Heavy Periods Affect Productivity and Income

Women with heavy menstrual periods lose an estimated 3.6 workweeks per year and an estimated $1692 annually in wages, compared with the general female workforce, according to data from the 1999 National Health Interview Survey. In addition, a lower proportion of women with heavy periods reported that they were currently employed (63% vs 74%), and that their health was excellent or very good (approximately 50% vs 70%), compared with women with low or normal periods. The findings were reported in Obstetrics & Gynecology.