Around one in five girls and young women are worried about having enough money for period products, according to a new report.

Girlguiding’s annual Girls Attitudes Survey, which polled 2,614 girls and young women in the UK, found that 21% of 11–21-year-olds were concerned about not being able to afford sanitary products and pain relief medication during their period.

The research has highlighted the effect that the cost of living crisis is having on girls’ mental health, with many concerned about the cost of everyday items.

21% of the same age group said they worry about their family not having enough food, while 40% of seven to 21-year-olds reported hearing their parents or carers talking about cutting costs in order to save money.

It’s not just shorter-term worries that are playing on young women’s minds against the current uncertain economic backdrop. The Girlguiding survey found that 59% of 11–21-year-olds feared they would not be able to afford to buy their own home, with 50% concerned that they will not be able to afford to rent a property.

Girls are worried about having enough money for period products in the cost of living crisis