Rebecca Manzi Menstrual pain is silently draining women's productivity. A new Dutch study urges companies to acknowledge presenteeism and rethink rigid work cultures.
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Menstrual pain is one of those deeply familiar yet rarely spoken realities for countless women. It affects up to 90% of women, manifesting as abdominal cramps, fatigue, nausea, mood swings, and sometimes heavy bleeding. And yet, despite how widespread it is, the impact of menstrual pain is often brushed aside — both in workplaces and in healthcare systems.
But here’s the catch: it’s not just about taking sick days. According to a Dutch study published in BMJ Open, the real loss of productivity during menstruation comes not from absence, but from “presenteeism” — showing up for work or school while physically drained and mentally foggy. The researchers surveyed more than 32,000 women aged 15 to 45, and their findings paint a clear picture: menstrual pain leads to an average productivity loss of almost 9 days per year.
The submerged reality
Only one in seven women reported taking time off from work or school due to menstrual symptoms. The vast majority pushed through — physically present, but far from fully functioning. This behavior was especially common among young women under 21, who were slightly more likely to report absences, though even then, few felt comfortable explaining the real reason to their teachers or employers.
It’s easy to understand why. Menstruation, still wrapped in social stigma, is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience rather than the debilitating condition it can be. And so, the silence continues.
The case for flexibility
Here’s where things get even more frustrating. Eighty-one percent of the women interviewed admitted they were less productive during their period. But how often do companies acknowledge that? Rarely — if ever.
The majority of women in the study expressed a clear need for more flexible schedules, especially during the most difficult days of their cycle. A few extra hours of rest, or even the option to work from home, could make a significant difference. But instead, they’re expected to perform as usual, in systems that were never designed with menstruating bodies in mind.
This isn’t just about comfort — it’s about equity.
Time for a cultural shift: this is discrimination
Researchers behind the study argue that the presenteeism linked to menstruation is a systemic issue, and it’s one we continue to ignore. The lack of awareness, combined with the absence of real workplace policies, doesn’t just come with an economic cost — it reinforces a quiet form of discrimination.
“It’s time we stop treating menstruation as a minor nuisance,” the study urges, “and start acknowledging it for what it really is: a physiological reality that deserves respect and support.”
The message is clear: ignoring menstrual pain isn’t neutral — it’s harmful. And while more companies are beginning to talk about inclusivity and wellness, menstrual health is still far too often left out of the conversation.
Until we build systems that take these experiences seriously, women will continue to carry the hidden burden — silently, every month.
Source: BMJ Open
