Do Women Take Time Off During Their Periods?

Every woman experiences her menstrual cycle differently, with pain levels and other symptoms varying widely from one individual to another. Some women face mild cramps that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, while others suffer from intense, debilitating pain that renders them unable to function normally. This variation in experiences highlights the complex nature of menstruation and its impact on daily life and professional commitments.

Experiencing Severe Period Pain

For women who experience severe pain, it is common to take time off from work to rest and manage their symptoms. It can be excruciating, leading to multiple trips to the bathroom and periods of intense discomfort. In such cases, it is often difficult to maintain work commitments. While some may choose to go to work and work extra unpaid hours to make up for missed days, others may find it necessary to take time off.

One example is shared by a woman who experienced such severe cramping that she would often need to take time off work. She mentioned, 'Sometimes my period came and went with no trouble or such a mild amount of cramping that a regular over-the-counter pain pill would handle it. Then at other times the pain was like being tortured for hours and hours so excruciating that I’d hug the toilet vomiting then curl up into a ball of pain and try to sleep. So no, I didn’t go to work when it was bad like that. But then when the pain passed, I would go back to work and put in extra unpaid hours to make up for the time I’d missed.'

This experience is not uncommon, especially among those who experience severe menstrual cramps. It is important to recognize that severe menstrual pain is a real and debilitating condition that can affect a woman's ability to perform her job effectively.

The Absence of Paid Leave and Social Stigma

For many women, especially in places where paid leave is not available, taking time off due to menstrual issues can be financially punishing. This leads to an ingrained reluctance to take time off work. Additionally, societal norms and social stigma further discourage women from openly discussing their menstrual cycle and taking time off work for it.

Many women have manageable periods or take medication to avoid them or make them lighter. Some may call in sick if their period is worse than usual, but this often ties back to overworking. The idea of calling in sick for just one or two days a year based on period symptoms is seen as problematic. In contrast, colleagues who call in sick for two weeks for a cold are more easily excused.

A woman shared, 'I can’t remember how many times over the span of my career I would go in to work on the weekends to catch up. Most women won’t, especially in places where paid leave is not a thing so you are basically punished directly for every day you take off for whatever reason.'

These challenges underline the broader issues of workplace policies and social attitudes towards menstrual health. Many women feel pressure to manage their menstrual cycles on their own terms and may feel that staying at work is seen as a sign of resilience rather than a recognition of personal well-being.

Dealing with Period Discomfort at Work

For women who do manage to go to work during their period, the experience can be challenging. Hormonal imbalances can cause anger and irritability, but the ability to maintain composure in professional settings is crucial. Some women may experience severe digestive issues, leading to vomiting, muscle pain, and excessive bleeding.

Combine these physical and psychological challenges with the demands of a job, and the experience can be overwhelming. Women must often suppress their discomfort, nausea, and emotional responses to perform their work effectively. They may need to clean up blood and other related messes, which is an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing task.

A woman described, 'Most women have to just suck it up and go to work and deal with their periods while at work. To make it even worse, it is common for a woman’s hormones to be out of balance causing her to get angry and annoyed easily, but she still has to be nice to the people at her work or customers.'

Others may experience severe stomach issues, resulting in vomiting, muscle pain, exacerbating gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman's ability to work and perform her tasks effectively. While awareness and accommodations are gradually increasing, many women continue to experience these challenges without any clear path to resolution.

In conclusion, while men may not fully understand the complexities of menstrual experiences, it is essential for workplaces to recognize the unique challenges women face. Policies that provide paid leave for medical reasons and create a supportive environment can go a long way in helping women manage their periods without sacrificing their jobs and well-being.