Nearly one in four women who has taken time off work because of menstruation cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms has lied about the true reason for their absence, a survey by period care company Yoppie has found.

Of the 2,400 women surveyed, 26% felt that period pain or PMS symptoms were not considered a legitimate reason to take time off sick, and 23% had lied about their true reason for taking time off work.

Reasons given for not telling their employer the truth included they felt self-conscious about taking time off for reasons including heavy flow or leaking (18%); they were uncomfortable discussing the subject itself (13%); they feared judgement from male colleagues (12%); and they felt “inadequate” compared to female colleagues who appeared not to take time off due to menstruation (12%).

Only 7% of women said the reason for lying about their time off was because of poor facilities in the workplace.

The average level of absence per worker is 6.6 days. General health is obviously a factor, as are working conditions, including health and safety standards, levels of stress, and harassment and bullying. Family or emotional problems, or mental health issues other than stress, also all play a part.

Said Yoppie founder, Daniella Peri:

“Although periods are not the taboo topic that they used to be, it is clear that many women still don’t feel they can be open and honest about the severity of their PMS symptoms in the workplace.

“PMS is a very personal subject but this doesn’t mean we should live in fear of being judged for taking time off. In fact, stress can be an influential factor in exacerbating PMS symptoms and so having to worry about covering it up could inadvertently make it worse.”

A survey in 2019 also found one in six endometriosis sufferers, who can experience intensely painful periods, was at risk of leaving the workplace because of the effects of their condition.