The study of 2,000 females who menstruate revealed the 10 cities in the UK which are hardest hit by this widespread issue, which includes Oxford (40 per cent) and Birmingham (34 per cent).
While those in Cambridge and York (32 per cent respectively) also admit there are some months when they struggle.
Overall, a quarter of the female population admit their menstruation is a challenging time because they now find it more difficult to afford period products compared to 12 months ago.
Of these, 90 per cent say the rising cost in living is already taking its toll, while a fifth now provide for another family member in addition to themselves.
One in 10 women admitted they had found it harder getting work during the pandemic, and an unfortunate seven per cent lost their job.
The study was commissioned by global hygiene and health company Essity, which has supported charity In Kind Direct for 20-years.
Essity has created an educational video with advice for those affected by period poverty.
A spokesman said: “This is a really tough time for many, and we recognise our responsibility to try and help where we can to address the hardships so many are facing. As a result, we have just extended our commitment to donate 100,000 period products per month until the end of 2023 at least.
“Sanitary protection is a basic human requirement, and through charities like In Kind Direct there are ways women and girls can access the products they need.
“We just need to raise awareness of where to go, and how to get these items without feeling any sense of embarrassment or shame.”
To cope at their time of the month, those who can’t always afford their own protection have sourced free pads or tampons from work (36 per cent), the local hospital (30 per cent) or a GP (29
