Period pain, bloating and the impacts of period symptoms on mental health are responsible for many women and people who menstruate missing out on as much as 36 days’ worth of social events, education, exercise and work, every year. Not cool.
The research from Joii, a new brand innovating in the period care sector, found many people who menstruate had cancelled a date, skipped out on work drinks and cancelled a weekend away because of their period. Alongside social plans, more than a third have missed out on education, and 45 per cent admitted they were unable to exercise because of period discomfort.
Last week, Spain became the first country in Europe to entitle workers to paid menstrual leave, meaning that workers can take time off work for painful symptoms from their period.
The UK currently doesn't offer this benefit as standard, but we hope that the government will take inspiration from Spain – as well as Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia – in accommodating the impact of periods on our health.
Studies have found that the workplaces ignoring the impact of periods on an employee affects productivity considerably, as well. Research shows that women tend to work through their period pain, and it makes them less productive.
Mind blown, in more ways than one.
A 2019 Dutch survey of 32,748 women found that this presenteeism during painful, exhausting or heavy periods accounted for 9 days of lost productivity per person, per year.
On top of productivity benefits, it turns out there are also true health benefits when you're given flexibility to not work, or work at home, while on your period. GLAMOUR asked Le’Nise Brothers – a yoga teacher, registered nutritionist and author of the book You Can Have a Better Period – about the true health benefits of working from home when you're menstruating.
“We have a greater need for rest during our periods, especially on the first one or two days, when our oestrogen levels – our feminising, energising hormone – are at their lowest,” Le'Nise explains. “Working from home allows you to go at your own pace, even waking up a bit later, without the stress of accounting for the timing of a commute.”
The ability to work in your own environment can also help people who suffer from specific conditions that affect their reproductive systems, which could make their periods more painful or difficult to manage.
It's estimated that 78% of men would take contraception, but they fear the potential side effects.
“This flexibility helps those with endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and painful or heavy periods who may feel anxious about going to work during their periods,” Le'Nise says. “Working from home means that if you’re struggling with period pain, it’s easy to pop a hot water bottle on your lap or lie down in between meetings.”
She adds that it can also alleviate any anxiety felt during your period, particularly around leakages: “When you’re working from home, there’s less pressure to be the first or last one in the office and you can feel like you have more control over your day.
"Some of my clients with very heavy periods have found they feel less anxious about potential leaks and/or bleeding through their clothes because it’s easy for them to make a quick clothing change.”
It's the subject of Anita Bhagwandas' new book, “Ugly”
Also, working at home can mean you can incorporate important comfort breaks into your routine. Le'Nise adds: “The bonus is that as soon as you’re done work, you can take a hot bath or shower or climb right into bed!”
The benefits are endless, and each should be taken seriously when it comes to giving people who menstruate the flexibility they need.
Also, we're just here waiting (not so patiently) for menstrual leave to come to the UK.
