Periods: how much do they cost over a lifetime?
Periods are expensive over the course of a woman’s life. That’s not just our opinion—several very serious surveys published recently in different media say the same: - In June 2022, the CAF ran the headline: “Menstruation: periods are expensive!” - In July 2019, Le Monde asked: “How much do periods cost over a woman’s lifetime?” - In June 2023, Slate asked: “How much do periods cost over a woman’s life?” The conclusion is clear: women need a dedicated budget to maintain a healthy period routine. Having your period comes at a price. In France, more than 2 million women live in period poverty. It’s a large-scale public health issue. So today, Louloucup is getting out its calculator—as well as its solutions—to finally help you get your period budget under control and experience your period with more financial peace of mind!
Menstruation: all the key figures you should know
Let’s talk numbers. The median age for a first period is 13.1 years. Periods continue until menopause, with a median age of 51. From adolescence to menopause, a woman menstruates for about 39 years.
If we take an average 28-day menstrual cycle, a woman has her period around 500 times in her life.
The cost of period products varies hugely. It depends on the type of products used (whose prices vary widely from brand to brand), how heavy the flow is, how long periods last, and how women use their products.
Some studies also factor in all the “extras” that come with menstruation: managing various premenstrual symptoms with painkillers to ease menstrual cramps. You might also include chocolate or hot water bottles, which many women consider essential. Finally, underwear, pajamas and even sheets are often stained with period blood and need replacing.
Even an average cost is therefore very hard to estimate. Investigations by Le Monde and Slate show that the calculations are not straightforward. Le Monde cautiously suggests a figure of €3,600 over a woman’s lifetime. Other English-language media estimate much more.
We invite you to test your own budget using the calculator created by Le Monde.
What practical solutions can help you save money?
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 period products
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?
The most economical solution: the menstrual cup
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.
Period panties: pretty, practical and economical
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.
Louloucup: a French brand of affordable period products
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 one of the French brands offering the best value for money on the market.
Discover right away:
- black period panties, lace, colorful, from XXS to XXXL, high-waisted or low-rise, lined with organic cotton and highly absorbent;
- menstrual cups in different sizes, softer or firmer, but always extremely gentle to suit every body;
- fun, sexy and reliable swimsuits and period bikini bottoms for your days at the pool or beach!
With Loulou, shipping is free in France and Europe and your order is always dispatched within 48 hours!
