Architecture, engineering and the building trade are among the worst offenders when it comes to women feeling their progression and pay has been harmed by the impact of periods and menstrual symptoms, research has suggested.
A poll of 2,000 women by Superdrug Online Doctor argued that menstrual symptoms, too often, are quietly derailing women’s careers.
Overall, four in 10 women polled felt that the impact of periods and menstrual symptoms had knocked their pay and progression in the workplace.
Nearly half of those surveyed (42%) said their periods had negatively affected their salary progression or chances of a promotion – a figure almost identical to the career impact reported for pregnancy (43%).
Among women aged 16-25, nearly two-thirds (64%) reported that their period symptoms had stunted their salary and promotion opportunities.
More than a third (35%) of women aged under 35 cited their menstrual cycle as a barrier to their career growth. More than a third of women also admitted to working through extreme period pain.
Drilling down into specific sectors, 59% of women working within architecture, engineering and building said they had felt their pay and progression had been harmed in this way.
The only industries that performed worse were HR (61%), and sales, media and marketing (60%), said Superdrug Online Doctor.
A total of 60% of the women polled said they felt forced to hide period pain as the reason for sick leave, fearing they’ll be judged as ‘unprofessional’. Meanwhile, 37% of women said they worked through extreme period pain without disclosing it at all.
A lack of support for menstrual health was causing a quarter (24%) of women to reconsider their job role, with 16% calling for menstrual leave allowances.
“Women’s cognitive and emotional performance naturally fluctuates across the menstrual cycle,” said GP Dr Hana Patel, speaking to Superdrug Online Doctor.
“Rising oestrogen levels during the follicular phase and ovulation boost focus, mood, and memory, making those high-energy, demanding tasks easier. In contrast, during the late luteal and early menstrual phases, progesterone dominance and hormonal withdrawal can lead to reduced concentration, lower mood, and greater fatigue, making rigid 9-5 schedules particularly difficult to manage,” she added.
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