NIRVANA

Across the world, there are few countries who have adopted the menstrual leaves policy including Japan (since 1947), Indonesia (since 2003), South Korea (since 2007), Taiwan, Vietnam, Zambia, and Spain (first in Europe 2023).

Should menstrual leaves be adopted in other countries as well?

In this article, we shall explore the importance of menstrual leaves, the biology of women, and the impact on women’s body & health.

What Happens on the Biological Level when a Woman is having Her Menses?

The female body sheds the accumulated inner lining of the uterus. The process which lasts from 3 to 7 days, is driven by sharp drop in hormones such as progesterone and estrogen and involves contraction of the uterine muscles.

Physical changes happening in the uterus involve the endometrial shedding, contraction (cramps) to help expel the lining, and vasoconstriction causing the blood vessels in the endometrium to constrict. On average, 35ml of menstrual fluid is lost. Common physiological symptoms involve:

• Abdominal or pelvic cramps : Caused by the contractions to expel the lining
• Lower back pain: Due to muscle contractions radiating pain
• Fatigue and Low energy: Due to drop in estrogen levels
• Mood changes: Due to drop in the hormones progesterone and estrogen, irritability, sadness often referred as PMS – Premenstrual syndrome may happen.
• Other symptoms: Bloating, headache, dizziness, acne, and breast tenderness.

The Impacts of Women Working During Menstruation

When we work during our menstruation, we face abdominal cramps, lower back pain, dizziness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, lightheadedness, headaches, muscular and joint aches, among others. Studies have shown that women experience reduced efficiency, productivity, lower energy levels, and increased discomfort.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside it, affecting about 10% of women worldwide according to WHO – World Health Organisation. A woman having endometriosis may face severe, chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, extreme fatigue, nausea, and severe menstrual cramps.

During the menstruation phase, our body is already doing a lot of work to expel the uterine lining and inspite of all these complex changes we are having to work and deliver.

On a personal note, when I used to be in charge of the workshop operations, even during my menses I used to reach work at 6 in the morning, when during winter it was still dark and sometimes there would be a very light cold rain. Still I would go to work even if my body was begging to rest. However in the end, it was my body who paid for the ‘sacrifice’ that I made.

What does Ayurveda – the most ancient Indian “science of life” say about menstruation?

Ayurveda, the most ancient Indian “science of life” (5000+ years old), views menstruation as a natural, downward moving detoxification process, requiring rest, gentle care, warm nourishment, and minimal exertion.

During the menstrual phase, it is advised to reduce stress and avoid lifting heavy things or intense exercise.

Our modern lifestyle decided otherwise.

The Big Debate: Should Menstrual Leaves be Adopted by Other Countries?

There is a big debate happening in countries like India where in March 2026 the Supreme Court rejected the menstrual leave policy on the grounds that such a policy would discourage employers from hiring women and hinder their career prospects. In that case, should the system change or should women continue to endure?

However, I believe that the final decision should be made by women not by men who logically do not have a vagina. I believe that a man can only fully understand what a woman goes through on the day one would be born as a girl. It may be in his next life but until then, one should not pretend to understand exactly how a woman feels.

There are many ways countries can adopt menstrual leaves. Some countries opt for one day of paid leave per month, some applied three days of paid leave per month, or menstrual leaves with partial pay. Spain allows the state social security system to cover the cost. The option of flexible hours or remote work can also be applied.

My Final Reflection

Now that we know about the challenges that women go through during menstruation, I believe that it is important that atleast the option of menstrual leaves is available in organisations. For instance, let’s think about a woman who is going through endometriosis, how difficult must is be for her?

I believe that the subject of menstrual leaves is a balance between providing the right support to women while avoiding policies that could act against female employees.

In Mauritius, during the past elections, it was said that menstrual leaves shall be adopted but till now nothing has changed and women continue to endure quietly.

How about you? Do you think that menstrual leaves should be adopted in your country?

Yashna Veera

Life Coach and Yoga & Meditation Practitioner

NIRVANA