Study challenges menstrual taboo to promote more inclusive workplaces

A new study is the first to systematically examine how severe menstrual symptoms affect working life, exposing a major research gap and the need for more inclusive policies.

Researchers analysed global studies to identify common themes and to map the challenges women face at work.

The work, led by the University of Portsmouth, highlights how little research exists on workplace menstrual health despite evidence that 25 per cent of women experience severe symptoms.

These include cramps, breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches, fatigue and back pain, alongside heavy bleeding, painful periods, anaemia (low red blood cells), irregular cycles, fibroids (non-cancerous growths) and endometriosis (tissue similar to the womb lining growing outside the uterus).

Lead author Amtullah Oluwakanyinsola Adegoke said: “We need to recognise that women and girls menstruate – it’s a natural part of life.

“As members of society, their needs should be acknowledged as part of the life cycle.

“While menopause awareness has grown, menstrual health and endometriosis are still not widely understood.”

While analysing previous data, the researchers found a survey of more than 42,000 women aged 15 to 45 which revealed that one in three experienced symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily activities, including work.

Researchers identified three themes: impact on women’s workplace wellbeing and quality of life; presenteeism and absenteeism linked to symptoms; and organisational practices, policies and menstrual health inclusion programmes.

The study found that supported employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, stay in their roles longer and engage more.

Poor menstrual health support can lead to depression, poor concentration, reduced performance and an overall negative effect on wellbeing.

Only 18 per cent of organisations include some form of menstrual health support within their wellbeing initiatives, and just 12 per cent provide dedicated support.

Professor Karen Johnston from the University of Portsmouth said: “Menstrual health remains a largely neglected area of research.

“The majority of existing studies in medical journals focus on clinical aspects, highlighting the need to use menopause research to support the argument for menstruation. Although other topics have received increased attention in the UK, menstrual health continues to be underexplored.

“It shouldn’t be a taboo topic – it should be part of an organisation’s health and wellbeing agenda.

“Alongside training, organisations should explore flexible working and ways to support employees experiencing severe menstrual problems.”

The study emphasised the importance of creating more inclusive workplaces through supportive measures such as menstrual leave, flexible working, access to hygiene products and encouraging open conversations.

In the UK, there is no legal requirement for paid menstrual leave, so employees typically use standard sick leave.