How We Dealt with Menstruation in the Past

Dealing with menstruation has changed significantly throughout history, from homemade solutions to modern, safe, and comfortable products. Not only have the means of managing menstrual bleeding changed, but also social norms, stigma, and women's empowerment in relation to menstruation.

History and women's ingenuity

Before the advent of commercial menstrual products, women used homemade solutions such as cloth, wool, paper, or even moss, which they cleaned and reused themselves. During times of war and social change, women were expected to continue working during menstruation, requiring even more ingenuity and resilience despite frequent taboos.

The first commercial products

In the 20th century, there was a significant breakthrough with the development of the first disposable products, including tampons and pads. The first patented tampon "Tampax" appeared in the 1930s, and women had an internal way to manage menstruation for the first time. This also increased attention to hygiene and product safety.

Social changes and feminism

Since the 1960s, there has been greater acceptance of tampons and menstrual cups in connection with the women's rights movement. The social taboo began to ease, and women were liberated from traditional constraints — menstrual care became a more open topic, and innovations such as winged pads for better protection emerged.

Modern menstruation

Today, various products are available — organic tampons, pads, menstrual cups, biodegradable solutions, and pain relief products. Society is becoming more open about discussions on menstruation, although traces of stigma and shame still remain in certain environments; 42 percent of women have experienced shame due to menstruation.

Conclusion

The history of dealing with menstruation is a story of women's ingenuity, development, and social progress. From homemade solutions to modern ecological choices, constant innovation and breaking taboos represent a path to greater openness and accessibility for all women.