7 Strange and Fascinating Facts About Menstruation

Menstruation has been a part of human existence for as long as we’ve been around, yet it remains a topic surrounded by mystery, myths, and sometimes downright strange practices. Here are seven weird and fascinating facts about periods from history and science.

1. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks Had Unusual Tampon Materials

Long before modern sanitary products and period pain relief devices, ancient civilizations got creative with menstrual protection. The Ancient Egyptians may have used softened papyrus fibers as an early form of tampons, while the Ancient Greeks supposedly wrapped small pieces of wood in lint for the same purpose. Let’s just hope the Greeks were extra careful with splinters!

2. Menstrual Blood Was Once Considered Magical (or Dangerous!)

Many ancient cultures believed menstrual blood had mystical properties. Some thought it could be used in powerful love spells, while others saw it as a dangerous substance. The Romans, for example, believed that menstrual blood could wither crops, dull mirrors, and drive dogs mad—talk about an overreaction!

3. Victorian Women Were Told Not to Ride Horses or Read Too Much

During the 19th century, many doctors believed menstruation made women physically and mentally unfit for certain activities. Women were sometimes advised to avoid strenuous activities like horseback riding—and even reading too much, as it was thought to drain energy needed for their “delicate” bodies. Thankfully, science has come a long way since then!

4. Menstrual Synchrony Might Be a Myth

The idea that women who spend a lot of time together synchronize their periods—often called the “McClintock Effect”—has been around for decades. However, modern research suggests that menstrual cycles vary so much that any synchronization is likely just coincidence rather than a biological phenomenon. So if you and your best friend’s cycles line up, it’s more about chance than some hidden period power!

5. There’s a Condition That Makes Your Period Smell Like Maple Syrup

Yes, really! A rare metabolic disorder called Maple Syrup Urine Disease can cause bodily fluids—including menstrual blood—to smell like sweet maple syrup. The condition is due to the body’s inability to break down certain amino acids, leading to a distinctive scent in urine, sweat, and sometimes menstrual blood.

6. Menstrual Blood Is Being Studied for Medical Uses

Instead of being seen as waste, menstrual blood is now being explored for its regenerative properties. It contains stem cells, which researchers are investigating for use in treating conditions like heart disease and certain immune disorders. In the future, menstrual blood could actually help save lives!

7. Sharks Aren’t More Attracted to Menstruating People

The idea that menstruation increases the risk of shark attacks has been a long-standing myth. However, research shows that sharks are not particularly drawn to human menstrual blood any more than they are to other bodily fluids like sweat or urine. So if you’ve been avoiding the ocean during your period, there’s no need to worry!

Final Thoughts

Menstruation has been misunderstood for centuries, leading to some bizarre beliefs and practices. Thankfully, science and modern medicine continue to unravel the mysteries of menstruation, helping us replace myths with facts. The next time someone brings up a weird period fact, you’ll be ready with some even weirder ones!