Women inmates in some facilities are expected to buy all of their pads/tampons at inflated prices from commissary. Other facilities provide a ridiculously low amount of products (3-5 pads per week) and require women to buy whatever else they need, again at inflated prices.
Not everyone can afford to buy supplies from commissary, so a lot of women resort to making makeshift feminine products out of toilet paper, rags, or whatever else they can acquire. This is degrading, and increases risk for infection. Menstruation is a natural function of the female body, and adequate supplies need to be provided for the well-being of all women inmates.