Periods: How much do they cost over a lifetime?
Periods are expensive in a woman's life. We're not the only ones saying it—several very serious studies have been published recently in various media outlets: - In June 2022, Caf headlined: Menstruation: Periods are expensive! - In July 2019, Le Monde asked: How much do periods cost over a woman's lifetime? - In June 2023, Slate wrote: How much do periods cost in a woman's life? The conclusion is clear: women need a dedicated budget to maintain a healthy menstrual routine. Having your period comes at a price. In France, over 2 million women experience period poverty. This is a large-scale public health issue. So today, Louloucup is bringing out its calculator—and its solutions—to help you finally get your period budget under control and experience your cycle with more financial peace of mind!
Periods: all the key numbers you should know
Let’s talk numbers. The median age for a first period is 13.1 years. Periods continue until menopause, with the median age at 51. From adolescence to menopause, a woman menstruates for about 39 years.
If we use an average menstrual cycle of 28 days, a woman will have her period roughly 500 times.
The cost of period products varies a lot. It depends on the type of protection used (with prices varying widely between brands), flow intensity, period length, and how products are used.
Some studies also include all the "extras" that come with periods: managing premenstrual symptoms with painkillers for menstrual cramps, plus essentials like chocolate or heating pads for many women. Underwear, pajamas, and even sheets often get stained with period blood and need to be replaced.
Even an average cost is hard to estimate. Surveys by Le Monde and Slate show that the math isn’t so simple. Le Monde cautiously estimates the lifetime cost at 3,600 euros, while some English-language media estimate much more.
Try calculating your own budget with Le Monde’s calculator.
What practical solutions are there to save money?
Affordable period protection is great, but it also needs to be high quality! Saving money and sticking to a budget shouldn’t mean sacrificing reliable, effective, and healthy protection. So, what options are there for managing your period and making your cycle more comfortable?
washable period products
Washable and reusable, period products are finally going green after decades of consumption, waste, and landfill. With these products, it’s all about zero waste and zero plastic. Most importantly, you’re buying a product that will last at least five years. So it’s a long-term investment that quickly pays for itself. So, what are these renewable period products?
The most economical solution: the menstrual cup
Cup or menstrual cup, this small inverted bell is revolutionizing periods. It's also great news for your wallet. This internal hygiene product is washable, 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 can vary based on:
- the country of manufacture (try to choose made in France; many intimate care brands now make their cups in France),
- the materials used (medical-grade silicone is best),
- any additional items included (pouch, sterilizer, soap, etc.)
When properly cared for, a cup can easily last for years. It can be worn for a few hours, then needs to be emptied, rinsed, and worn again. The menstrual cup is a great ally for women with a heavy or very heavy flow, as well as for athletes, swimmers, or travelers who want a reliable option for managing even the heaviest periods and heavy bleeding.
Period underwear: stylish, practical, and budget-friendly
Another economical washable period protection gaining popularity: menstrual underwear or period panties. This special lingerie has a very absorbent layer in the crotch that absorbs period blood, locks it in, and keeps it from leaking. Whether it’s briefs, shorts, tangas, boxers, or even thongs, there are plenty of styles and shapes to suit all women and teens. High-waisted, lace, seamless, or invisible—brands now offer a wide range of high-quality options for every type of menstrual flow: light, medium, heavy, or even very heavy.
The price of period underwear can vary a lot. You’ll need to consider:
- where it’s made (made in Europe or made in China, and less often made in France),
- and its raw materials (synthetic, natural, or organic materials).
Since you’ll need several pairs of period underwear for a full cycle, brands often offer packs or bundles of period underwear at discounted prices. The price of good quality period underwear starts at around €25 on average.
Reusable sanitary pads and period swimwear are also washable, reusable solutions similar to period underwear.
Louloucup: French brand of affordable period products
Discounted prices, bundle deals, European-made quality, ranges for teens and adult women, panties, tangas, cups, and period swimwear—Louloucup didn’t compromise on offering affordable, effective, and high-quality intimate hygiene products.
Cup or panties, Loulou products support you with comfort and gentleness through every phase of your menstrual cycle for worry-free period health (period bleeding, ovulation discharge, spotting, etc.)
Louloucup stands out among French brands for offering the best value for money on the market.
Check out right now:
- black menstrual panties, in lace, colorful, from XXS to XXXL, high-waisted or low-rise, lined with organic cotton and highly absorbent;
- menstrual cups in different sizes, flexible or less flexible, but always extremely soft to suit every body;
- menstrual swimwear and menstrual bikini bottoms—fun, sexy, and reliable for your days at the pool or beach!
With Loulou, shipping is free in France and Europe, and your order is always shipped within 48 hours!
