Skip to main content

A Period Piece on Menstrual History

 


Let's face it, periods are a natural part of life for over half the population. Yet, they remain shrouded in secrecy and often carry a negative stigma. 

But this wasn't always the case! 

Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, we embark on a historical journey to explore periods throughout history.


Ancient Beliefs and Practices:

·         Egyptians: Revered menstruation as a time of purification and spiritual connection. Women used absorbent materials like papyrus to manage their flow.

·         Greeks and Romans: Held conflicting views. Some associated periods with mystical powers, while others saw them as unclean. Women might have used cloth or animal skins for absorption.

·         Native American tribes: Many cultures viewed menstruation as a time of power and spiritual connection to the earth. Practices varied, with some tribes isolating menstruating women and others celebrating their unique state.


Medieval Myths and Misconceptions:

·         The "wandering womb" theory: A bizarre belief that the uterus wandered throughout the body causing various ailments during menstruation.

·         Social restrictions: Menstruating women were often excluded from religious ceremonies and social gatherings due to the perceived "uncleanliness."

·         Limited hygiene options: Women relied on makeshift methods like rags and leaves, making managing their periods challenging.


A Turning Point: The Dawn of Sanitary Products

·         19th Century: The invention of absorbent materials like cotton led to the development of the first commercially available sanitary pads.

·         Early 20th Century: The fight for women's rights spilled into the realm of menstruation. Women like Mary Crane spearheaded the movement for more accessible and hygienic menstrual products.

·         Mid-20th Century: The invention of disposable pads and tampons revolutionized period management, offering greater freedom and convenience.


Modern Movements and Breaking the Stigma

·         Feminist movements: Played a crucial role in challenging the negative stigma surrounding menstruation.

·         Social media campaigns: Platforms like #periodspositive and #periodpower have sparked conversations and normalized menstruation.

·         Focus on accessibility: Organizations work towards providing sanitary products to low-income communities and tackling "period poverty."


Historical Heroes: Champions of Menstrual Rights

·         Judy Blume: Her book "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." openly discussed menstruation, sparking conversation and normalizing the topic for young girls.

·         Marlee Matlin: The actress used her platform to speak openly about her experiences with endometriosis, raising awareness about menstrual health issues.

·         Arunachalam Muruganantham: Invented a low-cost sanitary pad machine, making menstrual products more accessible to women in India.


Our historical journey through periods reveals a fascinating shift in attitudes and practices. While stigma persists in some parts of the world, the tide is turning. 

By understanding our menstrual history and celebrating the brave voices who fought for change, we can continue to break down taboos and create a future where periods are a normal and openly discussed aspect of life.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menstrual Health as a Female Athlete: Strategies for Coaches and Athletes

Menstrual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being for female athletes. Yet, it remains an often overlooked topic in sports coaching and training.  Understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on training and performance is essential for coaches and athletes alike.  In this article, we'll explore strategies for coaches and athletes to navigate menstrual health effectively and enhance performance on and off the field. The Menstrual Cycle as a Sign of Good Health: A regular menstrual cycle with mild symptoms is a crucial indicator of good underlying health.  Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle influence mood, energy levels, and physical performance.  Oestrogen and progesterone, the key hormones in the menstrual cycle, play essential roles in maintaining healthy mood, metabolism, bone health, and overall well-being. Nutritional Support: While there's insufficient evidence to provide specific nutrition strategies for different menstrual cycle p...
2 comments
Read more

What exactly is Stress Management?

As a doctor, " stress management " is a phrase I often write in prescriptions, but what exactly does it mean?? I've been asked this question countless times by my patients, prompting me to shed light on the essence of stress management. Join me as we delve into the intricacies of stress management and explore its profound impact on overall health and well-being. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives. Whether it's due to work pressures, relationship issues, or financial worries, stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being.  However, with effective stress management techniques, we can learn to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Let us first Understand what do we mean when we say we're stress!  According to WHO ,  Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.  Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges...
2 comments
Read more

Nurturing Cognitive Vitality: Exploring Brain Health, Disorders & The Power of Homoeopathy on World Brain Day!

  Did you know?   The average human brain weighs around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) and has a volume of 1,300-1,400 cubic centimeters? The brain is made up of approximately 86 billion neurons. These neurons communicate with one another via 100 trillion synapses? Despite accounting for only around 2% of the body's weight, the brain requires approximately 20% of the body's energy and oxygen? As neurons communicate with one another, the brain generates electrical impulses. Electroencephalography (EEG) techniques can detect and measure these electrical impulses? The brain can process information at breakneck speed. The brain is thought to be capable of performing up to one quadrillion calculations per second?  Because the brain lacks pain receptors, it does not experience pain. It can, however, detect pain signals from other parts of the body? The brain is capable of adapting and rewiring itself. Because of this plasticity, it can make new brain connections and learn throughout ...
2 comments
Read more