Menstruation-Related Diseases, Work Performance, and Oral Contraceptive: Nationwide Online Survey (December 2025)-Menstruation-Related Diseases, Work Performance, and Oral Contraceptive: Nationwide Online Survey

Menstruation-Related Diseases, Work Performance, and Oral Contraceptive: Nationwide Online Survey

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This nationwide online survey conducted in Japan investigated the impact of menstruation-related diseases (MRDs)—specifically premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and dysmenorrhea—on women's work performance (WP), including presenteeism (reduced productivity while working) and absenteeism. Among 4,818 employed women aged 16 to 45, 11.6% had PMS, 5.4% had PMDD, and 48.1% experienced dysmenorrhea.<br /><br />The study found that PMDD notably increased risks for both presenteeism and absenteeism, with effect sizes larger than PMS or dysmenorrhea. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for presenteeism were 5.11 for PMDD, 2.38 for PMS, and 1.59 for dysmenorrhea, with population-attributable fractions (PAFs) suggesting that PMS and PMDD accounted for approximately 15% of severe work-functioning impairment cases combined. For absenteeism, only PMDD showed a significant association after adjustment.<br /><br />Regarding treatment impact, oral contraceptive (OC) use significantly alleviated presenteeism among women with PMDD (adjusted OR 0.17), but not among those with PMS or dysmenorrhea. OC use did not significantly affect absenteeism in any group. The results suggest that while MRDs broadly impair work productivity, OCs’ beneficial effects on work performance are primarily observed in PMDD patients.<br /><br />The study highlights that MRDs, especially PMS and PMDD, considerably impair women's WP, with a larger burden resulting from PMDD. The prevalence rates found align with previous research. Given that menstruation-related symptoms often lead to presenteeism rather than absenteeism, many women work with reduced productivity, possibly due to difficulty taking menstrual leave or stigma. The findings emphasize the need for workplace awareness and support systems addressing these conditions.<br /><br />Limitations include the cross-sectional design, potential underestimation of OC effects due to lacking detailed medication data, and the online survey setting which may affect generalizability. However, this research underscores that merely encouraging OC use alone is insufficient to improve WP broadly and calls for comprehensive workplace strategies to support women affected by MRDs.

Keywords

menstruation-related diseases

premenstrual syndrome

premenstrual dysphoric disorder

dysmenorrhea

work performance

presenteeism

absenteeism

oral contraceptives

workplace support

Japan online survey