What did women do about periods in BC. times?

Question

The average mestrural cycle is 7-8 days, so what did they do to function?

Answer 1

They went into the cave and bled for a few days.

Answer 2

There have been some very good answers already, but two further points may be added.
Food was frequently in short supply in those days, and seriously underfed women tend not to menstruate. Obviously that did not account for all women or humanity would have expired, but it was a consideration that reduced the problem you address. It also helps to explain why a drop in agricultural production usually led to a fall in population. The second point is that the normal condition for a nubile female in BC times was pregnant - so no menstruation.
Note that what I have written in no way contradicts other answers, but adds to them.

Answer 3

The following is obviously just one of the ways women coped with the situation:

Read verse 35 (about 1900BCE to 1800BCE)

Genesis 31:34-35, Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, and she resorted to putting them in the woman's saddle basket of the camel, and she kept sitting upon them. So Laban went feeling through the whole tent, but did not find them. 35 Then she said to her father: "Do not let anger gleam in the eyes of my lord, because I am not able to get up before you, for the customary thing with women is upon me."

Answer 4

Women have used various absorbent materials such as "tampons, pads ("rags" and commercial ones), sponges, grass and other absorbent materials probably for thousands of years." There is not much information concerning prehistory.

Answer 5

if they werent forced into isolation then im guessin they used cloth... as hard as it may have seemed back then... they didnt know any better !! i must say very interesting question though ! i guess to know the whole truth we'd have to go back in those days but we cant so we jus assume n guess !and consider the women today lucky they have well sanitary napkins and arent thrown away into isolation and considered a curse !

Answer 6

Some used natural sea sponges. Others used old rags that they washed and reused. I wouldn't doubt that there were many other methods that were used but you'd have to do research to find out what they were.

Answer 7

Ever heard the expression: On the rag. Rags were used.

Answer 8

Good Question, I've always wondered this myself. if you find out how, please e-mail me the answer cause i would like to know also. The only thing i can think of is that they used a cloth or something they would make to cover themselves up with. it must of been difficult back then in the b.c. times..but please e-mail me when you get the answer!!!

thanks

Answer 9

Soft animal hides... absorbent plant fibers...
They were often separated from the clan members until their 'moon time' was passed.

Answer 10

They used strips of cotton cloth, that they changed and washed.