How much do periods cost over a lifetime? 2026 figures and our tips to save money

New figures were released in March 2026. According to the menstrual health app Clue, periods can cost up to €25,000. Yes, you read that right: €25,000 spent on menstrual products that are not always high quality, plus painkillers, from adolescence to menopause. Periods are expensive over a woman’s lifetime. Several media outlets and organizations have already looked into the issue:

Let’s talk numbers. The median age for a first period is 13.1. Periods continue until menopause, whose median age is 51. From adolescence to menopause, a woman menstruates for around 39 years. If we take an average menstrual cycle of 28 days, a woman has her period about 500 times. The cost of menstrual products varies enormously. It depends on the type of products used (whose price itself varies widely from one brand to another), the intensity of the flow, the length of the period, and also how women use these products. Some studies also factor in all the “extras” that come with menstruation: managing premenstrual symptoms with pain medication to ease menstrual cramps, chocolate or hot water bottles that many women consider essential. Finally, underwear, pajamas and even sheets are often stained with period blood and need to be replaced. Even an average cost is therefore very hard to estimate. Investigations by Le Monde and Slate show that the calculations are not that simple. Le Monde cautiously puts the figure at €3,600 over a woman’s lifetime. Other English‑language media estimate far more. We invite you to test your own budget with the calculator developed by Le Monde.

Affordable period products, yes—but quality ones too! Saving money and sticking to a budget shouldn’t force women to give up reliable, effective and healthy protection. So which products should you choose to manage your period and make your cycles easier to live with?

Washable and reusable, period products are finally going green after decades of consumption, waste and rubbish production. With these products, you’re choosing zero waste and zero plastic. You’re also buying protection that will last at least five years. It’s a long-term investment that quickly pays for itself. So what are these renewable sanitary products?

A cup, or menstrual cup, this little inverted bell is revolutionizing periods. It’s especially great news for your wallet. This internal sanitary protection is washable and reusable, easy to care for and use, and inexpensive to buy. Depending on the brand, expect to pay between twenty and forty euros. The price varies quite a bit depending on:
- the country of manufacture (try to choose made in France; many intimate protection brands now make their cups in France),
- the materials used (medical-grade silicone is best),
- any additional items included (pouch, sterilizer, soap, etc.)

With proper care, a cup will last for years with no problem. You can wear it for several hours, then it needs to be emptied, rinsed and reinserted. The menstrual cup is a great ally for women with a heavy or very heavy flow, as well as athletes, swimmers or travellers who want a reliable protection to manage the heaviest menstrual flows and heavy bleeding.

Another budget-friendly washable menstrual product that’s gaining ground is period underwear. This special type of lingerie has a highly absorbent gusset that absorbs menstrual blood and, most importantly, locks it in and holds it.

Panties, shorties, tangas, boxers or even thongs—there are many styles and cuts to suit all women and teens. High-waisted, lacy, invisible or seamless, brands now offer extensive, high-quality ranges for every type of menstrual flow: light, medium, heavy or hemorrhagic.

The price of period underwear can vary a lot. You’ll need to take into account:
- its country of manufacture (made in Europe or made in China, more rarely made in France),
- and its raw materials (synthetic or natural and organic fabrics).

Because you need several pairs of period underwear to cover a full cycle, brands often offer packs or multi-packs of period underwear at discounted prices. The price of good quality period underwear starts at around €25 on average.

Washable pads and period swimwear are also washable, reusable solutions similar to period underwear.

Discounted prices, bundle deals, European-made quality, ranges for teens and adult women, panties, thongs, cups and menstrual swimsuits: Louloucup refused to compromise when creating affordable intimate hygiene protection that’s both effective and high quality.

Cup or panties, Loulou products support you gently and comfortably through every phase of your menstrual cycle for calm, confident period health (period bleeding, ovulation discharge, spotting, etc.).

Louloucup is therefore one of the French brands offering the best value for money on the market.

Discover right away:
- menstrual panties in black, lace or colours, from XXS to XXXL, high-waisted or low-rise, lined with organic cotton and offering high absorbency;
- menstrual cups in different sizes, softer or firmer, but always extremely gentle so they suit every body;
- fun, sexy and reliable menstrual swimsuits and menstrual bikini bottoms for your days by the pool or at the beach!

With Loulou, shipping is free in France and across Europe, and your order is always dispatched within 48 hours!