Heavy periods affect exam results and school attendance, study finds

Experts find that heavy periods can negatively affect students’ grades and attendance

Recently, research has found a link between experiencing period symptoms and students’ school attendance and exam scores.

In an England-based study, one-third (36%) of 2,686 students aged 13-16 experienced “heavy or prolonged bleeding”. 

Those who reported heavy or prolonged bleeding had, on average, 1.7 more absences from school every year than those who didn’t.

Participants who reported heavy or prolonged bleeding were associated with a lower total GCSE score, the equivalent of a one-grade reduction.

The study also found that participants who reported heavy or prolonged bleeding had a lower chance (27%) of achieving five standard passes.

Over half of the participants reported menstrual pain. 

Participants who experienced menstrual pain (56%) were linked to missing an additional 1.2 days a year.

Though the study found less evidence that linked menstrual pain and exam scores, their research found a link regarding students receiving a lower chance of 16% to achieve five standard passes.

According to The Guardian, the study's research supervisor, Gemma Sharp, highlighted how they were careful not to associate periods with "being less capable":

“I would not say it’s because of their periods. It’s because society is not set up to support people whilst they are menstruating, particularly if they are experiencing heavy bleeding or pain.”

As per the Guardian, PhD student Gemma Sawyer, who conducted the research, will present the findings at the Menstruation Research Conference next week in London. 

Note: This research is out as a preprint and has not yet been published.