A study conducted by Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute found 40 percent of women reported missing at least one class or lecture due to period pain, in the last three months. With a similar number reporting missing an entire day of school.

The NICM Health Research Institute lead an investigation into women and undiagnosed menstrual disorders, such as endometriosis.

The research found a substantial proportion of women suffer debilitating pain related to their period and were taking days off to compensate or hiding their symptoms from employers, colleagues or university peers.

Project leader Dr. Mike Armour told the ABC, “When they are at school around 80 percent said that at least some of the time their concentration is really negatively affected due to their period”.

The research indicated, that 90 percent of women had experienced period pain in the last three months and were not taking the recommended dosage of pain medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Whilst 80 percent said their pain still troubled them after taking medication.

One of the young participants, Isabella, told Triple j Hack, “I couldn’t physically sit and concentrate and focus on what was happening in front of me because I would have this gnawing sensation around my pelvis”

“It’s not in our heads, it’s so physical it’s drawing my attention all the time”

These results come at a time when there has been ongoing debate about the need for women to take time off to deal with their debilitating period pain symptoms.

Japan has offered menstrual leave since 1947, South Korea since 2001 and Italy since 2016. Whilst Australia has yet to introduce period leave in all workplaces and universities.

Western Sydney University has used the data to build an online resource called ‘Mensturation Matters’ teaching and empowering young women about what is normal for their periods and if they should consult a doctor to deal with severe symptoms.