Period Product Trends: How the Market Has Changed

Period products are becoming cool and edgy, with a bit of sexiness. A lot of consumers and retailers as of the 2000s seem to think so! The evolution of menstrual products has been good news for younger generations who can benefit from many available choices, including products that cater for activities once “not-allowed” – such as swimming during your period.

Trendy merchants such as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and even the traditional stores are jumping on the bandwagon of supplying modern period products to satisfy demand and build strong relationships with half of the adult world’s population who menstruate.

The results? A steady increase in the sanitary products marketplace, price points, and profits for all. Let’s delve into the patterns a little deeper.

Period Product Market Trends- Overview

The Global Period Hygiene Market was surveyed to be about $39 million in 2021 and is expected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.81% from 2022 to 2027.

The COVID-19 pandemic messed up easy access to various types of period products. According to a survey done in India, about 82% of period product producers had to stop operations in many countries due to the strict lockdowns.

The pandemic also affected women who used to rely on free products from social service areas, schools, government health centers, and medical facilities due to shortages. Luckily, charitable organizations have been providing to bridge this gap.

As the dreaded pandemic becomes more of an endemic, most countries’ economic status improves, which then improves the period product market conditions.

We’re always spreading awareness about periods and female health, so this caused the demand for low-cost period products during the forecast period. In places such as Western Europe and North America, the demand for menstrual cups and tampons is expected to increase like wildfire.

While this demand is still notable, some eco-conscious women (like me!) now want to opt for biodegradable and reusable products, such as period panties. This is definitely making some waves in the market.

According to industry analysis, there are a lot of women moving to the cities, paired with women working in various workplaces is also supporting the market growth.

The Market Trends- What’s the Reason Behind the Growth?

The feminine hygiene market is certainly dynamic. With the evolution of period products from then to now, the market has definitely improved/. Let’s put on our thinking caps and look at the research.

We Are More Aware of Feminine Health and Menstrual Woes

One of the key factors in the growth of this market is the increasing awareness of menstrual know-how and hygiene and the growing numbers of educated women. According to a study, there is a definite relationship between health and education, and period products are no exception.

UNICEF and UNESCO always educate young women in developing countries to increase awareness about period products. This led to a positive impact on the market and menstrual health management.

There’s also word of a discussion going on in several countries on giving menstrual products as part of national healthcare services and other initiatives. These plans aim to reduce the social shame that comes with having a period.

This led to an increase in the use of various period products in developing and under-developed countries, which increased the demand for menstrual products. Our awareness also reduced the period tax.  

The Gradual Jump from Disposable Products to Eco-Friendly Products

The disposable period products such as tampons and pads still have a huge chunk of market share within the menstrual market. However, women are becoming more conscious about the impact on the environment, therefore, disposables are always being questioned.

Most of our products are made from plastic, which makes about 200,000 tons of plastic waste every year. YIKES! Most of this plastic goes into the landfills and eventually into the oceans and harms the environment.

Do you think that we kept quiet about this? Nope!

Generation Z and Millennial consumers are all motivated to make a positive impact on environmental sustainability, and they demand for greener products. They are even willing to pay a little more to save both their pockets and the environment.

New Products Hit the Period Market

There are many new period products on the market. You got the menstrual cup, which is a funnel-shaped rubber or silicone cup. This is better for the environment compared to tampons and pads.

Since it can be reused over and over, it can save you money on disposable products. Menstrual cups also provide more safety than tampons, as women are not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Another product that hit the market is period underwear, which is like your underwear with added layers! It is made from specific materials and has been through the wringer to ensure they’re leakproof and comfortable.

These products are the greenest choice right now, and women love them. Since they have changed their consumer behavior to buy reusable products, it has helped the period market grow.

The Market Thrives on Organic Materials

The market is influenced by many new entries, especially from small companies, such as ModiBodi, that dedicate their image towards promoting sustainability. Apart from this, eco-friendly period products promise a lot of benefits for women, which is why it’s so successful.

These products have no chemicals that will impact women’s health and safety, which is many of our concerns. At the end of the day, down there is a sensitive area! Since they are biodegradable, they will break down to their basic components, which means that they do not contribute to the landfill.

What Is the Most Popular Period Product?

As of recently, we have a lot of period products on the market. The women’s aisle can be overwhelming to walk through and see the various options to control your flow!

Everyone has their choice of period product. It actually differs according to the age and influence of the mother figures. In my opinion, it comes down to your flow and comfort!

However, in the disposable category, it’s a battle between pads and tampons. Isn’t it always?

According to a survey done by the CDC, most women use pads than tampons. The survey showed that 62% of women used pads, while 42% of women used tampons, however, these figures included women who have used both.

I found some updated information from a market research company called Euromonitor, which found that American women from age 12 to 54 bought 111 maxi pads in 2014 but only 66 tampons in that year.

While tampons are still quite popular in America, women in China are extremely loyal to the pad. Nearly all Chinese women and girls opt for the pad rather than tampons when it’s the time of the month.

The country is very forthcoming about the topic of menstruation (YAY!) and likes to approach it from a practical point of view. This includes stuff like tiredness, what to eat during your period, and how often you should change your pad.

I’d say that they’re saving, though!

Did you know that we can spend about $2000 on tampons throughout our lives?!

Huffington Posts calculated the whole thing. If you use tampons, you probably go through 20 each cycle. With an average of 456 periods in our life, it comes to about 9120 tampons used. A box of 36 tampons is usually $7, which translates into spending about $2000 yearly.

Bonus: Tips for Handling Your Period Like a Pro!

After choosing your protection from Aunty Flo’, you also have to deal with the things that come with a period, such as the cramps, mood swings, and the overall tiredness of it all.

Making Period Pain Less of a Nuisance

Period cramps are probably the most annoying thing that comes from having a period, well, apart from the literal shedding of our uterus! These cramps can attack days before your period and last for the whole duration. With these cramps can come other symptoms, such as headaches and nausea.

At-home period hacks can help you reduce your discomfort, such as:

• Take a warm bath (add some Epsom salt for better effects)
• Use a heating pad on your lower back or stomach
•  Massage your stomach or get someone to do it for you
• Take a safe pain-reliever such as Nurofen
• Do an easy exercise such as walking, light yoga, or swimming (if you wear period underwear, this is a definite W for you!)

Get Rid of the Bloat Monster

Sometimes I wonder why having a period has to be so hard.

While there is no cure for bloating, here are a few hacks you can do to reduce it:

• Drink a lot of water. Trust me, water can help you reduce the bloat, even though you feel so full. Staying hydrated will help it go down.
• Eat healthy food. Now I know this is a long shot. When we’re on our periods, we love our chocolates and chips, but snacking on fruits and veggies will help you reduce the bloat. Avoid processed foods and an overload of salt. Eat foods like fish and chicken, and healthy fats such as avos and nuts. If you need something sweet, consider eating dark choccie, which will also help with mood swings!
• Skip that cup of coffee. Caffeine can irritate your stomach, which makes you feel bloated, achy, and crampy. It’s also best to avoid carbonated and sweet drinks as that also causes bloating. You can opt for herbal tea to reduce bloating and cramping.
• Don’t overdo it on the fiber. I know I mentioned about fruits and veggies BUT don’t have too much! You may get bloated even more simply because your body is not used to that amount of fiber.
• Get enough sleep. A full night of sleep is the ultimate cure for period fatigue and bloat. Getting good sleep can help repair your mind and body.

You can also consider going on the pill. Many women say that it reduces period bloating and overall PMS symptoms. It can also promote a lighter blood flow, making it easier for you to make the switch to eco-friendly period products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a tampon shortage in 2022?

Yes.

The tampon shortages are being caused by the lack of raw materials, labor-related issues, and shipping problems. Since tampons are made out of rayon and cotton, which are two materials that are used to make personal protective equipment (PPE) for Covid-19. The war in Ukraine may also affect material prices and availability.

This is why more women are making the change to reusable period products.