In the summer of 2022, an unexpected crisis swept across the United States: tampons suddenly became scarce on store shelves. This shortage, which caught many by surprise, forced millions of menstruating individuals to reconsider their options and explore alternatives. As we reflect on this event from our vantage point in 2025, it's clear that the tampon shortage of 2022 was more than just a temporary inconvenience—it was a watershed moment that reshaped the menstrual product industry and consumer habits.
Understanding the 2022 Tampon Crisis
The Perfect Storm: Factors Behind the Shortage
The tampon shortage of 2022 wasn't the result of a single issue but rather a confluence of factors that created a significant supply disruption:
Supply Chain Disruptions: The global supply chain, already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, faced additional challenges in sourcing raw materials like cotton and rayon. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, 73% of supply chain leaders experienced disruptions in production and distribution during this period.
Labor Shortages: Manufacturers struggled with workforce issues, including absences due to illness and difficulty hiring new workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the manufacturing sector had over 800,000 job openings in mid-2022.
Increased Demand: Paradoxically, an advertising campaign featuring comedian Amy Schumer led to a spike in demand for certain brands, particularly Procter & Gamble's Tampax. P&G reported a 7.7% increase in sales for their feminine care products in the quarter leading up to the shortage.
Global Events: The ongoing war in Ukraine affected the prices and availability of certain raw materials used in tampon production. The conflict disrupted the global supply of absorbent materials, with Ukraine being a significant producer of wood pulp used in tampon manufacturing.
Quantifying the Shortage
While the shortage wasn't uniform across the country, its impact was significant:
- According to data from NielsenIQ, the stock-out rate for tampons reached 17.6% nationwide in June 2022, more than double the typical rate.
- States like Alaska, Hawaii, and West Virginia were particularly hard hit, with stock-out rates exceeding 25% in some areas.
- Major manufacturers like Procter & Gamble (makers of Tampax) and Edgewell Personal Care (producers of Playtex and o.b.) confirmed supply issues, with some estimating that the shortage could last for months.
The Price Pinch
Even when tampons were available, consumers faced another challenge: rising prices.
- Bloomberg reported that the average price for a box of tampons rose 9.8% in the year leading up to May 28, 2022.
- Pad prices also increased by 8.3% during the same period.
- Some consumers reported instances of price gouging, with tampon prices on third-party marketplaces sometimes reaching triple their normal retail price.
These price hikes, coupled with the scarcity of products, led many consumers to explore alternative menstrual products out of necessity.
The Silver Lining: Exploring Tampon Alternatives
The shortage, while inconvenient, had an unexpected positive outcome: it encouraged many individuals to explore more sustainable and cost-effective menstrual products. Let's examine some of the most popular alternatives that gained traction during and after the shortage.
1. Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups emerged as a popular alternative to tampons during the shortage, with sales increasing by over 40% in the second quarter of 2022, according to market research firm NPD Group.
Key Features:
- Made of soft, medical-grade silicone
- Reusable for several years (typically 5-10 years)
- Can be worn for up to 12 hours
- Eco-friendly with zero waste
Popular Brands:
- DivaCup
- Lunette
- Saalt
- Lena Cup
"I switched to a menstrual cup during the shortage and never looked back. It's more comfortable, and I love not having to buy tampons every month," says Sarah, a 28-year-old marketing executive from Seattle.
2. Period Underwear
Period underwear saw a significant surge in popularity, with market leader Thinx reporting a 200% increase in sales during the height of the tampon shortage.
Key Features:
- Absorbent layers built into regular underwear styles
- Washable and reusable (typically lasting 2-3 years with proper care)
- Available in various absorbency levels
- Inclusive sizing and styles for different gender expressions
Popular Brands:
- Thinx
- Knix
- Modibodi
- TomboyX
3. Reusable Cloth Pads
Cloth pads, while not a new concept, gained renewed interest during the tampon shortage. GladRags, a leading cloth pad manufacturer, reported a 150% increase in sales during this period.
Key Features:
- Made from absorbent, washable fabrics
- Eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads
- Often available in fun patterns and colors
- Can last for 3-5 years with proper care
Popular Brands:
- GladRags
- Aisle (formerly Lunapads)
- Hannahpad
- Party In My Pants
4. Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs, a lesser-known alternative, also saw increased interest during the shortage. These flexible discs sit at the base of the cervix and collect menstrual fluid.
Key Features:
- Can be worn for up to 12 hours
- Some brands are reusable, while others are disposable
- Can be worn during intercourse
- May reduce menstrual cramps for some users
Popular Brands:
- Flex
- Nixit
- Lumma
- Ziggy Cup by Intimina
The Long-Term Impact: How the 2022 Shortage Changed Menstrual Product Habits
As we reflect on the tampon shortage from our perspective in 2025, it's clear that the event had lasting effects on consumer behavior and the menstrual product industry.
Shift Towards Sustainable Options
The shortage accelerated an existing trend towards more sustainable menstrual products:
Market Growth: The global reusable menstrual cup market, valued at $632 million in 2018, is now projected to reach $963 million by 2026, according to Allied Market Research. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2019 to 2026.
Reduced Waste: A study by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that switching to a menstrual cup can reduce the amount of waste generated by menstrual products by up to 99%.
Corporate Responsibility: Major retailers like Target and Walmart have expanded their offerings of sustainable menstrual products and set goals to reduce the environmental impact of the products they sell.
Increased Product Innovation
The shortage spurred innovation in the menstrual product industry:
New Materials: Companies have invested in research to develop more sustainable and biodegradable materials for disposable products. For example, Organic Initiative (Oi) has developed tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton that biodegrade in 5 years, compared to 500-800 years for traditional tampons.
Smart Technology: Some brands have introduced "smart" menstrual cups that can track flow and provide health insights. The Looncup, for instance, uses sensors to measure fluid volume and color, sending data to a smartphone app for analysis.
Customization: Startups like The Flex Company have introduced customizable menstrual discs that can be tailored to fit individual anatomy.
Changes in Consumer Education
The shortage highlighted the need for better education about menstrual health and product options:
School Programs: Many schools have expanded their health education to include information about various menstrual products. The New York City Department of Education, for example, launched a comprehensive menstrual health education program in 2023, reaching over 300,000 students.
Online Resources: There's been a proliferation of online platforms and apps providing information about menstrual health and product choices. The app Clue, which tracks menstrual cycles, added a feature in 2023 to help users explore different menstrual product options.
Government Initiatives: Several states, including California and New York, have passed laws requiring schools to provide comprehensive menstrual education, including information on various product options.
Economic Impact
The shift towards reusable products has had economic implications:
Cost Savings for Consumers: While the initial investment in reusable products may be higher, many consumers report significant savings over time. A study by the University of British Columbia found that switching to a menstrual cup can save individuals up to $200 per year.
Industry Adaptation: Traditional tampon manufacturers have had to adapt, with some introducing their own lines of reusable products. Procter & Gamble, for instance, acquired period underwear brand This is L. in 2019 for an estimated $100 million.
Job Market Shifts: The rise of sustainable menstrual product companies has created new job opportunities. According to LinkedIn data, job postings in the sustainable menstrual product sector increased by 65% between 2022 and 2024.
Lessons Learned: Preparing for Future Shortages
The tampon shortage of 2022 taught valuable lessons about preparedness and flexibility when it comes to essential products:
Diversify Options: Having knowledge of and access to multiple menstrual product options can provide security during shortages. A survey by the Period Company found that 68% of menstruators now use more than one type of menstrual product regularly, up from 42% in 2021.
Build a Stockpile: Many consumers now keep a small stockpile of their preferred products to buffer against future shortages. A poll by Harris Interactive found that 55% of menstruators now keep at least a three-month supply of menstrual products on hand.
Support Local Production: Some companies have shifted towards local manufacturing to reduce reliance on global supply chains. For example, Diva International Inc., makers of the DivaCup, expanded their North American manufacturing capabilities in 2023.
Embrace Sustainability: The shortage highlighted the benefits of reusable products in terms of both availability and environmental impact. A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that widespread adoption of reusable menstrual products could reduce menstrual waste by up to 90% by 2030.
The Future of Menstrual Products
Looking ahead, the menstrual product landscape continues to evolve:
Biodegradable Disposables: Research into fully biodegradable tampons and pads is progressing, promising more eco-friendly options for those who prefer disposable products. Companies like Planera are developing flushable sanitary pads that break down in water within minutes.
Customization: Some companies are exploring ways to offer personalized menstrual products based on individual flow patterns and preferences. The startup Myya uses AI to recommend personalized menstrual care routines and products.
Menstrual Equity: There's growing momentum behind initiatives to make menstrual products more accessible and affordable for all. As of 2025, 30 U.S. states have passed laws eliminating the "tampon tax," and several countries, including Scotland and New Zealand, now provide free menstrual products in schools and public buildings.
Integration with Health Tech: The future may see menstrual products integrated with broader health monitoring technologies. Researchers at Harvard Medical School are developing smart tampons that can detect early signs of cervical cancer and other reproductive health issues.
Conclusion: A Watershed Moment in Menstrual Health
The tampon shortage of 2022 was more than just a temporary inconvenience—it was a turning point in how we think about and approach menstrual health. It forced conversations about sustainability, product choice, and the importance of being prepared for supply disruptions.
While the shortage caused stress and difficulty for many, it also opened doors to new possibilities. Many individuals discovered products that work better for their bodies and lifestyles, while also reducing their environmental impact. The crisis served as a reminder of the importance of innovation, sustainability, and flexibility in meeting essential needs.
As we move forward, the lessons learned from this shortage continue to shape the menstrual product industry and consumer habits. The tampon shortage of 2022 may be remembered not for the problems it caused, but for the positive changes it inspired in menstrual health care and consumer awareness. It has set the stage for a more diverse, sustainable, and inclusive approach to menstrual care, benefiting both individuals and the planet.
