Menstrual cycles are individual, complex, and for some, they can be completely debilitating. Unfortunately, many continue to suffer in silence as they try to navigate menstruation at work, dealing with a flurry of symptoms because “it’s just a period, right?”. However, the physical and emotional symptoms of our menstrual cycles can have a profound impact on our mental health, particularly in the workplace. Let's explore the relationship between menstruation at work and our mental health as we try to understand why we feel the way we do, and the steps that employers can take to create a thoughtful, inclusive workplace for all.
PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is extremely common and many of us that have periods experience it. As we approach our period, our hormones tend to fluctuate which can result in changes to how we feel, both physically and emotionally.
Symptoms of PMS may include bloating, headaches, sensitive moods, changes to your skin, low energy, tiredness and fatigue. PMS can also be responsible for exacerbating mental health struggles which we may already be experiencing, such as anxiety or depression.
We may only experience one or two of these symptoms during our cycle, resulting in subtle changes in how we feel. However, for others, these symptoms can be severe, drastically impacting day to day lives.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is often described as “severe PMS” as it also impacts your mental, physical and emotional health prior to your period. However, PMDD is a chronic condition, and the severity of the emotional symptoms are much more intense and can have a greater impact on your everyday life than PMS. PMDD can cause depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and intrusive thoughts.
PMDD is believed to affect up to 8% of people who menstruate, however it is also under-recognised and underdiagnosed.
How does menstruation impact work?
As working professionals, we pride ourselves on being able to show up to work and handle our responsibilities to the best of our ability. As a result, it can feel demoralising when our menstrual cycles begin to impact our ability to do our jobs.
Additionally, despite being “mother nature’s gift”, there is a lack of understanding, and stigma attached to menstrual cycles, particularly in workplaces, which prevent individuals from seeking support when they’re struggling.
During different stages of their menstrual cycle, individuals may feel tired due to lack of energy and motivation, or more sensitive than usual causing them to act differently towards criticism from colleagues. In terms of the physical symptoms, bloating and changes to skin may affect their confidence, while cramps and headaches might make it difficult to concentrate.
More than two thirds of women (69%) who experience symptoms during menstruation say that it has had a negative impact at work. More than half (53%) have even felt unable to go into work at some point because of their symptoms. Yet, 49% said they never tell their manager if their absence is related to their menstrual cycles because they felt embarrassed and as though their problems would be trivialised (CIPD, 2023).
This highlights the need for better support and understanding in workplaces to help employees to manage symptoms effectively, talk openly, and seek support when needed.
Practical steps for employers
Employers and workplaces play a crucial role in supporting employees who experience menstrual symptoms and are impacted at work as a result. Here are some practical steps to consider in order to foster more inclusive, thoughtful environments:
- Ensure work environments are psychologically safe, by encouraging open, non-judgemental conversations about menstrual health.
- If an employee opens up to you, take matters seriously. Don’t trivialise or make light of their experiences.
- Provide access to mental health support and resources, and make sure employees know how to access that support. This could be through a Rightsteps solution, such as talking therapies or our hub, or through an EAP.
- Review policies and consider adopting flexible working arrangements for when needed.
- Provide training for managers and staff which educates and raises awareness.
Steps for individuals
While symptoms drastically differ from person to person, and are sometimes unpredictable, there are some practical steps you can take to feel more in control of your mental health at work during menstruation at work:
- Track your symptoms:
There are so many great apps and tools available which allow you to track your menstrual health and how you’re feeling. Over time, this may help you to see trends in how you’re feeling so that you know what to expect and feel reassured that what you’re experiencing is normal for you. - Communicate with your manager:
If you feel as though your menstrual cycle symptoms are having a significant impact on your ability to work, then don’t suffer in silence. Consider having a conversation with your manager about ways that you can be supported at work. Approaching conversations which feel personal or private can feel daunting, so you may want to arrange some dedicated time to meet with them privately or consider discussing the matter with them virtually (for example, through email or messages) as opposed to face-to-face. Remember that there is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about – everyone deserves to feel comfortable and happy in their work environment. - Seek professional support:
If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, you may want to consider contacting a health professional or your GP to explore your specific experiences in more detail and try to find ways to help alleviate some of the hardship. - Be kind to yourself:
Managing menstruation at work can be a complex journey which takes time. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself.
For further support on how to approach conversations surrounding women’s health, click here.