How Much Does a Woman Spend on Period Products in Her Lifetime?

Menstruation is a natural part of life, but managing it comes with a cost. From pads to tampons, menstrual cups to reusable underwear, period products are essential — and over time, the expenses add up.

But how much does a woman actually spend during her reproductive years?

📊 Average Lifetime Cost of Period Products

A woman menstruates for approximately 35–40 years, averaging about 13 periods per year. That adds up to 400–500 periods over a lifetime.

Let’s break it down:

🔹 Disposable Products:

  • Pads or Tampons (per cycle): ~£5–£10

  • Annual Cost: ~£65–£120

  • Lifetime Cost: ~£2,500–£4,800
    This doesn’t include pain relief medication, panty liners, hygiene wipes, or backup underwear.

🔹 Reusable Products:

While more expensive upfront, they save money long-term.

Product Type Cost Range Lifespan
Menstrual Cup £15–£30 5–10 years
Period Underwear £15–£40/pair 2–4 years
Reusable Pads £10–£20/pad 2–4 years

Reusable items can cut lifetime period costs by up to 80%.

🩸 Types of Period Products & Frequency of Use

1. Disposable Pads

2. Tampons

3. Menstrual Cups

4. Period Underwear

5. Reusable Cloth Pads

🌍 Environmental Impact

According to Global Citizen, over 200,000 tonnes of menstrual product waste are generated annually worldwide.
Reusable products significantly reduce this footprint.

  • A single menstrual cup can save over 2,000 tampons or pads.

  • Disposable pads can take 500–800 years to degrade.

✅ Final Thoughts

Periods are costly — not just financially, but also environmentally. Choosing sustainable, reusable products can help you:

  • Save money in the long run

  • Reduce your environmental impact

  • Feel more confident and comfortable

📚 Sources & Further Reading:

Back to blog