Menstrual problems are a significant labor issue affecting a large number of working women, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity. Experts emphasize the need to break the taboo surrounding these issues and provide structural support and normalization in the workplace.

Many women experience severe symptoms related to menstruation and hormonal conditions that limit their daily functioning. Approximately 10 percent of total absenteeism is related to menstrual disorders, resulting in about 4 million lost work weeks annually due to menopausal problems.

A survey reveals the impact of these issues, with women reporting having to work through back pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, depression, and concentration problems without understanding or support. Only a small percentage of women discuss menstrual problems with their supervisors, due to shame or the feeling that colleagues won’t understand.

To address this issue, it is crucial for women and doctors to take these symptoms seriously and seek timely diagnosis and treatment. The workplace must also adapt by providing access to clean toilets, menstrual products, and understanding managers, as well as offering customized solutions for complaints, such as adjusting tasks and working hours and the possibility of working from home.

Steps are being taken to address the issue. More collective labor agreements are including agreements about customized solutions for menstruation and menopausal symptoms, demonstrating a significant step forward.