--- title: How do premenstrual symptoms affect women's work performance and attendance? description: Very significantly. Over 90% of the women surveyed reported some premenstrual symptoms, and 40% experienced them moderately or severely. Those with severe sym url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-symptoms-and-work-exploring-female-staff-experiences-and-2021/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How do premenstrual symptoms affect women's work performance and attendance? Guideline, 2021 # How do premenstrual symptoms affect women's work performance and attendance? Very significantly. Over 90% of the women surveyed reported some premenstrual symptoms, and 40% experienced them moderately or severely. Those with severe symptoms were more likely to be absent from work, arrive late, or leave early. Moderate study design 125 working women in the United Kingdom ## What they did An online anonymous survey of 125 working women in the UK asked about their premenstrual symptoms and how these affected work. Researchers collected data on work performance, absences, and factors linked to symptom severity. ## What they found Over 90% reported some premenstrual symptoms. 40% experienced moderate or severe symptoms. Higher severity was significantly associated with poor work performance, intention to reduce working hours, and increased absences. Women with moderate to severe symptoms also reported lower health, higher alcohol consumption, poorer sleep, anxiety, depression, and use of hormonal contraception. Most women did not disclose their symptoms at work. ## What it means for you Premenstrual symptoms significantly disrupt work for many women, yet most are reluctant to tell their employers. Workplaces could better support women by providing education and flexible options. The main limit is this surveyed only women in the UK. Over 90% Women reporting any premenstrual symptoms 40% Experiencing moderate or severe symptoms 125 Sample size ## About the study Original title Premenstrual Symptoms and Work: Exploring Female Staff Experiences and Recommendations for Workplaces Authors Hardy C, Hunter MS Journal International journal of environmental research and public health Year 2021 Study design Guideline What was tested None (this was a survey) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073647](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073647) Original abstract Most women experience some premenstrual symptoms during their reproductive years. Yet, this is an under-researched health issue, particularly in the context of work. This study aimed to: (i) understand the prevalence and severity of premenstrual symptoms experienced by working females, and their association with key work outcomes; (ii) explore factors that may be influencing these symptoms and their severity; and (iii) examine how organizations might help staff with premenstrual symptoms that may be impacting their working lives. An online, anonymous survey collected quantitative and qualitative data from 125 working women in the UK. Over 90% of the sample reported some premenstrual symptoms; 40% experienced premenstrual symptoms moderately or severely. Higher symptom severity was significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with poor presenteeism, intention to reduce working hours, and higher work absence (time off work, being late, leaving early). Moderate/severe symptoms were significantly associated with several individual-related variables: lower perceived general health, higher alcohol consumption, poorer sleep quality, anxiety, depression, hormonal contraception, and using fewer coping approaches towards premenstrual symptoms (avoiding harm, adjusting energy levels); and work-related variables: poorer work-life balance, lower levels of psychological resilience, higher perceived work demands, less control over work. Disclosure of premenstrual symptoms and sickness absence because of premenstrual symptoms was very low, typically because of perceptions of appropriateness as a reason for work absence, gender of line managers (male), and it being a personal or embarrassing topic. Staff with moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms were statistically more likely to disclose reason for absence than those with milder symptoms. Recommendations and suggestions for employers and line managers include the need to train staff to improve knowledge about women's experience of premenstrual symptoms, to be able to communicate effectively with women and to provide tailored support and resources for those who need it. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Cohort study, 2023 Is PMDD a valid medical diagnosis? Review, 2018 What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated? Review, 2015 What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Review, 2008 What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD? Survey study, 2026 What are the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for PMS and PMDD? Review, 2026 How do social factors like stigma and unequal care responsibilities affect premenstrual symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗