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Menstruation as a Work Stressor: Evidence and Interventions

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Exploring Resources, Life-Balance and Well-Being of Women Who Work in a Global Context

Abstract

Women who work experience various stressors as part of their work day. Due to their physiology, over the course of the month, other stressors, such as the menstrual cycle, may act as another stressor. There is a fairly large volume of research showing that pre-menstrual symptoms/tension (PMS/PMT) influences women’s moods. Evidence has found also that stressful work could reduce the length of women’s cycles, as well as a body of evidence linking stress at work to increased pain during menstruation; there is less research to link menstruation with the ability to function at work. A diary method with two waves of data allowed this chapter to explore the effects of menstrual symptoms on work outcomes, such as job strain and job performance, finding limited support for adverse outcomes. The chapter ends by proposing options for women to explore to address any of the discomfort they may face on a monthly basis due to their monthly cycle.

This chapter is based on data collected independently by the author and represents solely her opinions and/or conclusions.

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    Roxane L. Gervais

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    Roxane L Gervais

  2. School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia

    Prudence M. Millear

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Gervais, R.L. (2016). Menstruation as a Work Stressor: Evidence and Interventions. In: Gervais, R., Millear, P. (eds) Exploring Resources, Life-Balance and Well-Being of Women Who Work in a Global Context. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31736-6_12

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