Navigating our careers and menstrual cycles is intrinsic to our journey as resilient women in any profession. In the dynamic realm of veterinary care, where our dedication to animals is paramount, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspect of menstrual health in the workplace becomes vital. The intersection of these two paths raises the question: what unfolds when our commitment to animals converges with the nuances of our menstrual cycles?
How does menstruation affect you in the workplace?
According to the last Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons survey, 58 percent of vets and 97 percent of registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) identify as female (Cawston, 2023), and studies carried out by Bloody Good Period found 89 percent of employees have experienced anxiety or stress in the workplace due to their period, and 25 percent believe that taking time off because of menstrual health has impacted their career progression (Modessa-Parekh, 2022).
Throughout the four distinct phases in the menstrual cycle, women undergo frequent hormonal changes, and the expectation to maintain unwavering consistency in their demeanour at work can pose a challenge
Throughout the four distinct phases in the menstrual cycle, women undergo frequent hormonal changes, and the expectation to maintain unwavering consistency in their demeanour at work can pose a challenge.
Phase 1 – menstrual phase
The first day of bleeding is considered day one of your menstrual cycle and can last between three and seven days. In this period, your energy levels are at their lowest, and you might experience fatigue, a lack of motivation or confidence and physical symptoms such as cramps and headaches. Managing these symptoms at work can be challenging, and the prospect of taking leave becomes increasingly appealing.
Janika Patel, BVM, BVS, MRCVS, comments: “During my period, I suffer from moderate cramps on the first day. Because my job is quite physical and hands-on, I find it hard at times to push through the pain, especially if I am in theatre and need to stand up and focus on operations. I have found it uncomfortable at times to voice the pain I am in, especially in teams that I am not familiar with, and sometimes struggle to advocate for adjustments to be made during the workday such as requesting to do consultations rather than operations.”
Phase 2 – follicular phase
This phase follows menstruation, and marks the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Both oestrogen and testosterone levels increase, leading to an uplift in mood. You may experience heightened assertiveness and feelings associated with a sense of self-sufficiency.
Phase 3 – ovulatory phase
In this stage, the peak of both oestrogen and testosterone levels instils a sense of confidence. Verbal expression may become noticeably easier, making communication with challenging colleagues and customers more comfortable.
Phase 4 – luteal phase
As oestrogen and testosterone levels decrease, progesterone production begins, leading to a gradual winding down. This phase is renowned for posing challenges for women as pre-menstrual symptoms may emerge. From cravings and bloating to nausea, anxiety and headaches, the list may seem endless; however, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in navigating these experiences. When attempting to cope with these symptoms within veterinary practice, these feelings may once again become overwhelming, underscoring the importance of making time for self-care.
So, is menstrual leave the answer?
The correlation between menstrual health and the veterinary workplace is a subtle yet frequently neglected discussion. Women, particularly those in challenging veterinary domains, may wrestle with the inquiry: could menstrual leave be the solution?
Did you know that almost £6 billion per year and/or 9.3 days per employee could be lost as a result of menstrual health in the UK workplace (Modessa-Parekh, 2022)? Hearing such a statistic isn’t exactly music to the ears of a practice manager. Finding alternatives that support your staff network while maintaining the practice’s operational needs would be the ideal scenario.
As women, we’re well aware that each menstrual cycle is distinctly unique, varying for every individual. This diversity means that some women may face more significant challenges than others, necessitating diverse support structures. This brings us to the pivotal question: what steps can practices take to provide meaningful support?
Six ways to support menstrual health
1. Open dialogue and education
Initiate open and inclusive conversations about menstrual health. Provide educational resources to raise awareness and dispel myths surrounding menstruation. This sets the foundation for a workplace culture that values and understands the diverse experiences of its employees.
Janika Patel, BVM, BVS, MRCVS, commented: “As part of creating a more inclusive workplace, I think it may be a good idea for managers to have one-to-one discussions with their female staff to find out about how their menstrual health affects them mentally and physically so that they are able to put into place the provisions for adaptive working in the first place.”
2. A flexible work rota
Consider implementing flexible work policies that accommodate the varying needs of individuals during their menstrual cycles. This might include options for adjusted work hours or the provision of quiet spaces for moments of self-care.
3. Make menstrual hygiene products available
Ensure that the workplace is well equipped with menstrual hygiene products. Having accessible and well-stocked bathrooms with various products can alleviate the stress of unexpected situations and contribute to a more comfortable work environment.
Having accessible and well-stocked bathrooms with various products can alleviate the stress of unexpected situations
4. Wellness programmes
Incorporate wellness programmes that address menstrual health. This could involve workshops on stress management, mindfulness sessions or fitness classes tailored to support individuals during different phases of their menstrual cycles.
5. Relaxing break areas
Provide comfortable and private rest spaces where individuals can take short breaks to manage menstrual symptoms. Having a designated area for relaxation allows employees to regroup and return to work with enhanced focus.
6. Employee assistance programmes
Implement or enhance employee assistance programmes (EAPs) that include resources for mental health support. Menstrual cycles can affect emotional well-being, and having access to counselling services can be invaluable for those who may need additional support.
Conclusion
In simplifying the navigation of the challenges associated with menstrual health, veterinary professionals can actively contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry. This is achieved through an overarching approach of embracing practical strategies, fostering open communication and building a supportive community that understands and uplifts each other.
In simplifying the navigation of the challenges associated with menstrual health, veterinary professionals can actively contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry
