Menstrual leave in the Netherlands: why the conversation is happening now

In February 2023, Spain became the first EU country with statutory paid menstrual leave: for disabling menstrual pain, with a doctor's note, paid by social security. In 2024-2026 the debate is heating up in France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands. What do the numbers say, and what are the arguments on each side?

Where does the discussion come from?

Large surveys have shown the same picture for years:

• Around 1 in 5 women has menstrual symptoms that seriously limit daily functioning.
• For women with endometriosis (~10% of the menstruating population) that share is much higher.
• A large Dutch study (Radboudumc, 2019) of 32,000+ women found menstrual symptoms cause on average ~9 days of productivity loss per year, mostly as "present but not functional" (presenteeism), not sick leave.

What does menstrual leave look like in Spain?

• Only for severe, incapacitating menstrual pain (e.g. endometriosis).
• Based on a medical certificate.
• Paid by social security, not by the employer, so employers have no financial incentive to avoid hiring women.
• No cap on days, but a certificate is required per instance.

What do supporters say?

• Recognition of a real health problem instead of "just push through".
• Reduced stigma around menstruation at work.
• Better productivity on the days people do work.
• Supports especially people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, PMDD.

What do opponents say?

• Risk of hiring discrimination if employers fear extra absence (mitigated in Spain by social-security funding).
• Existing sick leave should suffice, with a good work culture.
• Some women specifically don't want a distinction between "menstrual sick" and "regular sick".
• Enforcement question: who decides "severe enough"?

The Netherlands: where do we stand?

The Netherlands does not (yet) have legislation specifically for menstrual leave. Some employers arrange something similar internally through flexible "unwell days" or generous sick-leave policies, but there is no national framework. Unions like FNV and several MPs have put the topic on the table in recent years, but there is no concrete bill.

Recognize disabling menstrual symptoms? This isn't medical advice, talk to your doctor. Endometriosis in the Netherlands still takes 7-9 years on average to diagnose. Data strengthens that conversation.

What you can do today

• Log your cycle with symptoms like pain, energy and flow. If a work or doctor conversation becomes necessary: 3-6 months of concrete data carries more weight than "I've had it rough for years".
• Know your rights: pain that limits your functioning falls under normal sick leave. You don't have to specify the reason to your employer.
• Suspect endometriosis or PCOS: actively ask for a referral to a gynecologist.

Why cycle data is extra sensitive here

Data about pain, absence and menstruation is data you really don't want with an employer, insurer or advertiser. PERIOD. stores everything encrypted on EU servers, sells nothing, and has no ad trackers. Read: a cycle app that doesn't sell data, recognizing endometriosis and natural cramp relief.

Download PERIOD. on the App Store · via Google Play.