Clue spotlights the £20k reality of menstruation with ‘Cost of Bleeding’ campaign

Clue has launched a new campaign revealing that menstruation costs the average person more than £20,000 across their lifetime, reframing periods as a significant financial issue.

New UK research from Clue puts the lifetime cost of menstruation at £20,359 over 38 years, far exceeding the price of period products alone. While respondents spend around £18 a month on products, the study highlights additional expenses such as pain relief, replacement clothing and healthcare.

The data paints a broader picture of financial strain. More than a third of respondents struggle to afford period products, with 39% cutting back on essentials to pay for them and nearly 40% turning to alternatives like tissues. Annual spending on symptom relief reaches £142, while clothing replacement adds £126 a year.

The impact extends into work and wellbeing. Forty-one percent have missed work due to symptoms, while 36% say managing costs causes stress and anxiety.

Fronted by broadcaster and activist Ashley James, the ‘Cost of Bleeding’ campaign calls for systemic change, including free access to period products. It positions Clue not just as a tracking tool, but as an advocate tackling the wider realities of menstrual health.

Rhiannon White, Chief Executive Officer at Clue added: “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.”

Sign the petition at Change.org.

Campaign by Pangolin PR.