GITNUXREPORT 2026

Period Statistics

Millions of women and girls miss school and work due to insufficient period products and facilities globally.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Globally, only 41% of schools have facilities for menstrual hygiene.

Statistic 2

In India, 71% of adolescents lack knowledge on menstruation.

Statistic 3

Reusable pads used by 12% of women in low-income areas.

Statistic 4

Only 18% of women in rural Ghana have private changing spaces.

Statistic 5

Menstrual cups reduce costs by 90% over tampons lifetime.

Statistic 6

88% of women in US prefer pads over tampons.

Statistic 7

Period tracking apps used by 58% of women aged 18-39.

Statistic 8

In Bolivia, 95% of women use cloth during periods.

Statistic 9

Free pads programs reach 20% of needy girls in Scotland.

Statistic 10

62% of US teachers untrained in menstrual hygiene education.

Statistic 11

Menstrual cups safe for 99% users with proper hygiene.

Statistic 12

Only 25% of Indian schools have separate toilets for girls.

Statistic 13

Tampon use associated with 2.5 toxic shock cases per 100,000.

Statistic 14

73% of girls in Philippines unaware of menstrual cups.

Statistic 15

Hygiene promotion reduces infections by 40% in schools.

Statistic 16

In Kenya, 92% of girls use reusable sanitary pads in programs.

Statistic 17

Access to water points near toilets improves hygiene by 50%.

Statistic 18

35 countries have removed tampon tax as of 2023.

Statistic 19

Incinerators for pads available in 15% of Indian schools.

Statistic 20

Digital health tools track cycles for 47% European women.

Statistic 21

Community-led sanitation covers 30% menstrual needs in slums.

Statistic 22

pH-balanced washes reduce odor by 70% for users.

Statistic 23

School WASH programs reach 10 million girls annually.

Statistic 24

Biodegradable pads market grows 20% yearly in Asia.

Statistic 25

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days with 5 days of bleeding.

Statistic 26

A normal period involves loss of 30-40ml of blood.

Statistic 27

Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.

Statistic 28

Prostaglandins cause uterine contractions leading to cramps.

Statistic 29

Estrogen peaks before ovulation, progesterone after.

Statistic 30

Menarche averages age 12.4 years globally.

Statistic 31

Menopause occurs at average age 51 worldwide.

Statistic 32

FSH and LH surge triggers ovulation.

Statistic 33

Endometrium thickens 7-10mm before menstruation.

Statistic 34

Cervical mucus changes to fertile type mid-cycle.

Statistic 35

Basal body temperature rises 0.5°F post-ovulation.

Statistic 36

Uterus contracts 3-5 times per minute during heavy flow.

Statistic 37

Ovaries release one egg per cycle typically.

Statistic 38

Corpus luteum produces progesterone if no pregnancy.

Statistic 39

Menstrual blood pH is 7.4, alkaline unlike venous blood.

Statistic 40

Cycle variability is normal up to 7 days in teens.

Statistic 41

Shed endometrium is 50% blood by volume.

Statistic 42

Puberty starts with adrenarche at age 6-8.

Statistic 43

Hypothalamus releases GnRH every 90 minutes follicular phase.

Statistic 44

Average cycle shortens by 0.8 days per decade after 25.

Statistic 45

80% of blood loss in first 2 days of period.

Statistic 46

15-20% of women miss work due to severe menstrual pain annually.

Statistic 47

Period poverty costs the global economy $1.5 billion yearly in lost productivity.

Statistic 48

In the US, women lose $15,000 in wages over career due to periods.

Statistic 49

Globally, menstrual leave policies could boost productivity by 10%.

Statistic 50

India spends $1.2 billion annually on disposable pads imports.

Statistic 51

Absenteeism from periods costs UK employers £8.6 billion yearly.

Statistic 52

Women spend 12% of disposable income on menstrual products yearly.

Statistic 53

In developing countries, lack of pads costs 20% school productivity loss.

Statistic 54

Global market for menstrual products is $40 billion annually.

Statistic 55

Period-related sick days cost US businesses $200 million per year.

Statistic 56

Women in poverty spend 10% income on tampons equivalent to diapers.

Statistic 57

Menstrual product taxes generate $1 billion revenue in US states yearly.

Statistic 58

Lack of period education costs $500 million in health services globally.

Statistic 59

In Australia, period pain absenteeism equals 3 days per woman yearly.

Statistic 60

Global femtech market for period tracking is $1 billion by 2025.

Statistic 61

Women lose 45 missed work hours per year due to periods.

Statistic 62

Sanitary pad market in India grows at 15% CAGR, $1.5 billion.

Statistic 63

Period poverty leads to $130 billion global GDP loss.

Statistic 64

In Japan, menstrual leave costs companies 0.5% productivity.

Statistic 65

US women spend $3,552 lifetime on menstrual products.

Statistic 66

School dropouts from periods cost $20 billion in education losses.

Statistic 67

Corporate wellness for periods saves 15% healthcare costs.

Statistic 68

Approximately 800 million women and girls menstruate every day worldwide, representing about 26% of the global population.

Statistic 69

In low-income countries, 500 million women and girls lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.

Statistic 70

Globally, 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their period due to lack of sanitary products.

Statistic 71

About 45% of girls in Iran reported missing school during menstruation.

Statistic 72

In India, 23% of girls drop out of school due to menstrual management issues.

Statistic 73

Worldwide, 340 million girls do not attend school during menstruation.

Statistic 74

In Bangladesh, 42% of girls miss 3-4 days of school per month due to periods.

Statistic 75

Globally, menstruation affects 1.8 billion people monthly.

Statistic 76

In the United States, 86% of women have experienced period poverty at some point.

Statistic 77

In Kenya, 65% of girls report missing school during their period.

Statistic 78

Globally, 1 in 3 adolescent girls have no access to sanitary pads.

Statistic 79

In Nepal, 50% of girls miss school for 4-5 days monthly due to menstruation.

Statistic 80

Worldwide, period poverty affects 500 million women lacking basic products.

Statistic 81

In Uganda, 1 in 5 girls miss up to 5 days of school per month during periods.

Statistic 82

Globally, 800 million lack facilities for menstrual hygiene management.

Statistic 83

In Latin America, 1 in 4 women cannot afford menstrual products.

Statistic 84

Worldwide, girls lose up to 20% of school time due to menstruation.

Statistic 85

In Pakistan, 53% of girls stay home during menstruation.

Statistic 86

Globally, 2.3 billion women need menstrual products but 500 million can't afford them.

Statistic 87

In Ethiopia, 68% of girls have never used sanitary pads.

Statistic 88

Menstruation causes 10% of school absenteeism for girls globally.

Statistic 89

In South Africa, 30% of girls miss 1-3 days of school per period.

Statistic 90

Worldwide, 1.2 billion women of reproductive age need menstrual services.

Statistic 91

In Tanzania, 17% of girls miss more than 4 school days monthly.

Statistic 92

Globally, 45% of schools lack basic sanitation for girls' periods.

Statistic 93

In Vietnam, 20% of girls drop out post-puberty due to periods.

Statistic 94

Menstrual disorders affect 80% of women at some point in life.

Statistic 95

Dysmenorrhea impacts 50-90% of adolescent girls worldwide.

Statistic 96

Endometriosis affects 10% (190 million) of women globally.

Statistic 97

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects 27% of women aged 18-50.

Statistic 98

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs in 20-40% of women.

Statistic 99

Anemia from heavy periods affects 30% of women in developing countries.

Statistic 100

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disrupts periods in 8-13% of women.

Statistic 101

Iron deficiency due to menstruation causes 50% of anemia cases in women.

Statistic 102

75% of women experience painful periods (dysmenorrhea).

Statistic 103

Menorrhagia leads to hysterectomy in 30% of severe cases.

Statistic 104

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects 3-8% of women.

Statistic 105

Uterine fibroids cause abnormal bleeding in 70-80% of cases.

Statistic 106

20% of women with PCOS experience infertility due to irregular periods.

Statistic 107

Menstrual migraines affect 60% of women with migraine history.

Statistic 108

Heavy periods increase endometrial cancer risk by 2-3 times if untreated.

Statistic 109

90% of adolescents experience primary dysmenorrhea.

Statistic 110

Blood loss in heavy periods averages 80ml per cycle vs 30ml normal.

Statistic 111

PMS symptoms disrupt daily life for 5-8% severely.

Statistic 112

Endometriosis reduces fertility by 30-50% in affected women.

Statistic 113

40% of women with fibroids have heavy menstrual bleeding.

Statistic 114

Irregular periods increase cardiovascular risk by 25%.

Statistic 115

Adenomyosis causes severe pain in 80% of cases during periods.

1/115

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Every single day, an astonishing 800 million women and girls menstruate across our planet, yet for hundreds of millions this natural biological process triggers a devastating cascade of lost education, economic hardship, and profound inequality.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 800 million women and girls menstruate every day worldwide, representing about 26% of the global population.
In low-income countries, 500 million women and girls lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.
Globally, 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their period due to lack of sanitary products.
Menstrual disorders affect 80% of women at some point in life.
Dysmenorrhea impacts 50-90% of adolescent girls worldwide.
Endometriosis affects 10% (190 million) of women globally.
15-20% of women miss work due to severe menstrual pain annually.
Period poverty costs the global economy $1.5 billion yearly in lost productivity.
In the US, women lose $15,000 in wages over career due to periods.
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days with 5 days of bleeding.
A normal period involves loss of 30-40ml of blood.
Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Globally, only 41% of schools have facilities for menstrual hygiene.
In India, 71% of adolescents lack knowledge on menstruation.
Reusable pads used by 12% of women in low-income areas.

Millions of women and girls miss school and work due to insufficient period products and facilities globally.

Access and Hygiene

Globally, only 41% of schools have facilities for menstrual hygiene.
In India, 71% of adolescents lack knowledge on menstruation.
Reusable pads used by 12% of women in low-income areas.
Only 18% of women in rural Ghana have private changing spaces.
Menstrual cups reduce costs by 90% over tampons lifetime.
88% of women in US prefer pads over tampons.
Period tracking apps used by 58% of women aged 18-39.
In Bolivia, 95% of women use cloth during periods.
Free pads programs reach 20% of needy girls in Scotland.
62% of US teachers untrained in menstrual hygiene education.
Menstrual cups safe for 99% users with proper hygiene.
Only 25% of Indian schools have separate toilets for girls.
Tampon use associated with 2.5 toxic shock cases per 100,000.
73% of girls in Philippines unaware of menstrual cups.
Hygiene promotion reduces infections by 40% in schools.
In Kenya, 92% of girls use reusable sanitary pads in programs.
Access to water points near toilets improves hygiene by 50%.
35 countries have removed tampon tax as of 2023.
Incinerators for pads available in 15% of Indian schools.
Digital health tools track cycles for 47% European women.
Community-led sanitation covers 30% menstrual needs in slums.
pH-balanced washes reduce odor by 70% for users.
School WASH programs reach 10 million girls annually.
Biodegradable pads market grows 20% yearly in Asia.

Access and Hygiene Interpretation

The statistics paint a starkly uneven global landscape where a woman's access to dignity, health, and knowledge is still largely dictated by her zip code, even as the tools for a revolution—from cups to community programs—quietly prove their worth.

Biological Aspects

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days with 5 days of bleeding.
A normal period involves loss of 30-40ml of blood.
Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Prostaglandins cause uterine contractions leading to cramps.
Estrogen peaks before ovulation, progesterone after.
Menarche averages age 12.4 years globally.
Menopause occurs at average age 51 worldwide.
FSH and LH surge triggers ovulation.
Endometrium thickens 7-10mm before menstruation.
Cervical mucus changes to fertile type mid-cycle.
Basal body temperature rises 0.5°F post-ovulation.
Uterus contracts 3-5 times per minute during heavy flow.
Ovaries release one egg per cycle typically.
Corpus luteum produces progesterone if no pregnancy.
Menstrual blood pH is 7.4, alkaline unlike venous blood.
Cycle variability is normal up to 7 days in teens.
Shed endometrium is 50% blood by volume.
Puberty starts with adrenarche at age 6-8.
Hypothalamus releases GnRH every 90 minutes follicular phase.
Average cycle shortens by 0.8 days per decade after 25.
80% of blood loss in first 2 days of period.

Biological Aspects Interpretation

The human menstrual cycle is a remarkably orchestrated, 28-day symphony of hormonal cues, timed releases, and precisely measured loss, whose composer—evolution—demands a tribute of roughly two shot glasses of blood every month for nearly four decades.

Economic Impact

15-20% of women miss work due to severe menstrual pain annually.
Period poverty costs the global economy $1.5 billion yearly in lost productivity.
In the US, women lose $15,000 in wages over career due to periods.
Globally, menstrual leave policies could boost productivity by 10%.
India spends $1.2 billion annually on disposable pads imports.
Absenteeism from periods costs UK employers £8.6 billion yearly.
Women spend 12% of disposable income on menstrual products yearly.
In developing countries, lack of pads costs 20% school productivity loss.
Global market for menstrual products is $40 billion annually.
Period-related sick days cost US businesses $200 million per year.
Women in poverty spend 10% income on tampons equivalent to diapers.
Menstrual product taxes generate $1 billion revenue in US states yearly.
Lack of period education costs $500 million in health services globally.
In Australia, period pain absenteeism equals 3 days per woman yearly.
Global femtech market for period tracking is $1 billion by 2025.
Women lose 45 missed work hours per year due to periods.
Sanitary pad market in India grows at 15% CAGR, $1.5 billion.
Period poverty leads to $130 billion global GDP loss.
In Japan, menstrual leave costs companies 0.5% productivity.
US women spend $3,552 lifetime on menstrual products.
School dropouts from periods cost $20 billion in education losses.
Corporate wellness for periods saves 15% healthcare costs.

Economic Impact Interpretation

The sheer economic absurdity of a natural bodily function costing billions in lost wages and productivity, while simultaneously being taxed and under-resourced, reveals a system that bleeds potential from half the population.

Global Prevalence

Approximately 800 million women and girls menstruate every day worldwide, representing about 26% of the global population.
In low-income countries, 500 million women and girls lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.
Globally, 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their period due to lack of sanitary products.
About 45% of girls in Iran reported missing school during menstruation.
In India, 23% of girls drop out of school due to menstrual management issues.
Worldwide, 340 million girls do not attend school during menstruation.
In Bangladesh, 42% of girls miss 3-4 days of school per month due to periods.
Globally, menstruation affects 1.8 billion people monthly.
In the United States, 86% of women have experienced period poverty at some point.
In Kenya, 65% of girls report missing school during their period.
Globally, 1 in 3 adolescent girls have no access to sanitary pads.
In Nepal, 50% of girls miss school for 4-5 days monthly due to menstruation.
Worldwide, period poverty affects 500 million women lacking basic products.
In Uganda, 1 in 5 girls miss up to 5 days of school per month during periods.
Globally, 800 million lack facilities for menstrual hygiene management.
In Latin America, 1 in 4 women cannot afford menstrual products.
Worldwide, girls lose up to 20% of school time due to menstruation.
In Pakistan, 53% of girls stay home during menstruation.
Globally, 2.3 billion women need menstrual products but 500 million can't afford them.
In Ethiopia, 68% of girls have never used sanitary pads.
Menstruation causes 10% of school absenteeism for girls globally.
In South Africa, 30% of girls miss 1-3 days of school per period.
Worldwide, 1.2 billion women of reproductive age need menstrual services.
In Tanzania, 17% of girls miss more than 4 school days monthly.
Globally, 45% of schools lack basic sanitation for girls' periods.
In Vietnam, 20% of girls drop out post-puberty due to periods.

Global Prevalence Interpretation

The statistics reveal that period poverty and inadequate facilities are not merely a personal inconvenience but a global economic and educational blockade, systematically sidelining half of humanity from full participation in society over a biological certainty.

Health Effects

Menstrual disorders affect 80% of women at some point in life.
Dysmenorrhea impacts 50-90% of adolescent girls worldwide.
Endometriosis affects 10% (190 million) of women globally.
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects 27% of women aged 18-50.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs in 20-40% of women.
Anemia from heavy periods affects 30% of women in developing countries.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disrupts periods in 8-13% of women.
Iron deficiency due to menstruation causes 50% of anemia cases in women.
75% of women experience painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
Menorrhagia leads to hysterectomy in 30% of severe cases.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects 3-8% of women.
Uterine fibroids cause abnormal bleeding in 70-80% of cases.
20% of women with PCOS experience infertility due to irregular periods.
Menstrual migraines affect 60% of women with migraine history.
Heavy periods increase endometrial cancer risk by 2-3 times if untreated.
90% of adolescents experience primary dysmenorrhea.
Blood loss in heavy periods averages 80ml per cycle vs 30ml normal.
PMS symptoms disrupt daily life for 5-8% severely.
Endometriosis reduces fertility by 30-50% in affected women.
40% of women with fibroids have heavy menstrual bleeding.
Irregular periods increase cardiovascular risk by 25%.
Adenomyosis causes severe pain in 80% of cases during periods.

Health Effects Interpretation

These statistics reveal that the common experience of menstruation is, for a vast number of women worldwide, a chronic and debilitating health crisis hiding in plain sight.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev