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The Cost of Bleeding
Periods shouldn’t come with a bill this high. We’re demanding free period products in England.
Stand with us.
Sign the petition
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We’ve got the receipts
£20,359.* That's what menstruating costs people with cycles over a lifetime. 40% have used tissues or wipes because they couldn’t afford the alternative. 39% cut back on food and bills.
The hidden impact goes beyond money – 41% have missed work, and 36% say the cost is a direct source of stress and anxiety. 3 in 4 say it's getting harder. This isn't a personal problem. It's a health equity crisis.
40%
Have resorted to tissues, wipes or other alternatives due to the cost
39%
Cut back on food, bills and transport to pay
for period products
36%
Say managing period costs is a direct source of stress and anxiety
3 in 4
Feel the financial burden of women’s health has grown in the last 5 years
41%
Missed part or all of a working day in the last year because of their period
40%
Have resorted to tissues, wipes or other alternatives due to the cost
39%
Cut back on food,
bills and transport to pay
for period products
36%
Say managing period
costs is a direct source of stress and anxiety
3 in 4
Feel the financial burden
of women’s health has grown in the last 5 years
41%
Missed part or all of a working day in the last year because of their period
40%
Have resorted to tissues, wipes or other alternatives due to the cost
39%
Cut back on food,
bills and transport to pay
for period products
36%
Say managing period
costs is a direct source of stress and anxiety
3 in 4
Feel the financial burden
of women’s health has grown in the last 5 years
41%
Missed part or all of a working day in the last year because of their period
40%
Have resorted to tissues, wipes or other alternatives due to the cost
39%
Cut back on food,
bills and transport to pay
for period products
3 in 4
Feel the financial burden
of women’s health has grown in the last 5 years
36%
Say managing period
costs is a direct source of stress and anxiety
41%
Missed part or all of a working day in the last year because of their period
40%
Have resorted to tissues, wipes or other alternatives due to the cost
39%
Cut back on food,
bills and transport to pay
for period products
3 in 4
Feel the financial burden
of women’s health has grown in the last 5 years
36%
Say managing period
costs is a direct source of stress and anxiety
41%
Missed part or all of a working day in the last year because of their period
40%
Have resorted to tissues, wipes or other alternatives due to the cost
39%
Cut back on food,
bills and transport to pay
for period products
36%
Say managing period
costs is a direct source of stress and anxiety
3 in 4
Feel the financial burden
of women’s health has grown in the last 5 years
41%
Missed part or all of a working day in the last year because of their period
*Based on a consumer survey of 2,000 UK adults who menstruate, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Clue.
Make them listen
Period care is a necessity, not a luxury. Add your voice to the demand for free period products across England's schools, colleges, workplaces and public spaces.
Sign the petition
In partnership with Ashley James
It is shocking that in this day and age, the simple biological reality of having a period comes with such a heavy price tag. Clue’s Cost of Bleeding research shows that this is not just about the price of a box of tampons; it’s about recognising and understanding the hidden costs in stained clothes, pain management, and the mental toll of managing these costs every single month. Free access to period products shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s essential.
Ashley James
Broadcaster, author and women’s health advocate
Photo credit: Ruth Rose
Sign the petition
The data in full
We surveyed 2,000 people across the UK. This is what we found. The Cost of Bleeding report covers everything from period product costs to private healthcare, symptom management, work-life impact and mental health – the full case for change.
Read the report
More than a campaign
We exist to help you understand your body and to close the women’s health gap. When you sign the petition, and as a thank you for standing with us, you’ll get 12 months of Clue Plus, on us. Science-based cycle tracking, personalised insights and exclusive partner discounts.
Get Clue Plus free
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cost of Bleeding?

The Cost of Bleeding research is a UK-wide consumer survey designed to explore the real-world cost of menstruation in the UK. This research captures self-reported experiences to estimate the lifetime cost associated with periods and cycles, covering everything from essential period products like pads and tampons, to broader, more hidden costs such as pain relief, clothing damage and private healthcare.

How was the consumer research conducted?

The Cost of Bleeding research is based on a consumer survey of 2,000 women and people with cycles in the UK. The survey was conducted via OnePoll on behalf of Clue and our partner, Pangolin. A report summary of the survey results is available on this page.

What is the petition calling for?

The petition urges the UK Government to introduce the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act to England, calling for period products to be widely available for free across public spaces – recognising menstruation as a health necessity, not a luxury.

What is Clue?

Clue is a women-led, science-based and privacy-first cycle tracking app. It’s grounded in the latest scientific and medical research, strict data privacy standards and a commitment to protecting user data. Beyond tracking periods, Clue helps people understand how their hormones influence everything from mood to energy to physical symptoms across every life stage. We’re working to close the knowledge gap in women’s health through evidence-based education, accessible tools and a commitment to health equity.

What is Clue Plus?

Clue Plus is a premium subscription, providing enhanced features such as advanced cycle predictions, symptom analysis, deeper personalised health insights, hundreds of science-based articles and access to additional modes for different life stages.

How do I claim my free Clue Plus subscription?

After signing the petition, you'll be redirected to a page where you can claim your free subscription via a unique link or code.

How long does the free subscription last?

12 months. After that, you can continue with the free version of Clue or pay to renew Clue Plus.

Does signing the petition mean sharing my tracked data?

The petition requires only basic information such as an email address. We do not use or share your health data for research, PR or commercial purposes, and signing the petition does not require you to share additional data in the app.

How does Clue handle user data?

We are regulated by the GDPR and operate with strict privacy standards. We do not sell personal data – something that sits at the core of the brand values. Sensitive health data is encrypted and handled according to EU privacy law, and users have full control over their data and can export or delete it at any time.

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