---
title: "Dirty Red: How Periods Have Been Stigmatized through History"
date: 2025-11-19T10:08:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/dirty-red-how-periods-have-been-stigmatized"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Dirty Red: How Periods Have Been Stigmatized through History

Menstruation has a long history of being stigmatized as something that makes us unclean and something that should be kept hidden. In this article, Rae Gillibrand provides an overview of the history of menstruation and how it informs the present.

Menstrual stigma has persisted for thousands of years. The Biblical book of Leviticus described menstruation as “unclean.” In AD 70, Pliny the Elder spoke of the effect that a menstruating woman can have on crops and bees. Even a midwifery book from 1964 stigmatizes menstruation.

Shame around menstruation remains prominent in our culture today, from product advertisements to menstrual euphemisms. We may not call it "the curse" but euphemisms like "on the rag" and "Aunt Flo" endure. This stigma and shame may drive us to hide signs of our menstruation at school and work. Many of us even avoid seeking medical treatment for menstrual problems.

How can we end this cycle? While public policy and media need to change dramatically, Gillibrand calls on us to begin simply by speaking more openly about menstruation.

> Of course, we also need to do work on a larger scale. We need to tackle period poverty, ensure access to clean water and private toilets, and encourage employers to develop positive menstrual policies. But we can start by talking. If we can end the secrecy and silence that has long surrounded menstruation, we can begin to create a future that empowers all who menstruate.

[Read the full article ](https://theconversation.com/dirty-red-how-periods-have-been-stigmatised-through-history-to-the-modern-day-206967)

SOURCE: The Conversation • AUTHOR: Rae Gillibrand • LAST UPDATED: August 22, 2023

![Kotex Wonderform Belt in a purple cardboard box with a cut-out window displaying a white belt against a gold background.](data:image/png;base64,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) "Kotex Wonderform Belt" by Kimberly-Clark Corporation/[Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kotex_Wonderform_Belt_-_DPLA_-_26f1b92828d6051e8235a2f5c932943f_(page_2).jpg) [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ destigmatizing the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/destigmatizing-the-menstrual-cycle)
- [women's health history](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/womens-health-history)
- [shame](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/shame)
- [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[ResourcesRead

## Poet Rupi Kaur Discussing The Stigma Around Menstruation

Poet Rupi Kaur talks about her viral photos of menstrual blood, combating stigma, and some of the positives and negatives that come with increased visibility.

![About That Period Photo That Broke The Internet](data:image/png;base64,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)

Poet Rupi Kaur talks about her viral photos of menstrual blood, combating stigma, and some of the positives and negatives that come with increased visibility.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/poet-rupi-kaur-discussing-the-stigma-around-menstruation)

[ResourcesRead

## Now More Than Ever, It’s Time for Universal Menstrual Education

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.

![pexels-rodnae-productions-4911023](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/now-more-than-ever-its-time-for-universal-menstrual-education)

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This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.

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This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)

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## Ageism Ignores and Insults the Competence of Adults

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.

![pexels-kampus-production-8422703](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-ignores-and-insults-the-competence-of-adults)

[ResourcesRead

## An Analysis: Manifestations and Perpetuation of Gender-Based Violence

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation analyzes some of the reasons gender-based violence continues.

![Pexels rodnae productions silence is violence scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation analyzes some of the reasons gender-based violence continues.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/an-analysis-manifestations-and-perpetuation-of-gender-based-violence)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

![Pexels andrea piacquadio ptsd scaled e1661796367968 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)