How to request sick leave during your period

Cramping, bloating, and fatigue? The symptoms during your menstrual cycle are no laughing matter and can have a significant impact on your mood and work performance. So, if you're feeling unwell due to your period, can you request sick leave? Everyone's situation is different, so we've compiled some advice to help you decide what's best for you. Keep reading to find out if you can request sick leave for your menstrual cycle and what to say.

Yes, menstrual cramps are a legitimate reason to request time off. In the United States, you have the right to use sick leave for personal health reasons when you deem it necessary, especially if your health condition affects your ability to work. However, this doesn't guarantee that you will be granted paid sick leave. During your period, you may experience severe cramps, bloating, fatigue, and body aches—these are all valid reasons to request time off.

• Your health is the most important, and if you feel unable to perform your job, take a sick day.

However, some employers may not be in agreement with this. Some employers might not accept requests for leave due to menstrual cramps. As a result, some women choose not to tell their manager that they are taking time off for their period. It's important to choose the approach that best fits your situation and only share health details if you feel safe within the company environment.

What you disclose to your boss is entirely up to you. Some women feel comfortable explaining why they’re taking time off, while others prefer to keep things private. In a survey, 33,000 women were asked if they ever told their boss they took sick leave due to menstruation. Only 20% of them said yes. Every woman in this survey had a valid reason for sharing or not sharing, and so do you.

• Your well-being is the most important thing.
• If you're uncomfortable discussing your menstrual symptoms with your boss, that's perfectly fine.
• If you're comfortable talking about your cycle with your boss, that's great too!

You may need to provide a doctor's note if requesting sick leave. Some companies may require a doctor's note to confirm you've seen a doctor or have an appointment during your paid sick leave. In such cases, you may need to share more information with your supervisor.

• If you're in the U.S., the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects you from disclosing any health information, including your doctor's name, healthcare provider, diagnoses, or medications.
• If you visit a doctor due to severe symptoms, ask for a doctor's note. This note won't reveal why you visited but will confirm the date you were seen by the doctor.

"I'm not feeling well and need to take the day off." Keep it short and simple when you just need a day to rest. This message doesn't specify why you're taking sick leave, but it informs your boss that you're unwell.

• "I'd like to take the day off for health reasons."
• "I woke up with a severe headache and don't feel well. I might need to take the day off to rest so I can be at my best tomorrow."

"I've been experiencing severe abdominal pain since this morning and can't come to the office." A brief explanation can be helpful if you plan to work from home. Sometimes, all you need is a heating pad to feel better, so you can let your boss know if you need to work from home for the day.

• "The doctor advised me to rest due to severe menstrual symptoms. Would it be alright for me to work from home today?"
• "I can't come to the office because I'm having issues with my period. I went to the doctor this morning, but it would be great if I could work from home for the rest of the day."

"I had to schedule a last-minute doctor's appointment this morning because I'm not feeling well." This message doesn't give much detail but conveys the urgency, making it appropriate whether you choose to disclose your period or not.

• "I'm feeling unwell and had to schedule an appointment with my doctor. I'll come in early tomorrow to catch up on any missed work."
• "I can't attend the meeting today as I had to arrange a doctor’s appointment because I'm not feeling well. I'll ensure to catch up on work tomorrow!"

Send a concise message. You don't have to reveal everything to your boss. A brief, polite message stating that you will be taking sick leave is sufficient. Let them know you're unwell in one or two sentences.

Include an apology in your message. This helps to convey to your boss that you are being honest. If taking sick leave is unavoidable, be sure to communicate that. You could say something like:

• "I deeply apologize for the inconvenience."
• "Sorry for missing the meeting today, but I’ll make up for it when I return to work."

Prepare to offer a solution. You might miss some tasks during your absence, so plan to catch up. Let your boss know that you are willing to make up the time or swap shifts with a colleague. This shows that you are a responsible and efficient employee.

• Set up an out-of-office email response letting them know you're away but will return soon.
• Offer to work extra hours or take on additional shifts later in the week.