On October 26, we spoke with Dr. Chen Yiwen, a gynecologist at the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, regarding the new “menstrual leave” policy set to take effect in Yunnan on November 1. This initiative has sparked widespread interest online. Dr. Chen emphasized that menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, is a symptom that many women experience, and while it’s important to rest, it’s equally crucial for women to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

According to the Yunnan Provincial Government’s official announcement, the “Special Regulations on Labor Protection for Female Employees in Yunnan Province” will officially be implemented on November 1, 2024. Article 9 of these regulations states that women on their menstrual cycle cannot be assigned to work that is prohibited by national guidelines during this time. Employers may also provide female employees a monthly allowance of at least 35 yuan or equivalent hygiene products. Furthermore, women diagnosed with severe menstrual pain by medical or maternal and child health institutions may receive 1 to 2 days of leave during their menstrual period.

Dr. Chen explained that many women experience lower abdominal pain and discomfort during their menstrual cycles, sometimes accompanied by back pain and other symptoms. In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to headaches, nausea, and vomiting, which significantly impact their daily lives. The intensity of menstrual pain can vary based on individual circumstances and the severity of any underlying conditions.

Importantly, menstrual pain serves as an indicator that there may be health issues at play. “In addition to primary dysmenorrhea, about 70% of secondary dysmenorrhea cases are caused by conditions like endometriosis,” said Dr. Chen. “This includes conditions such as ovarian endometriosis (chocolate cysts) and adenomyosis, which require timely intervention to prevent worsening health issues and possible impacts on fertility. When patients seek treatment for menstrual pain, our first step is to determine the underlying cause.”

The concept of menstrual leave is not new. As early as 1993, the former Ministry of Health and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions issued guidelines stating that women suffering from severe menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding could receive 1 to 2 days of leave as confirmed by medical professionals. Since then, various regions across the country have tailored the implementation of menstrual leave to local conditions, with provinces like Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangxi enacting similar policies.

The recent announcement of menstrual leave in Yunnan has reignited discussions among netizens, with many expressing that the policy reflects compassion and should be widely adopted. However, some people have raised concerns about the complexity of obtaining medical documentation and the potential impact on women’s workplace situations. Others suggest that while female employees taking leave may affect work progress, any related compensation should not be solely the company’s responsibility, calling for government support.

“When women experience menstrual pain, they may exhibit symptoms like abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting,” Dr. Chen explained. “These are uncontrollable physiological responses, and employers should be understanding. It is worth noting that occasional pain can often be managed with warmth, hot drinks, or pain relievers. However, persistent and severe pain should prompt immediate medical evaluation to prevent the progression of gynecological conditions.”