healthdirect estimates that period pain affects about 8 out of 10 people who have periods at some time in their life. Its painful periods guide lists missing school or work and difficulty concentrating among the ways it can affect daily life.
That makes periods in the workplace a practical topic rather than a niche one. Here is what the national minimum entitlements say about leave and flexibility, what helps on a painful day, and when to see a doctor.
Quick answer: If your period makes you too unwell to work, full-time and part-time employees in Australia can take paid sick or carer's leave. Full-time staff get 10 days a year, casuals get no paid sick leave, and some employees with 12 months' service can ask for flexible work. healthdirect advises a doctor visit if pain stops you working.
Can I take sick leave for period pain in Australia?
If you are a full-time or part-time employee, you can take paid sick or carer's leave, also called personal leave. The government's guide to employees' pay, leave and entitlements says full-time employees get 10 days a year, and part-time entitlements depend on your ordinary hours of work.
Casual employees and contractors do not get paid sick or carer's leave, though they can access unpaid carer's leave. If you are casual and period symptoms regularly cost you shifts, that is worth raising with your doctor as well as your employer.
Can I ask for flexible work because of period symptoms?
Some employees can. The same business.gov.au guide says some employees who have worked for their employer for at least 12 months have the right to ask for a flexible working arrangement. It lists this alongside other National Employment Standards, which it describes as a set of minimum entitlements for all employees. Your award, agreement or workplace policy may offer more, so check those too.
What causes period pain?
For about 9 in 10 people, it is caused by contractions of the muscle in the uterus, which healthdirect calls primary dysmenorrhoea. The remaining 1 in 10 or so have secondary dysmenorrhoea, which comes from an underlying condition affecting the uterus. healthdirect names two:
- endometriosis, when tissue from the lining of your uterus also grows in other parts of your body;
- adenomyosis, when cells that normally line the uterus also grow in its muscle wall.
You can read more in our guide to what endometriosis is.
What helps period pain on a workday?
Heat, movement and well-timed pain relief are the main tools healthdirect describes. It suggests:
- a heat pack or hot water bottle, or a warm bath or shower before you head in;
- regular, gentle exercise, 45 to 60 minutes, 3 or more times a week;
- relaxation techniques to lower stress;
- anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), taken 1 to 2 days before your period starts and regularly for the first 2 to 3 days of bleeding.
healthdirect notes that these medicines are not right for everyone, so check with a doctor or pharmacist first. For packing ideas, see our post on sustainable period kits for work.
When to see a doctor
healthdirect says to see your doctor if your period pain stops you going to work or school, and also if you have:
- period pain when you haven't had it before;
- pain that gets worse during your period or lasts longer than it used to;
- pain between periods or during sex;
- bleeding between periods or irregular periods;
- pain when you wee or poo.
You can speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day on 1800 022 222. For urgent medical help, call triple zero (000).
Frequently asked questions
Do casual workers get paid sick leave in Australia?
No. According to business.gov.au, casual employees and contractors don't get paid sick or carer's leave under the minimum standards, but they can access unpaid carer's leave. If you're casual and period pain is frequently keeping you from work, it is worth seeing a doctor about the pain itself.
How many sick days do full-time employees get?
Full-time employees get 10 days of paid sick or carer's leave a year, says business.gov.au, and the same leave is also known as personal leave. Part-time employees get an amount based on their ordinary hours. Check your payslip or HR system to see how much you have available.
Is it normal to miss work because of period pain?
It happens, but healthdirect treats it as a reason to get checked. Its guidance lists missing school or work among the complications of period pain and says that if period pain stops you going to work, you should see your doctor for advice and treatment.
Can I use a period cup during a full working day?
Yes, following the emptying instructions that come with your cup. Lunette's period cups come in two sizes, 25 ml and 30 ml, and each holds more than 2 to 3 tampons' worth of fluid. Lunette recommends the larger Size 2 for a heavier flow or a higher cervix.
Building a period routine that suits your working week? The Lunette period cup is a reusable menstrual cup made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone, in two sizes. Our period cup size guide helps you pick the right one for your flow.
Please read this as general information, not medical, legal or workplace advice; your GP and your employer can help with your specific situation.
