Pam

Menstrual products are relatively recent. The original kotex-type pads were added to soldiers' field kits as bandages during WWI & II. Nurses treating the wounded realized they could be used during ones period. Prior to that women just used rags; washed them and reused them. Plenty of rags would be available.

The same idea was used for diapers. Even reusable cloth diapers are a relatively new innovation.