People Are Losing 36 Days A Year Due To Menstrual Symptoms

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We’ve all been taught that period pain is normal, but what if we’ve normalised menstrual pain too much?

New research from period care company Joii has found that people who menstruate are missing as much as 36 days’ worth of social events, education, exercise and work every year due to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and poor mental health. 

The study also found that people with severely debilitating periods, and for the one in ten sufferers of endometriosis, the amount of days missed was much higher, with some of those in Ireland missing up to 84 days a year.

UK research showed that 35 per cent had cancelled a date, 34% had skipped out on work drinks, and 28% had cancelled a weekend away because of their period. While 44% of the Irish participants cited leaking as a reason for cancelling plans.

Along with social plans, lots of people are missing out on education and work because of their period.

In Ireland 59% of people said they had been unable to attend classes due to menstrual health symptoms and 52% had been forced to call in sick to work.

We’ve all made sacrifices before when it comes to our menstrual health but who knew just how much?

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Joii founder Justyna Strzeszynska said: “As someone who suffered heavy and painful periods most of their adult life, I can really sympathise with the suffering that many experience each month. I too have cancelled social events and stayed home from work because of immense period pain.”

The research also highlighted the lack of menstrual education offered in schools as well as an understanding of menstrual symptoms in general. 

Nearly a third of those surveyed said that they didn’t know the symptoms of endometriosis, 35% said they couldn’t pinpoint the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), whilst 34% didn’t know what to look out for with fibroids.

Justyna continued: “Everyone who menstruates deserves better; to have access to tools that help them understand their own body better, more open conversations about menstruation, access to high performance products that match their flow and for more brands and organisations to be pushing for more research and understanding of menstrual health.

“More research and better menstrual health education is needed to help drive understanding of conditions like endometriosis. Taboos need to be broken in schools and workplaces to drive important conversations around menstrual health. Everyone who menstruates needs to feel they can take control and understand their body better”.

Despite the monthly suffering of those who menstruate, and the toll it takes on their social lives and productivity, many have never sought medical advice, thinking that the pain is normal.

There’s still so much to be done when it comes to women’s health, and educating ourselves is the first step. By addressing menstrual health symptoms, we can learn to understand our bodies and to take control of our health and well-being. 

Through increased awareness, access to resources, and destigmatisation of menstrual health, we can work towards a future where all women and those who menstruate have the knowledge and support that they need to manage their menstrual symptoms.

It’s important to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and prioritise self-care during your period to help manage symptoms such as cramps, back pain, fatigue, breakouts, and headaches.

From pain killers, heating pads, light exercise, and relaxation techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises, there is lots of things that you can do to help ease symptoms. 

Remember, never be afraid to contact your GP if you feel like something is off, or if something is worrying you. 

When it comes to our health we need to trust our instincts – you got this!

Words by Grace Sweeney 

• health
• period pain