In 2012, Lauren Wasser was a young Californian model living an active, fast-paced life. She was healthy, working regularly, and focused on her future. When she suddenly developed what felt like severe flu symptoms — fever, body aches, confusion — she did what most people would do. She went to the hospital, expecting rest, fluids, and reassurance. What she didn’t know was that her body was already fighting a silent and life-threatening infection.
Doctors quickly realized this wasn’t the flu. Lauren was suffering from menstrual toxic shock syndrome, known as mTSS — a rare but dangerous condition caused by bacterial toxins entering the bloodstream. The infection progressed rapidly, overwhelming her organs. Her temperature spiked, her blood pressure dropped, and her body began shutting down. Within hours, she was placed in a medically induced coma as doctors worked to save her life.
The source of the infection stunned everyone: a tampon.
Toxic shock syndrome has long been associated with tampon use, particularly when left in for extended periods. Certain bacteria can thrive in these conditions, releasing toxins that spread through the body at terrifying speed. In Lauren’s case, the toxins caused widespread damage, cutting off circulation to her limbs. Despite aggressive treatment, doctors had no choice but to amputate her right leg below the knee in order to save her life.
Surviving was only the beginning.
When Lauren woke up, she faced a reality no one prepares for. She had lost a limb, her career was uncertain, and the physical and emotional recovery ahead was overwhelming. Over time, complications from the original infection continued to affect her body. Years later, she would also lose her left leg. What began as a routine hygiene choice had altered her life permanently.
Rather than retreat from public view, Lauren chose to speak out. She began sharing her story openly, not to create fear, but to create awareness. She emphasized that many women are never fully informed about the risks associated with menstrual products. Instructions are often vague. Warnings are easy to overlook. And symptoms of toxic shock syndrome can mimic common illnesses, delaying urgent care when every minute matters.
Lauren’s message is clear and grounded in reality: mTSS is rare, but it is real. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, fitness, or lifestyle. Her experience challenged the assumption that everyday products are always harmless when used casually or without attention. She has since advocated for better education, clearer labeling, and more honest conversations about menstrual health — topics that are still often treated as uncomfortable or taboo.
Today, Lauren continues to model, advocate, and live visibly with prosthetic legs, refusing to let her story be forgotten or dismissed as an anomaly. Her goal isn’t to tell women what to use or not use — it’s to remind them to stay informed, listen to their bodies, and take symptoms seriously. What happened to her was unexpected, devastating, and life-changing. And by sharing it, she hopes fewer women will ever have to learn this lesson the hard way.