How it affects quality of life

April 2021, study conducted by Trocando Fraldas with more than 6,700 women between April 8 and 12, 2021: Every month, the woman's uterus creates an inner lining, the endometrium, to nest the embryo. However, if fertilization of the egg does not occur, this lining is discarded, causing the woman to menstruate. And menstruation can bring many discomforts, such as mood swings, malaise, headaches and back pain, fatigue, fluid retention, and the dreaded cramps.

Menstrual cramps are a pain in the lower abdomen, with varying intensity, and radiate to the back and lower limbs during menstruation. As found in our most recent study, 74% of Brazilian women usually experience menstrual cramps. This percentage is higher among women aged 18 to 24, with 80% of them; and among those aged 25 to 29, with 73%. In addition, women who are already mothers, 70%, feel less cramps than those who do not yet have children, 79%.

Do you usually have menstrual cramps?

The difficulties caused by cramps

Cramps can trigger, in addition to lower abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. And although there are some ways to relieve the symptoms, such as medications and using hot water bottles on the area, cramps can hinder many daily activities for women.

As our study showed, 55% of Brazilian women find it more difficult to work during their menstrual period.

Do you find it more difficult to work during your menstrual period?

  • Difficulty working is higher among women who experience cramps, with 63% of participants.
  • Women who do not have children yet, and who showed more cramps than those who are already mothers, also find it more difficult to work, 58% of them.
  • Tocantins is the state where the most women find it difficult to work during the menstrual cycle, with 76% of respondents.
  • In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, at least 53% of participants have this difficulty.
  • Meanwhile, in Rio Grande do Norte, it is the state with the fewest women reporting difficulty, with 44% of women.

Impact on quality of life

As if premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms weren't enough, the symptoms of menstruation itself can cause numerous changes in a woman's body. And for those who suffer from cramps, doing any daily activity becomes more difficult and can worsen their physical and emotional state. Cramps interfere, and a lot, with a woman's quality of life.

That is why 74% of Brazilian women agree that they should be given time off work during their menstrual period. Especially, among those who have cramps, 79%. Among those who do not have cramps, 60% agree they should not have to work. With this, they would be able to reset their body and mind, to return to work at 100% of their potential.

  • The state where most women believe they should be given time off work is Amapá, with 83% of participants.
  • In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, 76% and 72%, respectively, agree with being given time off work.
  • Rio Grande do Sul is the state where the fewest women agree with time off, with 65% of respondents.

Ranking of states where Brazilian women agree they should be given time off work during menstruation

  • 1.Amapá
  • 2.Maranhão
  • 3.Alagoas
  • 4.Amazonas
  • 5.Paraná
  • 6.Ceará
  • 7.Federal District
  • 8.Acre
  • 9.Pernambuco
  • 10.Sergipe
  • 11.Rio de Janeiro
  • 12.Bahia
  • 13.Pará
  • 14.Mato Grosso
  • 15.Espírito Santo
  • 16.Mato Grosso do Sul
  • 17.Minas Gerais
  • 18.Goiás
  • 19.Paraíba
  • 20.Rio Grande do Norte
  • 21.Santa Catarina
  • 22.São Paulo
  • 23.Tocantins
  • 24.Piauí
  • 25.Rondônia
  • 26.Rio Grande do Sul
  • 27.Roraima

Percentage of Brazilian women who find it difficult to work during their menstrual period, by state

Research Method

The study had national coverage and was carried out with more than 6,700 women between April 8 and 12, 2021. The data collection method was a questionnaire form on the internet.

The following questions were addressed:

  • Do you usually have menstrual cramps?
  • Do you find it more difficult to work during your menstrual period?
  • Do you think women should be given time off work during their menstrual period?

For the purpose of comparing results across regions and states, answers to affirmative questions were counted numerically, 1 for "yes" and 0 for "no". Some questions, aiming to obtain more qualitative results, were designed with more options.