You're in the middle of an important meeting and you feel like your period has just arrived. Cramps are mounting, anxiety about the potential stain, the urge to disappear under your desk. You're wondering if you can request time off work, if you're allowed to leave early, how to manage this discreetly without the entire open space knowing. Welcome to the monthly reality of millions of women who have to juggle between pain, heavy flow, and professionalism. But be careful, you have rights, solutions exist, and no, you don't have to suffer in silence.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of how to manage periods at work in France. Sick leave, menstrual leave, tips for managing them discreetly, how to talk (or not) to your employer, your legal rights, and the initiatives that are starting to change the situation. We also discuss specific situations depending on the profession and what to do when the pain becomes truly unmanageable.
⚡ What to remember
Your Rights When It Comes to Painful Periods
Let's start with the concrete. In France, no national law establishes specific menstrual leave. But that doesn't mean you have no recourse when your period leaves you bedridden.
Sick Leave: Your Most Concrete Right
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) are recognized as a legitimate reason for sick leave. A doctor may prescribe sick leave if your symptoms prevent you from working normally.
How to get a sick note
1. Make an appointment quickly
Consult your primary care physician or a gynecologist. A primary care physician is often quicker to access. Explain your symptoms in detail: pain intensity, impact on your ability to work, and duration.
2. The doctor assesses
He will determine whether your pain warrants temporary incapacity for work. If your symptoms are chronic or very severe, he may refer you to a specialist for further testing (endometriosis, PCOS, etc.).
3. Transmission within 48 hours
You receive 3 forms of sick leave:
- Section 1 and 2 → at the CPAM
- Section 3 → to your employer (without mentioning the medical reason)
⚠️ Important: Your employer never knows the reason for your leave. Absolute medical confidentiality. You are under no obligation to say that it's related to your period.
The Waiting Period: The Black Spot
The big problem with taking time off for painful periods is the waiting period. In France, the first 3 days of sick leave are not compensated (unless your employer covers it or your collective agreement provides for it).
Concretely, what does that mean?
- 2-day stop : You do not receive any compensation (3-day waiting period)
- 3-day stop : Same, you don't get anything
- 4-day stop : You are only paid for 1 day (50% of your daily salary)
- Repeated stops : Each new stoppage starts with 3 days of waiting time
This is why many women come to work even when they are suffering: they cannot afford to lose three days of pay each month.
Menstrual Leave: Where Are We in France?
Several bills have been tabled in recent years to introduce national menstrual leave. None have been passed yet. The Senate rejected a bill in February 2024 by a vote of 206 to 117.
What these proposals provided:
- Up to 13 days of downtime per year (approximately 1 day per cycle)
- No waiting period
- On presentation of a medical certificate valid for one year
- Possibility of teleworking instead of stopping
- 100% covered by Health Insurance
While waiting for a national law, some organizations have taken the lead.
Game-Changing Initiatives
Even without a national legal framework, businesses and communities have decided to take action. These pioneering initiatives show that it is possible to do things differently.
💡 Good to know
If your company hasn't yet implemented menstrual leave, you can suggest it during staff consultations, at the Works Council, or directly to HR. Some companies are open to the idea but just haven't thought about it.
Managing Your Period Discreetly Every Day
Talking about your period at work remains complicated. The taboo remains enormous. While we wait for attitudes to evolve, here's how best to manage it without having to make a general announcement.
Tips that work
🩸 Office first aid kit
Always keep in your drawer or locker: spare tampons/pads/cups, spare underwear, wipes, painkillers, USB electric heating bottle. Some even have a spare pair of black pants.
🚪 Identify suitable toilets
Disabled toilets have a built-in sink, perfect for discreetly washing a cup or cleaning your hands. Some companies also install individual trash cans in each stall (finally).
👗 Strategic Outfit
Many women wear black or dark colors during their periods to minimize the anxiety of spotting. It's a shame to have to do it, but if it makes you feel better, do it without feeling guilty.
📅 Anticipate important meetings
If you have a regular cycle and know you'll get your period on the day of a major presentation, ask (if possible) to move it back a few days. Or plan to take stronger pain relievers that day.
💊 Painkillers within reach
Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory) is more effective than paracetamol for menstrual cramps. Take it at the first sign, not when you're already doubled over.
🏠 Tactical teleworking
If your job allows it, try to schedule your telework days during your period. You can put on your pajamas, put a hot water bottle on your stomach, and no one will see you.
Specific Situations According to the Professions
Not all jobs are equal when it comes to rules. Some positions make management much more complicated.
Jobs requiring prolonged standing
(Salesperson, hostess, nurse, waitress...) Cramps are worse standing up. Try to negotiate micro-breaks while sitting, wear comfortable insoles, and choose Period Panties to avoid the stress of frequent changing.
Jobs involving travel
(Paramedic, traveling salesperson, delivery driver, etc.) No toilets are readily accessible. Solution: menstrual cups or panties to last longer, and identify gas stations or shops with toilets along your route in advance.
Open space
Everyone sees when you get up every hour to go to the bathroom. Discreetly slip your protection into your pocket or phone. Period panties are also a good option (no need to carry anything).
Physical professions
(Construction, logistics, sports, etc.) Physical exertion intensifies cramps and can increase blood flow. Talk to your occupational health doctor to see if a temporary adjustment is possible (less physical tasks on these days).
Uniformed professions
The fear of visible stains is heightened. Wear absorbent underwear in addition to your regular protection, or opt for Period Panties under your uniform.
To Speak or Not to Speak: The Dilemma
Should you tell your employer you have your period? Your coworkers? The short answer is, it's up to you to decideYou have no legal obligation to talk about it.
Arguments for Talking About It
- Normalize the subject The more we talk about it, the less taboo it is.
- Acquire help : Your colleagues can cover for you if you have to be absent suddenly.
- Possible arrangements : If your manager knows, he can adapt your workload on those days
- Relieve guilt : No more having to invent lame excuses
Arguments for Keeping It to Yourself
- It's your privacy You don't have to justify what is your private life.
- Risk of inappropriate remarks : "Are you upset, are you on your period?" (yes, it still exists)
- Potential discrimination : Some unscrupulous employers could penalize you
- Personal discomfort : You're just not comfortable with it, and that's okay.
The middle
You can choose who you tell. For example:
- Talk to a trusted colleague (to help you out in an emergency)
- Tell your manager if you need regular adjustments
- Don't tell the whole team anything
How to Announce It If You Want to
If you decide to talk about it, here's how to do it without it being awkward.
Short and pro version
"I don't feel well today, I have quite severe menstrual pains. I'll try to hold out, but I might be less productive."
Version to request an accommodation
"I regularly have very painful periods that interfere with my work. Would it be possible to adjust my schedule on those days? For example, avoid morning meetings or allow me to work remotely?"
Facing Truly Unmanageable Periods
If your period regularly prevents you from working normally, it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem that deserves investigation.
Signs that should alert you
- Debilitating pain every month (you literally can't get up)
- Frequent work stoppages (several days a month, every month)
- Hemorrhagic flow (you change your protection every hour)
- Pain that persists even outside the rules
- Chronic extreme fatigue
- Impact on your professional/personal life every month
These symptoms may signal a endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, a adenomyosis, or other gynecological pathologies.
Steps to Take
Don't just say, "It's normal to be in pain." Insist on getting tests done (ultrasound, MRI if necessary).
Note the intensity of the pain, its duration, and the impact on your work. This helps the doctor make a diagnosis.
For endometriosis, endofranceThey can direct you to competent specialists.
The occupational physician can recommend work adjustments (teleworking, adapted hours, less physical tasks).
Recognition as an Occupational Disease?
Currently, endometriosis or painful periods are not not recognized as an occupational disease in France. But that doesn't mean you have no recourse.
- If your condition is aggravated by your work (physical job, stress, etc.), the occupational physician may request adjustments or temporary incapacity.
- You can ask for a recognition of disabled worker (RQTH) if your symptoms have a lasting impact on your work. This opens up rights (adjustments, therapeutic part-time work, etc.)
- In case of repeated stops, you can switch to long-term illness (ALD) for certain pathologies, which allows you to be covered 100%
The Questions You Ask Yourself
Protections Suitable for Work
Our period panties are perfect for work. Discreet, comfortable, and you don't have to get up every hour to change your protection. The perfect solution for busy days.
You Don't Have to Suffer in Silence
Periods at work are still a taboo subject. Yet, half the world's population is affected for a good part of their working lives. You don't have to pretend everything's fine when you're doubled over in pain. You don't have to feel guilty about taking sick leave if you need to. You don't have to choose between your health and your job.
Even if the French legal framework isn't yet ideal (no national menstrual leave, penalizing waiting period), you have rights. A doctor can prescribe you time off work, some companies have already implemented measures, and attitudes are gradually changing. While waiting for things to change at the national level, use all the tools at your disposal: sick leave when necessary, work adjustments if possible, appropriate protection, and above all, don't stay alone with your pain.
If your period regularly affects your work, consult a gynecologist to investigate. Endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids... these conditions are common and treatable. You deserve to work in decent conditions, every day of the month.
Sources & References
This article is based on official data and scientific studies on painful periods and their impact on work.
French legal framework
- Bill to improve and ensure the health and well-being of women at work. Senate, February 2024. Link
- Bill to recognize and protect menstrual and gynecological health in the workplace. National Assembly, No. 2227, February 2024. Link
Studies on the impact of rules at work
- IFOP survey (2021). French women and painful periods. 48% of women report having painful periods, 20% very painful.
- Schoep ME, et al. (2019). The impact of menstrual symptoms on everyday life: a survey among 42,879 women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.05.005
Dysmenorrhea and treatment
- Iacovides S, et al. (2015). What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review. Human Reproduction Update. DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv039
- Health Insurance. Painful periods: consultation and treatment. Ameli Link
Note: The information in this article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only. If you suffer from chronic period pain, consult a healthcare professional.
