Painful periods force nearly half of Gen Z to take days off from school or work
Last week it was revealed that Neale-Wade Academy, a secondary school in Cambridgeshire, is facing backlash over a new policy requiring students and parents to provide 'medical proof' for period pains to be considered a ‘legitimate absence.’ The policy also states that they will not accept terms such as "unwell," "poorly," or "ill" as explanations for student absences, which has caused an uproar among students, parents, and the broader school community.
The strict new policy has highlighted concerns about the underdiagnosis of conditions that can cause severe symptoms. The NHS notes that the average age for women to be diagnosed with conditions like endometriosis is between 25 and 40. This means that secondary school students could be suffering from intense pain but may be unable to obtain a doctor's note as required.
In light of this, new research from Bodyform, based on a survey of 1,500 people who menstruate, reveals that Gen Z experiences the most severe discomfort—such as cramps, bloating, back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches—causing them to miss school or work more often than any other age group.
Gen Z suffers most with painful periods
When it comes to painful periods, 56% of Gen Z surveyed said they suffer from them, and almost two-thirds (63%) admit it is so debilitating that it affects their quality of life—which was more than any other age group.
Almost half (46%) have been forced to take days off from school or work due to discomfort, and four in ten 18-24-year-olds reported that they still haven’t found a suitable way to ease their monthly cramps.
Joanne Kirwin, Intimate Hygiene Marketing Manager at Bodyform, said: “The recent measures around period pain and sick days are concerning.
“As our research shows, Gen Z are suffering considerably from painful periods and they are often forced to take days off from school or work due to the discomfort. The strict measures from the school highlight a wider issue around the perceptions of women’s health and the underdiagnosis of conditions like endometriosis.”
Gen Z leads the way in natural pain relief
According to the research, most age groups rely on painkillers during their time of the month. While some younger individuals use traditional pain relief methods like paracetamol (56%), they favour natural remedies more than any of the other age groups surveyed.
Heat compresses—such as hot water bottles, patches, and microwaveable packs—are the most popular form of pain relief, used by 60% of Gen Z. Comparatively, only 48% of their millennial counterparts use this same method to alleviate cramps.
Taking time to sleep was also adopted by six in ten Gen Z respondents, followed by pre-bedtime relaxation with no screens (47%).
Natural remedies, including essential oils, are used by 43% while comforting hot drinks like milk or chamomile are preferred by 33%. Exercise (33%), along with meditation, hypnotherapy, and positive affirmations (31%) are also used to combat cramp-filled nights.
To help women embrace various techniques to combat pain and poor sleep during their period, Bodyform has partnered with Clementine, a UK-based innovative hypnotherapy app. The app helps address challenges with sleep, pain, confidence, stress, and anxiety. Together with Bodyform, they have created Deep Sleep Sessions and affirmations designed to support women during their period.
Find out more about Mind Powered Periods here.
