Emergency Measures and Workplace Policies for Managing Menstrual Discomfort at Work

Quick Relief Measures for Sudden Menstrual Pain

Experiencing menstrual pain during work? If you have an upcoming meeting you can’t miss, there are some quick ways to alleviate menstrual discomfort, even temporarily.

One common cause of menstrual pain is poor blood circulation in the pelvic area. Slouching can add pressure on this area, worsening blood flow and increasing pain. By adjusting to an upright posture, blood circulation around the pelvis may improve, easing menstrual discomfort.

Additionally, maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods can also restrict blood flow. If possible, stand up occasionally or do a few light stretches.

Using a heating pad is another effective measure. Coldness can exacerbate poor circulation, leading to more pain. Along with warming your abdomen, try these areas to further relieve menstrual pain:

1. Neck: helps warm the entire body.
2. Sacrum: improves blood flow to the lower body.
3. Inner thighs: enhances blood flow to the lower body.

Acupressure Points for Managing Drowsiness

During or before menstruation, it’s common to feel drowsy regardless of how much sleep you get. While a quick 30-minute nap can help alleviate daytime drowsiness, this isn’t always feasible, such as during a meeting. For a quick boost, try these acupressure points:

1. Seimei: located slightly closer to the nose from the inner corner of each eye.
2. Taiyo: found slightly towards the temple from the outer corner of each eye.
3. Fuchi: located at the hairline, in the hollow area at the back of the neck.

Consider Using Menstrual Leave

Taking proper rest when experiencing health issues is essential to maintaining optimal performance at work. Under the Labor Standards Act, menstrual leave is available for “women who have difficulty working during menstruation.” Exercising this right to rest during severe menstrual pain is a legal right for employees. Menstrual leave is typically available upon verbal request and doesn’t require a medical certificate.

However, awareness and understanding of menstrual leave—and menstrual health in general—are still limited in society, and requesting this leave may feel challenging. If you find it difficult to ask for menstrual leave directly, you might start by simply discussing your symptoms with a supervisor. Open communication can foster understanding of the discomfort caused by menstrual pain.

If it remains difficult to gain understanding from your supervisor, consider submitting a doctor’s note. This demonstrates that menstrual pain is a medically recognized issue.

Consulting with HR or labor management can also be effective. Menstrual leave is a legally mandated policy, and employers cannot refuse it.

Shine Without Letting Menstrual Discomfort Hold You Back

While progress has been made in promoting women’s empowerment, it’s unfortunate that awareness and understanding of menstrual-related discomfort remain limited in many workplaces.

Let’s continue striving to bring our best performance, without letting menstrual discomfort prevent us from excelling!