Periods in the Past: A History of Menstruation 

As an addendum... Plus a happy, safe delivery of a healthy baby. Happy Birth Day to come for your second child, Kat. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️🇬🇧🙂🖖

Amen!

I'll add wishes for good normal cravings like pickles with caramel sauce and no morning sickness!

Or I'd hope you have a great craving for or lamb or chicken biryani with sides of raita and somosas!! Be well, stay well and be happy!

I agree, with wishes for an entirely dull pregnancy with a rapid easy delivery of a baby 👶who eats easily and voraciously❤

Feel you!!!!!!!

My mom hadn't really told me anything about what to expect, so when my first period started I thought I was sick and then that I was dying! I have two nieces now and I hope their mom does a better job preparing them for it than mone did!

Strangely, my mother was annoyed when I got it, not that I knew what would happen or that she prepared me in any way.

@@singing-sands I feel just like the OP does, and I'm just outraged that in the 2020s there are STILL women telling us this happened to them! What the heck is going on here? How can any parent, M or F, neglect their sons and daughters that way? It just so cruel and backwards. And we can be 100% sure that they were taught next to nothing about sex either. It's only 1 of the 3 most important and complex issues they'll ever need to deal with! It should be a crime to neglect it, and schools should spend a lot more time on it, going into many aspects that are now ignored. Parents should not be allowed to opt their kids out of it, and they should made to prove that home schooled kids got as much education on every aspect of sex as the in-school kids got. It is absolutely so important that kids learn all the ins and outs so to speak, all the complexities of it from every angle, and they need to be able to get good at talking about it, so they can talk to doctors and to their partners with no embarrassment or shame. It's unbelievable and a terribly shameful thing that the majority of women still feel the need to fake orgasms so often! How many men EVER need to fake an orgasm! This is SO unfair in SO many ways, to BOTH partners. People also need to be taught that masturbation is perfectly healthy, normal, and that everyone does it. To deny such a simple and obvious thing is simply ridiculous, and it's very harmful! Society needs to fix this, and to fix the communication problem that stems from lack of knowledge about how our anatomy works, and how to use it properly. This needs to be taught thoroughly in every school at every level, in an age appropriate way, and then reinforced thoroughly in the homes, constantly through the years, no matter who is the adult in those homes. To not give this knowledge to the kids is to deprive them of one of the MOST important things in life! And it's a VERY serious form of neglect. That neglect should NOT be allowed. No matter what religion or philosophy people have, kids badly need to know these things, and the schools and parents need to be made to impart this knowledge. Then it would only take a few generations until this dumb discomfort would be completely abolished. Embarrassment and ignorance would not exist anymore, and the adults that are produced would be so much more confident, level headed, happy, and productive than the ones before them, who were forced to live with idiotic secrecy, and misguided taboos that served no purpose. It's simply crazy to go on any other way.

@@OddLeahI’ve heard so many stories about girls who thought they were dying. Heartbreaking

As a follow-up, I have to say that it is still rare in tv and movies to demonstrate that having your period is utterly normal. In the tv comedy Ted Lasso, the character Keely is in the bathroom stall, looks down at her underwear and sighs in frustration, digs through her purse with no luck, and then asks the person in the stall beside her if she had anything. After first getting a wad of toilet paper handed under the stall, she clarifies what she needs and gets a tampon. That is such a part of life, and yet is never depicted on screen!

My son used to make period packs for his classmates, and I made ‘just in case’ cases for the girls in my daughter’s school. I was blessed with a forward- thinking family who talked about menstruation, breastfeeding, and even enemas, and this was in the 60s and 70s. They also taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be, which caused much conflict for me in school.

The tax was removed on our products in Australia from January 2019. It was late enough here. Time for the US to catch up! I also remember my mother not liking ads about menstruation, but I have come to see it as a good thing.

@@lesleywilliams1210 Tax was also removed a number of years ago in Canada.

​@@kathyastrom1315I know when my bleeding is going to start and I still got caught unprepared at work last time 🤦 . The toilet paper wad was a pantsaver!😅

Could not agree more!!!!🎉

I agree 1000% ! ! !

That's what my mother gave me.(I'm 60) I've also commented that she informed me that I couldn't use tampons as they were only for married ladies. With a sense of humour like mine, it can give you some funny visions of a wedding ceremony! "I now pronounce you husband and wife, and here's your tampons! 🎉"

😊 I am 63 and remember them well, we called them bunny pads and I was told that tampons would tear my hymen. I was so happy to get a pair of period pants that had loops for the towels. I think they were called kotex ? The first tampon advert on the TV was shocking,but I never could water-ski like the ad promised 😊

@@bilindalaw-morley161my god, my stepmom went ballistic when she found out I bought tampons (at age 13). I managed to ignore her wrath that time, and that’s all I used until I went through menopause.

Oh my, I remember those days. Going to the bathroom between classes in high school was a nightmare!

It certainly was​@@SharonPadget

In some cultures, the women would retire to a separate hut or tent. It was perhaps one of the few ways that women were able to rest. I acknowledge that women have done most of the work. The washing machine was a huge labor-savings for women, as was in-home plumbing -- and even gas and electric appliances (less time spent gathering dung or firewood). And this has been true, ever since women taught men how to kindle fire.

@@humboldthammer I was thinking along the lines of medieval serfs,who would have been servants perhaps,or helping her husband run a small farm. I doubt she would have got 1 week a month off. Resting in a hut in peace sounds a much better idea.

@@humboldthammermany of those cultures carried a heavy degree of humiliation and shame to those sent to menstruation huts. They were unable to prepare food, or mix in pure company. Basically, kept out of sight

@@thefirm4606 Yes, I know all these things. Kat briefly explained that we do not know why women menstruate on a monthly cycle. It sets us apart from almost all of the other animals. We are immature, animal-origin, evolutionary creatures -- naturally bellicose and quarrelsome, still largely subject to stimulus and response -- until we evolve further. Our immediate supervisors await the day when we take that HUGE evolutionary step, and BELIEVE GOD -- instead of believing IN god.

@@humboldthammer what are you talking about?

I'm so sorry you went through such a rough time! It's an awful thing for everyone, but you had it even worse than most of us did. Which autoimmune disease did you, or do you have? My MS caused me many miscarriages, and I was never able to carry a child. So now I'm old, and I have no kids or grandkids. All alone.

I seeth with fury when l think about the amount of tax the UK government had from me for a normal bodily function. Late 60s and joyfully long past the enopause which l welcomed SO much.

Thank you for sharing. I was born in the late 1960s and had wonderful parents who were very supportive and helpful, even my dad.

I'm 70 next month, and I agree! Oh those awful pads, and the belts we had to use with hooks to keep them in place. So uncomfortable!

I think all male teachers need to experience those period cramp machines before teaching pubescent girls!

When I first began menstruating, i was using that belt with disposable pads that had to be fastened at front & back of the belt. My mother was calling out instructions to me from the other side of the bathroom door because I didn't want her in the bathroom with me. I was an early "bloomer" and was 11 years old. I'm 67 now. . . Do the math folks. 😅

​@@stephaniecowans3646Had those, too. It was awful. And then the week-long pain and pills by the dozen..😖

I’m in the same age group. I remember in 5th grade, the girls would be taken into the school auditorium to watch a movie produced by a sanitary napkin and tampon company to teach us about periods. Boys weren’t allowed, it was all very hush-hush. And I remember how uncomfortable those belts were, and how we always had to check a mirror to make sure nothing showed under our clothes. Although at that time girls weren’t allowed to wear pants to school - in our town, that came in the 1970s - and with skirts or dresses, the bulk could be more easily hidden. But yes, it was all a big, embarrassing secret back then. And if you got cramps, you had to say you had a stomach ache or a headache, anything else but cramps. Ugh.

My mother told me it was poison and had to come out--I’m 74 so pads and belts were available but my mom didn’t use them-she used rags and I was mortified. It wasn’t until I started using tampons that I could accept it

@keepscats7936, I hear you! My mom was born in 1926 and has never overcome her reticence about sex and self-care for women. At 98 her attitude is like a 10 year old: ignorant, yet talks as if she knows everything. I became an RN, very determined my children would be well informed (they are, about health in general and particularly prevention.) I learned everything I could about well-baby and child development. Mom continued with poorly informed advice for infant care, insisting that Jell-O was an appropriate food for my 6 month old. At that point I stopped listening. I'm surprised I didn't succumb to poisoning when I was 5. Thank God my dad rescued me. I'm mom's caregiver. She embraces her ignorance and I let her be - unless of course it's a safety issue. Ignorance is deadly!

@@kathybrem880, We were raised by a generation that had 1 foot in the future, the other in the past. (I'm 72; my father was born 105 yrs ago. Mom is 98. I'm not criticizing, just saying that the Greatest Generation achieved many extraordinary things. Some survived the 1918 Epidemic, some survived the 2nd World War. The era of the "self made man" was still in play. There was also rampant, crushing, ignorance. Many grew and pursued education; some, like ma, were content to say, "I was raised by (such-and-such belief, fact, whatever) and I turned out alright!"..insisting their modes of thought, beliefs, facts, etc. are never need to be reviewed and, possibly, updated. I love history, but am joyfully humbled when my adult kids teach me something new, and trust me by sharing their honest opinions. Being a nonjudgmental, active, listener can be an elder's secret Superpower.

Wha.. why would they think... *sigh* We have so little understanding of dressmaking and fabric care.

There was a time where they wore red petticoats during their periods, but I’d think they still would have used a rag or something similar as well

@@nycapplesJH Abby Cox did a video essay about 18th century 'aprons' (as they were called) that were used, basically a big rectangle of linen belted, tied, or otherwise fastened around the waist (like a big breechcloth) underneath their petticoats. (edited for typos)

​@@IntrovertAncomdid Karolina do one too? I can't remember

@@IntrovertAncom There is need my friend to explain why you editted a comment. Nobody even notices if it was editted or not, or cares why. All smart people edit most of their comments, for spelling, grammar, etc. So you are ok if you choose not to explain. 😉 ✌🏼

We owned a drug store. My cousin made us gift wrap her pads then put them in a bag.

The chemist near us had Modess packs of varying sizes in brown paper wrapping. I was too embarrassed to go into the shop and buy them. The shame.

I had my menarche in early 1970 and had to wear those horrible belts and incredibly thick pads, too. It was adding insult to injury - the terrible, debilitating cramps and faintness I had the during first few days my cycle. I remember when a year or two later, Stayfree self-adhesive pads came out, it was a huge improvement. Things are gradually getter better for us women, but it’s slow and only in the Western societies.🙂

I had my 1st child in 1994 and the hospital insisted on the sanitary belts and I had to get my mum to show me how to use one thankfully by the birth of my 2nd child the hospital had stopped insisting on sanitary belts

We called those giant sanitary napkins Paper Ponies, and we rode them during our periods! When my mother asked my father to buy these products one day, I almost died of embarrassment!

I remember how insecure those belts were. I used to use big safety pens to fasten them to my underpants.

​@@helenkemp6468 I also had my child in 1994 and there was no mention of sanitary ware. The bone of contention was using nipple sheilds and thus leading to baby having nipple confusion. Well they were useful for me until I got the hang of breast feeding.

I find it unbelievable that in the 2020s some people still feel ashamed! It's not their fault, it's society's. All of ours. The best remedy is to talk about it, and to shame the people who try to stop us! Girl power! Yay! ❤❤❤

I felt the same way! LOL (And picked the same emoji as you did)

I got my first period 9 months after my mom died. I was mortified. When my dad found my soaking undies, he came to me, crying, and asked why I didn’t tell him. That was a curveball!

And not far from real life!

I loved that book. It was like their periods meant a bit of a holiday and luxury.

I read it too!

The Red Tent: I have read it and it’s a very interesting read, that I think explains Abrahamic mythology and culture very well. We, in the modern world, well over 2000 years later, are still dealing with these inherited myths from a bunch of illiterate goat herders.

Excellent book!

Like I said somewhere above, in some countries like Germany there is the idea of giving menstrual products away for free in public places. I think this is a great idea, because as you said, many people just can't afford it. Thankfully Germany lowered the tax on these products from azz whooping 19% to 7%. But still, sometimes people just don't have the money to afford it. Unfortunately many people including women are extremely ignorant about the matter. Many men want things for free, too. And many woman are acting like the menstrual pick me girls because theeeey never had a single problem, their bodies worked like clockwork and they always had some spare money. So annoying. I wish people and especially women would be more supportive. But well. Thank you so much for being so considerate and donating pads for those who can't afford it :)

The sheer misogyny rising in our society that uses a phrase like 'period-having bodies' instead of 'women' and denies the fact that the majority of doctors are women is just ... insane, infuriating, disgusting (but not baffling, as the explanation is your insanity).

I agree 1000% ! ! !

I'm so sorry that you're struggling with such a painful condition. I also had endometriosis. It eventually became adenomyosis. I had a hysterectomy at 39 (1999). I hope things have improved since then for women suffering from this condition. Sending thoughts - from one witch to another 🧹🪄.

It is so painful.

@@karensilvera6694 from a third witch, I had my hysterectomy at 48 (2013). At that time, things had not improved much. I was fortunate to find a good doctor who listened. Doctors like her are still shamefully rare.

@@marciam7301 it does all start with a doctor who listens is so important. Love to you hyster-sister!

Hysterectomy at 45 sister witches!! 🥰🧙

I've seen that video too. Good information. * oh, and I think you mean 18th century. (I usually avoid correcting people's typos because I worry it may come across as pedantic, but for the sake of clarity, I guess I probably should.)

@@IntrovertAncom Most of the time I believe we should not correct the spelling of others here on RU-vid, but yes, there are exceptions.

You are so totally right!

I agree 1000% ! ! !

Mine also gave me little warning, and the frequency was very eratic. I couldn't plan for them. As you know pads are hot and sweaty, so darned if I was going to wear 1 constantly to prepare for a period that only showed up about 4 or 5 times a year! All that heat and sweat 24/7 would be very unhealthy, and maybe cause an infection. All the same problems would probably happen with wearing a tampax 24/7 too. Besides, both ways would be expensive. Luckily it rarely started out heavy, so when it started, toilet paper usually lasted me until I could get to a machine with supplies, or a store. But you do what you gotta do, and if I'd had to use a sock, I'm sure I would have. And I'd try to have all of my socks be black, to hide any stains. I tried to only wear black underwear for the same reason, and to this day I'm very annoyed that black undies are so hard to get! Surely black must be the most popular color for this very reason, but the makers and sellers of women's underwear must all be men, because they're every hard to find! In the stores Where they come in packs, you're lucky to find one pair in a pack of 4 or 5! Why on earth don't they sell whole packs of black panties? It must be because they think we'd throw them away less often, and so buy less of them. I'm so fkn angry that at every step of the way I'm being manipulated by big business! Right down to my undies!

I never had a normal cycle. And whenever an event was going on, I got the curse. Depressed the hell out of me.

You sound interested and curious. If you get any hate, it isn't because of your attitude or approach, is because we tend to be very sensitive about men entering this space. Oftentimes it is NOT with interest or curiosity. If you can continue to listen and learn without trying to impose an opinion or a preconceived idea upon the situation, I don't think you'll get much pushback.

@@victoriaeads6126 Thanks. I think women wear too much makeup -- but I never tell them that raccoon-eyes look weird. Just kidding.

​@@victoriaeads6126 For goodness sake. The guy is on your side. Don´t lecture him and make out it is some exclusive "Club" If we don´t deal with what is a perfectly natural bodily function in a modern, rational way, we are no better then Leviticus.

Interesting topic. In the book "Longbourn," a telling of "Pride and Prejudice" from the perspective of a maid in the household, the author repeatedly talks about the maid having to clean the linens of the five Bennet girls when they are menstruating.

@@humboldthammer Welcome Sir! You have been a perfect gentleman! Please don't hesitate to ask any questions. The fact we are anonymous will ensure that you get honest answers most of the time.

Apparently a lot of men also think we can "hold it" if it comes at an inconvenient time.

@@sherilynn1310 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

The VA provides free products in the restrooms. I know there are people who would balk at free products, "Somebody's just going to steal them all".

@@kellysanders3367 That was exactly the reasoning my daughter's middle school used to deny free products. They *did* provide them for a couple of months, but then stopped because "they keep disappearing, obviously being stolen" and not, you know, being used by young people who may have forgotten their own. 🙄

In Scotland, period products are freely available and can be accessed at health centers ,doctors waiting rooms and,all public buildings.There is no need to ask and are available to anyone.

I realize this is a very open ended question, but what's it like for a woman living in Scotland?

43 and in the same exact boat friend 😁 Sounds like we should buckle up lololol Wishing you the best 💖

My menopause started during chemotherapy and I was recommended large doses of evening primrose and vitamin E and it was totally brilliant

@@helenkemp6468 thank you!! I hope you have recuperated, sending you well wishes 💙

@@helenkemp6468 My hot flashes came back during chemo and my cancer doc told me to take vitamin E but she didn't mention evening primrose. I'll have to find some and add it to my vitamin E. Hope your cancer treatments went well.

Just make sure to carry your regular menstrual products for at least 18 months after you stop having your regular cycle. It’s liberating to be menopausal. No more periods!

I did too, and heard of that in African cultures where Western women were trying to convince them to get out in society. There is a high correlation between the status of women and taboos for menstruation. In matrilineal, matrilocal societies where women control land and help make decisions for the community, like the Pueblo peoples, menstruation is usually revered, and they often have Coming of Age ceremonies for the first period. The whole community celebrates her womanhood. Pueblo hid that ceremony from anthropologists and missionaries for years, who have brought it back only within the last couple of decades. The new woman is assigned a place on the council, also a necessary secret kept from outside inquirers who outlawed rights for women tribal members in the 1800s! So the taboos are often transported and enforced on older wiser societies from the ( in their mind civilizing) overlords.

Aww, I hope you’re feeling better now. My mom had no clue how to explain it to me and I found it very depressing