Health & wellbeing | Periods are costing women pay rises, promotions & career progression, research reveals

Menstrual symptoms are quietly derailing women's careers, with nearly half of women (42%) stating their periods have negatively impacted their salary progression or chances of a promotion - a figure almost identical to the career impact reported for pregnancy (43%). 

The findings from Superdrug Online Doctor highlight an important but under-reported workplace inequality, with younger women bearing the brunt of the problem. Among women aged 16–25, a staggering 64% report that their period symptoms have stunted their salary and promotion opportunities.

The 9–5 workday fails to reflect women's 28-day hormonal cycle

The traditional 9–5 working day was created nearly a century ago when 80% of the workforce was male. Male hormone cycles reset every 24 hours, aligning naturally with the nation's typical working hours, while women's hormones operate on a 28-day cycle, impacting energy levels, mood, and cognitive performance throughout the month.

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The result? Many women find it harder to consistently perform at the same level, with one in 10 women overall, and 35% of women under 35, citing their menstrual cycle as a barrier to their career growth.