Period poverty is often described as a “global issue,” something happening far beyond our borders. But look closer, and the reality is far more uncomfortable — it’s happening right here, in the UK, at a scale we can’t afford to ignore.
ActionAid’s latest research paints a stark picture: 2.8 million people are currently experiencing period poverty in the UK.
Two. Point. Eight. Million.
Not a handful. Not a niche issue. A national one.
And behind every statistic is a person trying to get through their cycle with whatever they can afford or whatever they can find.
What period poverty really looks like
When we talk about period poverty, we’re not just talking about someone running out of pads for a day. We’re talking about people being forced into decisions that risk their health, education, safety, and dignity.
Stretching products far beyond what’s safe
ActionAid reports that 41% of people affected by period poverty have kept pads or tampons in longer than recommended because they couldn’t afford to change them.
That isn’t a choice — it’s a risk no one should have to take.
Using makeshift materials because period care is unaffordable
37% say they’ve used tissues, toilet roll, or cotton wool instead of period products in the last 12 months.
It’s not “resourceful.”
It’s dangerous.
And it’s a direct result of a system that treats menstrual health as optional.
Missing out on education
13% of young people experiencing period poverty have missed school, university, or college because they didn’t have access to period products.
When you can’t afford pads, you’re cut off from opportunity.
It’s that simple and that unacceptable.
Why is this happening in one of the world’s richest countries?
Period products aren’t luxury items.
They’re healthcare essentials, yet they sit outside most conversations about public health, cost of living, and access.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Period poverty thrives because menstrual health has never been taken seriously at a systemic level.
When support systems fail, period care becomes a privilege instead of a right.
And the people hit hardest?
Young people, low-income households, people experiencing homelessness, refugees, students, and anyone already squeezed by the cost of living.
The Hidden Costs of Period Poverty
Period poverty isn’t just about the price of pads or tampons.
It shows up everywhere:
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Missed school, shifts, or interviews
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Health complications from unsafe product use
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Shame, stigma, and silence
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Reduced mobility and confidence
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Increased household financial strain
Period poverty is not just a lack of products — it’s a lack of access, dignity, and choice.
Why talking about this matters
Period poverty isn’t going away.
In fact, ActionAid’s research shows that it’s getting worse, driven by rising living costs and stagnant support systems.
If we want meaningful change, we need to:
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Speak plainly about what’s happening
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Remove the stigma around talking about periods
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Push back against the systems that leave people without basic care
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Support organisations fighting for long-term solutions
Awareness isn’t the end goal — action is.
How we’re taking action: Fund a Cycle
This December, Mooncup is launching Fund a Cycle, a commitment to match every purchase on wearemooncup.com with a donation to Settle, a charity tackling a leading cause of homelessness by supporting care-experienced young people through the key transition of moving into their first home.
Because talking about period poverty is one thing. Doing something about it is another.
Fund a Cycle is our way of taking the next step in breaking the cycles of inequality that keep people without the essentials they deserve.
Period poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s fixable.
But only if we stop treating periods as something to whisper about or handle alone.
2.8 million people are telling us the system isn’t working.
It’s time we listened — and acted.
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
