SEE: The evolution of feminine menstrual products through the years

Ancient Egyptians considered monthly periods "the blood of life." They used loin cloths made of papyrus to absorb the flow.

Belted menstrual pads were developed in the 1800s. They were reusable and not designed with comfort in mind–obviously!

The first patent for menstrual cups was written in the 1860s. Most of the first designs were never approved to hit the market, but it got the inventive wheels turning.

The menstrual cup as we know it today was invented in the 1930s by an American actress named Leona Chalmers. Of course it had to be done by a woman!

In the 1970s, reusable tampons were all the rage. However, they are harder to clean and are more likely to cause toxic shock syndrome.

Disposable pads were first created in the late 1800s, but they were too expensive for most women to afford. They didn't become a common household item until the 1930s.

Natural menstrual care started to take off as a trend fairly recently. There are packaged products and even sea sponges available.

The first Tampax tampon hit stores in the mid 1930s. The first types came in different materials, but ultimately compressed cotton proved to be best.

Back in 2003, the FDA approved Seasonale, a birth control pill that regulates your period to four times a year. The failure rate of the pill is 5% due to women who forget to take it regularly.

In 2016, we were introduced to luxury tampons like Cora. The item is made out of premium cotton and comes packaged in a chic lipstick-sized capsule.

Thinx also hit the market in 2016. These "period panties made for the modern woman" are super comfortable and surprisingly absorbent–even on your heavy days.