The Evolution of How Society Views Menstruation: From Ancient Stigmas to Modern Awareness

Written by Sasha Pieterse

For centuries, women’s menstrual cycles have been shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and even fear. In many ancient societies, menstruating women were seen as either sacred or untouchable. The Greeks believed menstruation was a form of purification, but other cultures viewed it as something to be feared or avoided. In some cases, menstruating women were even required to isolate themselves from the rest of society, reinforcing the idea that they were impure.

Ancient Beliefs and Practices

In early civilizations, menstruation was often misunderstood and wrapped in superstition. In ancient Rome, menstruating women were thought to have supernatural powers, but these beliefs often took a negative turn. Some thought menstruation could spoil crops, dull mirrors, or even cause disease. Meanwhile, in early Hindu traditions, menstruating women were expected to avoid religious spaces and certain activities, as they were deemed impure.

Similarly, in Jewish culture, the practice of niddah required menstruating women to abstain from physical contact with others and undergo a ritual purification before rejoining communal life. While these traditions were deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, they contributed to a sense of secrecy and shame surrounding menstruation that still lingers today.

The Middle Ages and the Rise of Misconceptions

By the Middle Ages, menstruation had become even more misunderstood. Some religious leaders linked menstruation to witchcraft, further alienating women and deepening societal taboos. Women were often discouraged from talking about their periods, leading to misinformation and a lack of education on basic reproductive health. Menstruation was seen as a weakness, something that needed to be hidden rather than acknowledged as a natural biological function.

During this time, remedies and superstitions surrounding menstruation flourished. Some believed that menstruating women should not bake bread or touch plants, as it was thought that they would spoil food or cause crops to wither. These myths contributed to a culture of silence, where menstruation was viewed as something unnatural and inconvenient rather than a fundamental part of life.

The 19th and Early 20th Century: The Rise of Menstrual Products and Marketing

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and scientific advancements, medical professionals began to better understand menstruation. However, the stigma did not disappear. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, menstrual products such as sanitary napkins and early versions of tampons began to emerge, but they were marketed in ways that reinforced secrecy and shame.

Early advertisements for menstrual products avoided direct references to menstruation, using euphemisms such as “feminine hygiene” instead. Women were encouraged to keep their periods hidden, and the messaging suggested that menstruation was something to be embarrassed about rather than a natural bodily function. This period of history cemented the idea that menstruation was a private matter, contributing to the widespread discomfort many still feel discussing it today.

Modern-Day Progress: Breaking the Silence

In recent years, the conversation around menstruation has started to shift. More women and activists are working to destigmatize menstruation and advocate for better education, access to menstrual products, and policy changes that promote menstrual equity.

One of the biggest challenges today is the “tampon tax”, where menstrual products are classified as non-essential and taxed accordingly in many countries. This highlights the financial inequality that still exists regarding access to menstrual care. However, progress is being made, with various countries eliminating the tax and increasing access to free menstrual products in schools and public facilities.

Additionally, discussions around period poverty have gained traction, shedding light on the fact that many women around the world struggle to afford basic menstrual supplies. Organizations and activists are working tirelessly to ensure that menstruation is no longer a barrier to education and daily life for women everywhere.

Where We Go From Here

While we have come a long way from the ancient superstitions and medieval misconceptions about menstruation, there is still work to be done. Open discussions about menstrual health, continued advocacy for affordable menstrual products, and breaking the cultural silence around periods are essential steps toward full menstrual equity.

Education is key—teaching young people that menstruation is natural, healthy, and nothing to be ashamed of will create a more informed and accepting future. The more we normalize the conversation, the closer we come to a world where menstruation is understood and respected rather than stigmatized.

As society continues to evolve, we must challenge the remaining taboos and ensure that every person who menstruates has the dignity, respect, and resources they deserve.