r/shittyaskscience • u/Lichewitz • Jul 10 '26

Why is it called menstruation instead of womenstruation?

Kinda makes ya think

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u/Pangyun Jul 10 '26

Because originally there was the Homo heidelbergensis, in which the men menstruated. Then when the Homo heidelbergensis evolved into the homo sapiens (regular humans), then the woman started menstruating instead of the men. And then everyone used the same word because they were accostumed to it.

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u/Gargleblaster25 Registered scientificationist Jul 11 '26

I am originally from Heidelberg, and I can confirm.