Do menstrual cycles impact women’s productivity?

Menstrual cycles come with different strokes for different women. This period is characterised by hormonal imbalance and secretion of hormones which alter women’s overall composure. 

This period lasts between two and seven days monthly for different women. While some women stay off work for 24 to 84 days annually, others have to endure the rigour of work through menstruation. Thus, their overall productivity at workplace diminishes for three to twelve weeks annually as noted by employers.

Women experience different symptoms during their menstrual cycles which include abdominal or pelvic cramping, lower back pain, bloating, sore breasts, food cravings, mood swings, irritability, headache, and fatigue.

This affects their daily activities as data from the latest Women and Men in Nigeria Statistical Report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show. Acording to the data, 16.6 percent of women are exempted from activities during this period.

More women in Borno State are excluded from any form of activity during this period than in any other state, the report said. In the state, 32.9 percent of women have to sit out all activities during their monthly cycles.

The practice of good hygiene during the menstrual period is recommended to prevent infections, reduce odours and help women stay comfortable. This practice does not however dampen the varying experiences of women that affect their daily lives.

While data reveal that just a few percent of them are actually excluded from activities, those working have to endure the rigours of work through menstrual pains, affecting their productivity and progress.

Women recount experiences

A student at the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Ms Ann Okwobodo, said she was often bedridden during her menstrual period lasting for three to four days.

“I don’t engage in any kind of activity during this period, I just lie indoors as the pain is unbearable. I even missed a test which fell within my menstrual period,” Miss Okwobodo said.

On one occasion, Ms Okwobodo had to consult a doctor who helped her to reduce the pains.

Ms Olamida Sanni said she would love to engage in her daily activities during her menstrual cycle if she had her way, but circumstances often prevented this from happening.

“My experience during my menstrual cycle is sometimes pleasant and sometimes unpleasant. During those unpleasant situations, I have to stay away from activities,” Ms Sanni, whose cycle lasts for five to seven days, said.

Alice Julius has mixed experiences during her menstrual cycle. She said it was painful at times and relieving at other times. During her cycle lasting for five to seven days, she has to work through it, and the painful period was always hard to bear alongside work pressure. She said she would prefer to take some time off work during this period to lie down and sleep.

Kemisola Akinmusere said even though she had no issues with her menstrual cycle as it was often less painful, she still prefered they fell within the weekend when she would have sufficient time off work.

However, Amaka Nwaobi said she experienced minor cramps during the periods, noting that she would be able to engage in whatever activity after then.

Health and productivity

The Manager at AUZ Properties, Mr Monday Emiohe, said the overall productivity of his female staff often dropped drastically during their menstrual cycles. He said he usually observed mood swings and could see how uncomfortable they were during the period.

“They would often be distracted during their cycles,” he said.

He further said that in the extreme, some of his staff members experienced illness and would request some days off during the period. This would leaves work piled up due to a shortage of manpower, he noted. He explained that his female staff tended to be more agile and productive during their non-menstrual days, and they were always more effective.

The Hub Manager, KC Gaming Networks Ltd, Mr Emeka Kalu, said the output of his female staff during their menstrual cycles varied. “If she passes through disturbances and pains, her output will be poor because she will be struggling to nurse the pains. She may be aggressive, or non-responsive at all.”

Mr Kalu said the reverse was the case for those experiencing less or no pain and disturbances.

A medical practitioner, Dr Doofan Modi, said menstruation affected women generally and could vary from person to person. While some experienced mild changes, others would have serious body changes.

“These changes, which start a few days before the menses, are called premenstrual syndrome which includes breast pain, headaches, mood swing and acne,” Dr Modi said.

She pointed out that when the cycles eventually started, they would be accompanied by cramps, making movements unbearable for most women. She noted that the ability of women to engage in activities at work and home was hampered by increased somnolence during the menstrual period.

The medical practitioner said the use of painkillers had helped most women during this period, noting that the symptoms sometimes got worse as one got older.

Dr Modi said all women would appreciate some days off during this period, especially those experiencing severe cramps and others who bled a lot.