If you’re looking for new ways to save money—and you’ve already cut subscriptions, started meal planning, maybe even tried budgeting apps—there’s one area you might not have considered yet: your period.
Disposable pads and tampons feel like a small monthly expense, but they really add up. Over a lifetime, someone who menstruates could spend thousands on products that end up in the trash within hours of use. It’s the kind of expense that flies under the radar until you step back and do the math.
But here’s the good news: switching to reusable period products can be one of those rare changes that saves you money and helps your health and the planet. Once you make the initial investment, the savings start to pile up fast.
Let’s break it down.
The Cost Factor: Small Change, Big Results
At first glance, reusable options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, or period underwear seem more expensive. A cup might cost $30, a few pairs of period underwear could set you back $80 or more. But here’s the thing: most of these products last several years. Not months. Years.
Compare that to buying disposable pads or tampons every month. If you’re spending $8 to $12 a cycle, that’s $100 to $150 a year. Over five years, that’s $500 or more—gone.
With reusables, you often recover your initial investment within the first year or two, depending on your setup. After that, it’s just money saved. And even better, no more scrambling to restock at the last minute or realizing you’re out of supplies when your period shows up early.
You’re Not Just Saving Money
The financial part is compelling, sure. But that’s only one part of the picture.
Reusable menstrual products are often healthier for your body. Many disposable pads and tampons are made with bleached materials, artificial fragrances, and plastic-based components that can irritate sensitive skin. Some people don’t even realize their monthly discomfort might be linked to what they’re using.
Menstrual cups, for example, are typically made of medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). TPE, in particular, is gaining attention because it’s soft, flexible, and non-porous—less likely to trap bacteria or cause irritation. It’s also latex-free and a good option for those with sensitivities. Fewer chemicals, less chafing, and no strange smells.
Cloth pads and period underwear also skip the irritants. They’re made of breathable fabrics that feel more like regular clothing, not plastic. And that matters, especially if you’ve ever dealt with itchiness or rashes from disposables.
Innovations That Make It Easier
A few years ago, using a menstrual cup felt like a fringe idea. Now? It’s a lot more mainstream and a lot more user-friendly.
Brands like MeLuna have taken things further by offering customizable options. You can choose your cup’s size, firmness, length, and even the type of stem you prefer. That might sound a little overcomplicated at first, but it makes a huge difference in comfort and fit.
There’s also better guidance now for finding your perfect cup. Online quizzes walk you through questions about your flow, cervix height, and activity level. It takes the guesswork out of it, especially if you’re new to the idea.
If cups aren’t for you (yet), cloth pads and period underwear are easy ways to start. There’s no learning curve—just rinse and wash like you would with regular laundry. Some people mix and match: a cup for daytime, cloth pads for lounging, period underwear for overnight. Once you figure out what works, it feels more flexible and less like a chore.
A Smaller Footprint, Too
Every disposable product you toss goes somewhere. Most end up in landfills or incinerators. Tampons, pads, wrappers, and applicators are all part of a larger waste problem. Reusables cut that waste dramatically. One cup can replace hundreds of tampons. A set of pads or underwear can last 3 to 5 years, sometimes more.
If you’ve ever felt that quiet guilt tossing a trash bin full of period products, this is one way to shift that. You’re not just reducing plastic and waste, you’re using fewer resources overall. Less packaging. Less manufacturing. Less transportation. Small change, but multiplied by millions of users? That’s impact.
Getting Started Is Easier Than It Looks
Switching doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can start small. Maybe try a cloth pad on a weekend. Or wear period underwear as backup at night. If you’re interested in a cup but unsure what kind to get, don’t just pick one at random.
Take a menstrual cup quiz. Seriously. These tools are designed to help match your body and needs to the right size and model. MeLuna, for instance, offers a quiz that considers your anatomy, flow level, and preferences. It’s a low-stress way to find a starting point without wasting money on a product that might not work for you.
And if it turns out one type of product doesn’t feel right? That’s okay. There are more choices than ever, and what works for one person might not work for another. But it’s worth exploring. Because this isn’t just about cutting expenses—it’s about feeling better and doing something good for your body and the environment at the same time.
Reusable period care might not be flashy, but when it comes to long-term impact, it might just be one of the smartest money-saving swaps you haven’t made yet.
