Problematic periods costing young women: the impact of menstrual symptoms on work and study

Menstrual disorders are common, but their economic and social impact is still underreported. This study used a cross-sectional design to investigate menstrual symptom prevalence, impacts and economic burden in Australian women of reproductive age. One thousand two hundred thirty-eight responses were analysed (median age 33 years). Most respondents (77%) reported having bothersome menstrual symptoms, and almost half (44%) reported missed days of work or study because of their symptoms. Those aged 18-24 years were more likely to report bothersome menstrual symptoms, and time away from work and study, than those aged 35-44 years. The economic burden due to menstrual symptoms was approximately AUD $14.2 billion per year.