It’s no surprise that a monthly rollercoaster of symptoms can also take a toll on relationships. Nearly half of all people experiencing PMS report that the condition has an impact on their socialising and family relationships. This might manifest in us turning down a night out with friends, or pushing our partners away. 

The good news is that a growing awareness of premenstrual disorders means that there are more resources than ever before to support you and your loved ones. The best place to start is to talk about what you’re experiencing and how it’s making you feel. There’s no right or wrong way to start the conversation, but being honest about what you’re going through will help the people you care about offer support.

According to one study, 73% of people with periods struggle to do their work the way they’d like to because of period-related symptoms including low energy, concentration difficulties, pain and anxiety. Other studies have demonstrated a correlation between PMS and lower performance/productivity, as well as higher absence from work. Evelyn’s research shows that 56% of people have taken time off work or school because of their symptoms, but 71% of them did not disclose that PMS/PMDD was the reason for such.

Most people who experience PMS/PMDD at work find that lifestyle changes can make a big difference, even if cyclical symptoms and mood swings will often remain to some extent. This includes taking regular exercise, which has been proven to minimise symptoms drastically. Reducing stress is known to have a positive impact on PMS, with activities such as yoga or meditation helping to do so. If you’re experiencing extreme stress at work, it’s always best to raise this with your manager, team, or HR department.

Research has found that people with moderate to severe PMS or PMDD symptoms often report poorer work-life balance, higher perceived work demands, and less control over their work. One study looking at work-life balance in people with PMS/PMDD reports that symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, self-doubt, paranoia, fatigue, tearfulness, a heightened sensitivity to the environment and people, outbursts, and finding social interaction particularly difficult led to presenteeism and absenteeism at work. After symptoms disappeared, participants reported feelings of guilt because of such, and engages in over-compensatory behaviours such as working longer hours and taking work home during the remainder of the menstrual cycle.

If you do decide to discuss how your PMS/PMDD is affecting your work-life balance, it can be a good idea to consider what questions your boss is likely to ask ahead of the meeting, and how you would respond to them. Also, have a think about how you’d feel about different adjustments such as reduced hours, remote work and increased flexibility. The more prepared you are, the more likely that you’ll come out of the meeting feeling like your boss has heard you and positive change is coming.