Problematic Periods Costing Young Women—The Impact of Menstrual Symptoms on Work and Study
Amelia K. Mardon, Sarah White, Danielle Howe, Michelle O’Shea, Allie Eathorne, Mark Gannott, Ally Schott, Mike Armour
Abstract
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.