on our planet, right here, for you! Now What? Sure, using pads might be a convenient choice, but the question lies - at what cost? Their widespread usage comes with clear significant health and environmental risks. But a blessing to 21st-century women is that we have better alternatives out there - like our Reusable Period Underwear! Each period underwear you invest in can be washed and reused up to 2 years. Depending on the style you choose, they absorb up to 6 pads of blood in one go - that means you can wear them for anywhere between 8-24 hours (depending on your flow, of course). In case you’re wondering how that works, here’s another page that spills the beans, all over our magic underwear! Sources: https://toxicslink.org/publications/reports/wrapped-in-secrecy-toxic-chemicals-in-menstrual-products
Learn more
Period Underwear through the Ages: From Teens to Menopause
In the evolving landscape of menstrual care, Reusable Period Underwear has proven to be a versatile and eco-friendly solution for women at every stage of life. From adolescence to menopause, Nushu’s Reusable Period Underwear offers comfort, reliability, and confidence. No matter your age, Nushu’s got you covered! For Teens: Embracing Comfort and Confidence The onset of menstruation can be a challenging time for teens, filled with new experiences and concerns. Nushu’s Reusable Period Underwear is designed to offer a stress-free introduction to menstrual care. They provide leak-proof protection, design, and a super comfy fit to ensure teens can participate in all their favorite activities without worry, promoting a positive body image and self-esteem. Wearing a Super-Heavy absorbency Reusable Period Underwear like our Hip Hugger (Bestseller alert!) or the Lace Hipster, especially when periods can be particularly uncomfortable, painful, and heavy in their initial years, can make their experience a little bit easier. The last thing they need are rashes from pads & frequent leaks! For Adults: Balancing Lifestyle and Menstrual Care We all know how demanding ‘adulting’ can be. Nushu Reusable Period Underwear caters to the active lifestyle of adults, offering long-lasting protection that can work with you on varying flow levels. The convenience of not having to change pads frequently throughout the day or deal with rashes and infections, coupled with the environmental benefits of reducing disposable waste, makes period underwear a practical and sustainable choice for menstruating adults. A popular, go-to combo that covers you for all days of your flow is our Lace Trio! It not only has you covered with reliable absorbencies but they also look super cute on! The Lace Trio includes: The Lace Hipster absorbs 6 pads-worth of blood (for Super Heavy flow) The Lace Bikini absorbs 4 pads-worth of blood (for Heavy flow) The Cheeky Lace absorbs 2 pads-worth of flow (for Medium flow) For Menopause: Comfort During Transition Menopause brings about significant changes in a woman's body, including fluctuations in menstrual patterns. During perimenopause, periods can become unpredictable, varying in flow and frequency. Our recommendation? The Cheeky Lace is super soft & comfortable and can be worn on a regular day to protect you from any surprise visits from Auntie Flo! It absorbs up to 2 pads of blood. And once your period is back in ‘full-flow’, our heavy (shoutout to the Lace Bikini) & super-heavy absorbency period underwear like the Hip Hugger have got you covered. Moreover, the breathable materials help in managing hot flashes and night sweats! Key Benefits Across Ages Comfort and Security: Nushu’s Reusable Period Underwear is made from a soft, breathable 4-layer absorbent core, providing a super comfortable fit without compromising on leak protection! Better for Your Health: Prolonged use of plastic (or organic) pads pose some serious health risks, like cancer, infertility, and at the very least, rashes and discomfort in the short term! Why risk comfort or health when you have a much more absorbent and comfortable alternative? Cost-Effective: Investing in Nushu Reusable Period Underwear can help eliminate your 2-year-worth pad-supply, making it much more affordable in the long run! One Period Underwear can be washed and reused for no less than 2 years. Conclusion Reusable Period Underwear is the future of menstrual care! Nushu has reliable, comfortable, and sustainable period care for everyone - from teens just beginning to navigate their menstrual journey to adults seeking a balance between lifestyle and menstrual care, and those going through Menopause looking for comfort during transition. Our Reusable Period Underwear not only promises personal comfort but also contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive approach to menstrual care.
Learn more
Flowing with the Phases: A Guide to Menstrual Moods and Feelings
As women, we’re intimately familiar with the rollercoaster of emotions that can accompany our monthly cycles. You know the feeling—those days when simple tasks and interactions with others start to trigger a little extra and your once-vibrant life suddenly appears dull and doomed. The truth is, you’re not alone in this journey. While premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that’s often thrown around, what many of us fail to realise is that our hormones don’t just influence our moods during PMS; they play a significant role in shaping our emotions and actions throughout the entire month. Cycle syncing is a forgotten but powerful lifestyle tool that can help us better manage our energy, fostering greater inner kindness and self-respect. By changing the way we approach our periods, we can establish a deeper connection with our bodies. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this fascinating journey. The Menstruation Phase: When You Just Let It Flow The journey begins with the arrival of your period—the menstruation phase. It’s a time when your hormone levels are at their lowest, and your energy might take a dip. Don’t fret; it’s perfectly normal to feel tired and in need of some rest. This is your cue to be gentle with yourself. Cosy up with something warm, indulge in heartwarming activities, and allow yourself to relax. And here’s a little secret to make this phase more comfortable and enjoyable: consider using Nushu reusable period underwear. Its elegant lace styles transform period management into a holistic, ritualistic experience that helps you embrace the beauty of this phase. The Follicular Phase: When Everything’s Going Right The follicular phase is the mood-enhancing segment of your menstrual cycle. It kicks off on the first day of your period and lasts for approximately 7 to 10 days. During this time, you’re likely to experience a lighter mood, heightened energy levels, and an overall positive outlook on life compared to the latter part of the month. You might even notice an increase in your libido, which is perfectly natural. As oestrogen levels rise after the start of your period, so do serotonin levels—bringing forth a happier, more productive you. It’s a time when you can harness your positive energy and tackle life with enthusiasm. The Ovulatory Phase: When Things Start to Get Hot Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, typically occurs midway through your cycle—precisely when your body is primed for potential pregnancy. Increased libido is common during this phase, as is heightened pain tolerance. Interestingly, research suggests you might be more inclined to buy clothes, makeup, and other items to boost your self-perceived attractiveness during this time. It’s a phase when you radiate confidence and allure. The Luteal Phase: When Nothing’s Quite Right This phase is where your body realises it’s not pregnant once again, and it can act up a bit. Progesterone levels rise, leading to moodiness, irritability, and increased susceptibility to sadness. Embarrassing and melancholic memories might resurface, people who pleased you a week ago suddenly become annoying, and a general cloud of dullness hovers over you. But remember, you’ve got this—hang in there! To fully embrace the power of our menstrual cycles, we need to change how we perceive them. It’s time to embrace our periods rather than merely disposing of them month after month. This is where Nushu reusable period panties come in—a liberating period management product. These panties are crafted from premium bamboo fabric, cradling your body with gentle comfort. Their high absorbency frees you from mid-day changes, and washing and reusing them becomes a special ritual during that time of the month. It’s an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with your body and a more profound understanding of your monthly rhythms. In conclusion, our menstrual cycles are not something to be feared or endured. They are a source of wisdom and self-awareness, offering us the chance to align with our natural rhythms and nurture our physical and emotional well-being. So, let’s flow with the phases, embracing our menstrual moods and feelings, and celebrating the beautiful complexity of being a woman.a
Learn more
A Beginner’s Guide to Using Period Underwear
In a world where innovation meets necessity, menstrual hygiene products have become progressive. One such innovation that is going to make your cycle comfortable is a period panty, that can absorb up to 6 pads worth of blood. Want to know how to keep the annoying pads and tampons at bay? Read along. So, you’re curious about using period panties, but aren't sure if it’ll work, right? Not to worry. We were in your shoes and remember being equally curious and cautious when we first heard about this concept. How to use Period Panties Step 1 Choose your styles according to your flow. Nushu period panties come in five styles and three levels of absorbency - super heavy, heavy, and medium, with the following absorption capacities: We suggest buying a mix of our styles so that you are sorted for your entire cycle. Here’s how you can choose: Super heavy - for your heaviest days Heavy - for your milder days Medium - for your light days For example, if your heaviest is day 1 & 2, with a lighter flow by day 3 & 4 while you reach the tail end at day 5 & 6 with a light flow, we would suggest something like this: During your heavier days you may want to change into a fresh period panty in the evening if you feel the need to. Our 5 styles are designed to accommodate each day of your flow, so our Fantastic Five Combo is a great buy to experience our versatile style range, tailor-made for every level of absorbency. Step 2 Receive your Nushu period underwear, and wait for your cycle! If you use panty liners a few days before your period, you can now use Nushu Cheeky Lace! It's so thin it will feel just like your normal underwear! When your period starts, choose which Nushu underwear to wear according to your flow. Wear it all day, we promise you won't leak! In the evening, if you feel the need, you can change into a fresh period panty, but it’s not mandatory, as our underwear can be worn for up to 24 hours if you feel comfortable. *Please note, if you bleed extra heavy at night, make sure you wear our Lace Bikini or Hip Hugger to bed as it has extended padding. It will keep you protected as you enjoy your beauty sleep! Step 3 Once you remove the underwear, you can rinse it under running water in the sink to get all the blood out. Follow up with hand wash or machine wash with any detergent of your choice, and then leave to hang dry (don’t put in the drying machine). The underwear will take 8-10 hours to dry, so make sure you have at least 3 pairs to keep a smooth rotation going Repeat and Re-use. Experience period freedom, like never before! If we haven’t answered your questions or you’re still confused – contact us through WhatsApp and we will be happy to assist with all your queries! Love, Team Nushu
Learn more
The Female Hormones You Need To Know
One of the great mysteries of our bodies, hormones are responsible for a lot more than we give them credit (or blame!) for. We’ve all been told that they’re important, we might even know a few of the hormones that affect us, but we are often not sure what they do or how they impact health and wellness. Hormones are the body's messengers, produced in the endocrine system. They are secreted into the blood and carry vital information to organs and tissues. Put simply, when the hormones are out of whack, so are you. Now, let’s learn a bit more about what these female hormones are and how they affect your mind and body. Estrogen The primary female hormone, estrogen, is produced mainly in the ovaries. It is responsible for functions like ovulation, menstruation, breast development, and increasing bone and cartilage density. In the brain, it boosts the function of neurotransmitters that affect sleep, mood, memory, libido, and cognitive factors such as learning and attention span. On the other hand, it reduces the perception of pain, preserves bone mass, and increases HDL – the good cholesterol. When in excess, it can cause depression, weight gain, headaches, low sex drive, anxiety, sleep trouble, and menstrual problems. Too little of it can be responsible for menstrual problems, fertility issues, and mood disorders. Progesterone Like estrogen, progesterone is majorly associated with the female reproductive organ. It helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and helps stabilize menstrual cycles. Levels of this hormone affect how regular your periods are, your mood and sleep cycle. Low progesterone levels can cause heavy or irregular menstrual periods and fertility problems. If progesterone levels drop during pregnancy – meaning your uterus is not prepared enough for the egg – it can cause premature labor or miscarriage. Progesterone deficiency can cause vaginal dryness, depression, insomnia, yeast infections, hair loss and more. Testosterone Predominantly a male hormone, it affects women’s health as well and is one of the principal androgens (types of male reproduction hormones) present in the body. This hormone contributes to sex drive, fat distribution, muscle strength, bone mass, and red blood cell production in both men and women. Women who have too much testosterone may have thinning hair on their heads, excess body hair, facial hair, acne, more body fat, low libido, and smaller breasts. Having high testosterone can also cause irregular periods and contribute to fertility problems. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Also known as the pregnancy hormone, HCG is yet another hormone that is produced naturally in women. It’s produced by the placenta during pregnancy and is found in the urine or blood around 10 to 11 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg). Hence, testing for HCG in blood or urine is a way to determine if you’re pregnant! They also affect your mood during this time by making you irritable, restless or anxious. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, in both men and women and regulates the functions of both the ovaries and testes. It plays an important role in sexual development and functioning. FSH helps control the menstrual cycle in women and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. Throughout the course of the menstrual cycle, the FSH levels change and it's the highest during ovulation. Lack or low levels of it can cause loss of fertility and poor ovarian functions. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Released in the pituitary gland, LH has different roles in the two halves of the menstrual cycle. In weeks 1-2 of the cycle, it stimulates the ovarian follicles to produce the female sex hormone, oestradiol. Around day 14 of the cycle, a surge in luteinising hormone levels causes the ovarian follicle to rupture and release a mature oocyte (egg) from the ovary, a process called ovulation. If a woman conceives, LH also supports the early stages of pregnancy. High levels of LH can result in PCOS and low levels can cause irregular periods or difficulty in ovulation. Prolactin Another product of the pituitary gland, prolactin’s main jobs are to govern egg release and stimulate breast-milk production in new moms. Although rare without pregnancy, high levels of prolactin can reduce sex drive and even bring on menopause-like symptoms. Post-childbirth, normal levels can help you reduce weight faster as well. Besides these, there are other hormones that affect your body and mind like cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), adrenaline and more. A quick call with a doctor or research on the internet can help you discover more about yourself!
Learn more
