Chapter 3: Create fair employment and work for all

Menstruation-related symptoms (MRSs) are diverse and widespread among women. The most common symptoms include dysmenorrhoea (which is severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during periods), heavy menstrual bleeding and premenstrual mood disturbances. They are often referred to as 'period pain'.

Studies show that women with MRSs have lower scores on several domains of quality of life such as general health and physical, mental, social and occupational functioning. These symptoms may create considerable financial burdens on women and their families as well as on society.

Almost a quarter of women (24%) said they regularly experience period pain that affects their ability to work. However the majority of women have never taken time off work for period pain (65%). Of those women who have had to take time off work for period pain, only 11% of them have never concealed the real reason they are off work from their employer.
(YouGov. (2022). Period pain and work: many women have never taken time off despite being in serious pain.)

It can be a difficult and stressful time for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Women experience the menopause differently and for some, the symptoms can be quite severe and can affect people both mentally and physically. Managing the effects of the menopause at work is important for both employers and their staff.
(Department for Education. (2021/22) Apprenticeships and traineeships - Interactive data visualisation tool.)

The menopause is a natural stage of life which affects most women and other people who have a menstrual cycle. This can include:

• trans people - 'trans' is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth
• people with 'variations of sex development' (VSD) - some people might prefer to identify as intersex or use the term 'differences in sex development' (DSD)

It's important for employers to be aware of all of the people who might go through the menopause and menopause symptoms and to support them all equally.
(ACAS. (2022). Menopause at work.)

Although the menopause will only be experienced by women and other people who have a menstrual cycle, it's beneficial for others (including men) to be included in conversations and training. It's important for everyone to understand its impact and how to support those going through it.