From Survival to Advocacy: Lauren Wasser’s Campaign for Menstrual Product Transparency

After being discharged from the hospital, Lauren Wasser faced a long and painful recovery. She spent eight months confined to a wheelchair and battled severe depression, including thoughts of ending her life. While doctors initially managed to save her left leg, chronic pain and recurring complications followed her for years. Ultimately, just before her 30th birthday, she made the difficult decision to undergo a second amputation to reclaim her quality of life.

Rather than retreating from public view, Wasser transformed her trauma into a mission. Now based in Los Angeles, she has become a vocal advocate for menstrual health awareness, warning women and young girls about the potential risks associated with feminine hygiene products. Her activism centers on the lack of ingredient transparency in tampons, which are classified as medical devices in the United States and are not required to fully disclose their contents.

Wasser has spoken openly about ingredients she believes warrant closer scrutiny, including chlorine bleach, dioxin, and synthetic fibers. She argues that consumers deserve clear labeling to make informed decisions about products used internally. Her advocacy extends beyond personal testimony. She works alongside other families affected by toxic shock syndrome, including Madeline Mosby, a mother who lost her teenage daughter to the condition.

Her efforts have also reached the legislative arena through collaboration with Carolyn Maloney, who has supported proposed measures requiring manufacturers of menstrual products to list all ingredients on packaging. The goal is to improve consumer safety and awareness while encouraging innovation in safer alternatives.

Despite her medical challenges, Wasser has continued to build a successful modeling career. She has appeared in campaigns for major fashion brands and earned the nickname “fashion’s Girl with the Golden Legs,” a reference to her distinctive gold prosthetics. Her visibility has helped bring mainstream attention to toxic shock syndrome, which occurs when normally harmless bacteria enter the bloodstream and release dangerous toxins.

While tampon packaging already includes warnings about prolonged use, Wasser’s experience underscores the importance of education, vigilance, and transparency. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that rare conditions can have devastating consequences and that informed choices can be lifesaving.