Menstruation is as old as humanity—and yet, for most of recorded history, it’s been met with silence, shame, and stigma. Across different cultures, menstruators have been exiled, punished, or deemed “unclean,” and the conversation around menstrual health was kept hidden, even criminalized in some societies.
This Pride Month, we not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also the progress we’ve made toward bodily autonomy, self-love, and menstrual freedom for all people who menstruate. At Lumma, we believe everyone deserves products that reflect their reality, respect their identity, and support their freedom to live openly and comfortably—period and beyond.
Let’s dive into the history of menstruation, the evolution of menstrual products, and how Lumma's Reusable Menstrual Disc is revolutionizing the future of period care.
The Hidden History of Menstruation
Menstruation has long been cloaked in taboo. In ancient Rome, menstrual blood was thought to wilt crops and sour wine. In some traditional Hindu communities, menstruators were (and in some places still are) banished from kitchens, temples, and even their homes during their periods. In the Middle Ages, European medicine considered periods a form of “female purging,” while in parts of Africa and the Middle East, talking about periods remains a cultural boundary few dare to cross.
In some societies, menstruation wasn’t just taboo—it was criminal. Women could be cast out, fired, or even punished for something their bodies did naturally.
Even in the early 20th century in the West, menstruation was rarely mentioned in public, and advertisements for menstrual products were vague or coded. It wasn’t until 1985 that the word “period” was even said on American TV (by none other than Courtney Cox in a Tampax ad!).
From Rags to Pads: The Long Road to Innovation
Before the commercialization of menstrual care, people used rags, moss, sheep’s wool, or even paper to absorb blood. These DIY solutions were uncomfortable, unsanitary, and unsafe. In the 1890s, the first disposable pads hit the market—though many women were too ashamed to buy them publicly. Tampons were introduced in the 1930s, though it took decades for them to gain widespread acceptance, due in part to stigma and conservative attitudes around bodily autonomy.
The 1980s and 90s brought more mainstream use of Period Cups and Feminine Cups, offering a reusable alternative for those looking to reduce waste and avoid synthetic materials. These cups were a game-changer—but they weren’t perfect for everyone.
The Gender-Inclusive Reality of Periods
As conversations around gender identity evolved, so too did our understanding of menstrual health. Not all people who menstruate identify as women. Trans men, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people can also have periods. But most menstrual products—and the language used to market them—failed to include or validate these experiences.
That’s where Lumma stands apart. Our mission is rooted in inclusivity, autonomy, and respect for everyone’s journey with their body.
Lumma: Leading the Modern Menstrual Revolution
Lumma didn’t just create another period product—we reimagined what it means to menstruate freely.
The Lumma Reusable Menstrual Disc is the first and only disc with a string, combining the comfort and leak-proof confidence of a menstrual disc with the easy removal of a tampon. No digging. No mess. Just control.
We listened to real users, studied the limitations of both Feminine Cups and Menstrual Discs, and innovated something better. Our product is:
- Reusable – Sustainable, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious
- Body-safe – Medical-grade silicone, free of toxins or synthetic fibers
- Stringed – The adjustable string makes removal effortless, especially for beginners
- Inclusive – Designed to work with all body types and identities
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, menstruation can be an emotionally complex experience. We’ve created a product that removes fear and discomfort from the equation, allowing every person who menstruates to experience ease and dignity.
Why Reusable Menstrual Discs Matter (More Than Ever)
Menstrual care is not one-size-fits-all. Tampons can be drying. Pads can feel bulky. Traditional Period Cups can be difficult to remove. Lumma’s disc is designed to sit comfortably at the vaginal fornix, collecting—not absorbing—menstrual flow. It provides up to 12 hours of protection, is compatible with sex (yes, really), and reduces the risk of leaks and odors.
And unlike disposable products, which contribute over 20 billion pads and tampons to landfills each year, the Lumma Disc is reusable for years, reducing your footprint while supporting your freedom.
Celebrating Pride Through Period Equity
Pride is about visibility, liberation, and self-expression. Menstrual equity is about the same. At Lumma, we believe no one should be held back by stigma, affordability, or lack of access to period care. That’s why we are:
- Advocating for inclusive menstrual education
- Sharing real stories from real users to normalize the conversation
- Working to ensure every person who needs period care gets the product that works for them
Join the Movement. Own Your Flow.
This month, and every month, we invite you to rethink your relationship with your period. Embrace a future where shame is replaced with pride, discomfort with comfort, and exclusion with inclusion.
🌈 Lumma is more than a brand—it’s a revolution. A revolution for every body, every identity, every flow.
Explore the collection. Read the reviews. Try the disc that’s changing the game.