Menstruation costs £20,359 a lifetime, sparking calls for Government action

A new report by Clue has revealed the ‘Cost of Bleeding’ – a deep dive into the true cost of menstruation and the impact of related expenses adding up year after year.

The consumer research reveals that, on average, respondents spend an estimated £41 on their cycle each month, amounting to an astounding £20,359 across a 38-year menstrual lifetime.

On the back of the report, Clue has joined forces with media personality and women’s health advocate Ashley James to raise awareness of the Cost of Bleeding as part of its commitment to health equity.

Together, they are petitioning the Government to make period products free in England.

James said: “It is shocking that in this day and age that the simple biological reality of having a period comes with such a heavy price tag.

“Clue’s ‘Cost of Bleeding’ research shows that this isn’t just about the price of a box of tampons; it’s about recognising and understanding the hidden costs in stained clothes, pain management and the mental toll of managing these costs every single month.

“I’m proud to partner with Clue in campaigning for free access to period products in England – this shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s essential.”

Period products alone account for an average of £18 per month, the report found, but the total figure extends far beyond the essentials, revealing hidden costs incurred for pain relief, cleaning, clothing and even depleted productivity.

£142 per year is spent on symptom relief including painkillers, supplements and hot water bottles – adding £5,389 across a lifetime – while 27 per cent of respondents pay for private healthcare to manage conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis.

37 per cent of respondents have struggled to afford period products, with two in five (39 per cent) cutting back on essentials like food, bills or transport to pay for them.

What’s more, nearly 40 per cent have used “non-period” alternatives such as tissues or wipes in place of pads due to the cost.

Additionally, an average of £126 per year is spent replacing stained clothing, with 56 per cent also replacing bedding – adding £1,295 across a lifetime.

Furthermore, 79 per cent of respondents spend on emergency or ‘just in case’ supplies, including overpriced convenience items or emergency taxis after leaks.

The ‘Cost of Bleeding’ extends beyond personal finances, too.

44 per cent of those in employment said it “got in the way of doing their job”, while a further 41 per cent have missed a partial or full day of work in the last year due to menstrual symptoms.

Some experience a toll on mental health and wellbeing, with more than a third (36 per cent) agreeing the cost of managing their period is a direct source of stress and anxiety.

The anxiety is compounded by the economic climate; three quarters (75 per cent) of respondents feel the financial burden of women’s health needs has increased significantly in the last five years.

Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, 82 per cent want period products to be free and more widely accessible in UK schools, universities and workplaces, while 67 per cent believe the cost of menstruation is not discussed enough.

Rhiannon White, CEO at Clue said: “Clue exists to help people understand and advocate for their bodies. Addressing the ‘Cost of Bleeding’ is a critical step in our mission to close the women’s health gap and ensure equity for women and people with cycles.

“We have always used our platform, and responsibility as a brand, to advocate for systemic change, and will continue to use our voice to speak out on behalf of issues that women face today, in a bid to fulfil our mission – of enabling a world where women live better.

“We encourage all men, women and people with cycles to sign the petition.”

As well as campaigning for long-term action, Clue is taking immediate steps by offering free Clue Plus subscriptions to all petition signatories.

Clue Plus provides access to evidence-based health insights, enhanced features, advanced analysis, and additional content and modes. Clue Plus subscribers also get exclusive discounts via a number of Clue’s period care partners.

Sign the petition at Change.org, and visit helloclue.com to unlock your free Clue Plus subscription (valid for 12 months).