Teen girls across America are silently facing a crisis that impacts their education, health, and dignity – one in ten can’t afford the basic menstrual products they need.
At a Glance
- One in ten teenage girls report difficulties accessing basic menstrual products, forcing some to miss school or use unsafe alternatives
- Federal assistance programs like SNAP and WIC do not cover menstrual products, leaving low-income families without essential hygiene necessities
- A 2019 study found 64% of low-income women couldn’t afford period products at least once in the past year
- Period poverty disproportionately affects Black and brown communities, reflecting broader socioeconomic disparities
- Medical professionals are now implementing screening tools to identify teens struggling with menstrual product access
The Hidden Crisis Affecting America’s Teen Girls
Period poverty—defined as “insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities”—is a growing concern across America, particularly among teenagers. The problem, once considered primarily an issue in developing nations, is increasingly recognized as a domestic crisis affecting millions of American women and girls. Recent studies show that by 2021, 23% of U.S. teens reported trouble accessing period products, a figure that increased from 20% before the COVID-19 pandemic. For these young women, the consequences extend far beyond mere inconvenience.
In 2019, a national survey found that about 20% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 19 reported difficulties accessing or affording period products when needed. Anne Sebert Kuhlmann and Ifeoma Obionu highlight the prevalence of period poverty across the country. https://t.co/ciGbeFuABU
— Brookings Governance (@BrookingsGov) December 9, 2024
The inability to afford or access proper menstrual supplies leads many teens to miss school, use products beyond their recommended timeframe, or resort to inadequate alternatives like toilet paper. These makeshift solutions can lead to serious health complications, including toxic shock syndrome. The stigma surrounding menstruation compounds the problem, with many girls suffering in silence rather than asking for help. Despite affecting half the population at some point in their lives, menstruation remains a taboo subject in many households and communities.
Medical Professionals Uncover Widespread Need
Healthcare providers are beginning to recognize their critical role in addressing period poverty. A North Carolina pediatric clinic recently implemented a screening tool specifically designed to identify teens struggling with menstrual product access. The results were eye-opening: when directly asked, one in ten girls reported problems obtaining basic supplies. Some admitted to missing school during their periods due to fears of bleeding through their clothes, while others described using products far longer than recommended due to cost constraints.
Medical experts emphasize that asking about access to period products should become standard practice during adolescent healthcare visits. Written questionnaires can help normalize these conversations and remove the embarrassment some teens might feel when discussing menstruation. Beyond identifying those in need, clinicians stress the importance of having resources ready to offer solutions, whether through in-office supplies or connections to community assistance programs.
Government Programs Fall Short
One of the most troubling aspects of period poverty in America is that federal assistance programs do not recognize menstrual products as essential items. Food stamps, WIC benefits, and other safety net programs explicitly exclude tampons, pads, and other menstrual supplies from covered purchases. This policy gap creates an impossible situation for many low-income families who must choose between food, shelter, and basic hygiene necessities. The financial burden is substantial—the average woman spends approximately $20 per cycle on menstrual products.
“Girls who struggle to afford supplies may ‘resort to using products beyond their recommended use,’ which increases their risk for toxic shock syndrome,” said Tambu Kudze, MD, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, who was not associated with the study.
Adding to this financial strain is what some advocates call the “pink tax”—a phenomenon where products marketed to women often cost more than similar items marketed to men. In many states, menstrual products are also subject to sales tax, unlike other essential health items that receive tax exemptions. These combined factors create a disproportionate economic burden on those who menstruate, particularly those from lower-income households who already struggle to make ends meet.
Solutions Require Comprehensive Approach
Addressing period poverty demands a multi-faceted response involving schools, healthcare systems, and legislators. Several states have begun mandating free menstrual products in public schools, recognizing the direct link between period poverty and educational outcomes. Community-based approaches, such as supplying period products in food pantries, homeless shelters, and community centers, can help reach those most vulnerable. Beyond access, education about menstrual hygiene and proper product use remains critically important.
“One of my biggest takeaways from the study is we can ask these questions, but it’s important to then have the resources. You can’t just say ‘I’m sorry that you don’t have pads’ and then leave it there,” added Tambu Kudze.
As awareness grows, more communities are recognizing period poverty as a significant public health issue worthy of attention and resources. Schools across the country are installing dispensers with free products in restrooms, and some cities have established programs to distribute menstrual supplies through public facilities.
For conservative communities valuing family dignity and educational opportunity, addressing period poverty represents an important step toward ensuring young women can participate fully in society without unnecessary barriers to their health, education, and well-being.
