How to Call in Sick Because of Your Period

Co-authored by Elaine Lou Cartas and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 4, 2024 Fact Checked

Cramps, bloating, and fatigue? Period symptoms are no joke and can seriously impact your attitude and performance in the workplace. So, if you’re not feeling well because of your menstrual cycle, are you able to call in sick? Everyone’s situation is different, so we’ve put together a guide to help you decide what course of action is best for you. Keep reading to learn if you can miss work because of your period and what you can say about it.

Can you call in sick for a bad period?

Yes, you can call in sick to work because you’re having a bad period. All you have do is say, “I’m not feeling well and need to take the day off.” You don’t need to specify why; just explain that you’re sick.

Section 1 of 4:

Can you miss work because of your period?

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Yes, period pain is a valid reason to miss work. In the United States, you’re entitled to use sick leave for personal medical reasons as you see fit, especially if your health will hinder your work performance; however, paid sick leave is not guaranteed.^{[1]
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Research source} You can experience extreme cramps, bloating, fatigue, and body aches when you’re on your period.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} These are all acceptable reasons to miss work.
- Your health is the most important, and if you feel like you won’t be able to do your job, take the day to rest.
Some bosses and employers may push back if you miss work because of period pain. Therefore, some people choose to not disclose to their manager that they're missing work because of their period. Do what’s best for your specific situation, and only disclose information about your health if you feel safe to do so within the company.

Section 2 of 4:

How much do you need to disclose to your boss?

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What you share with your boss is entirely up to you. Some people feel comfortable sharing why they’re missing work, while others prefer to keep their reasons private. 33,000 cisgender women were asked in a survey if they’ve told their bosses they’ve called in sick because of their period. Only 20% of those women said they had.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source

American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists

Go to source} Every person in this survey had a valid reason to call in sick, just as you do.
- The most important thing is to do what’s best for you.
- If you’re not comfortable sharing your menstrual cycle symptoms with your boss, that’s okay.
- If you’re super open about your period with your boss, that’s awesome too!
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Documentation may be needed if you’re taking sick leave. Some companies might ask for proof that you saw a doctor or had an appointment during your paid sick leave.^{[4]
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Research source} In this case, you may need to share a little more with your employer.
- Remember, you never have to disclose any personal health information under HIPAA law. This includes your doctor’s name, health care plans, diagnoses, or medications.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  
  Go to source}
- If you see a doctor about severe period symptoms, ask for a doctor’s note at the end of the visit. This won’t disclose your reasons for seeing them but only prove you saw them on a specific date.

Section 3 of 4:

What You Can Say

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“I’m not feeling well and need to take the day off.” Keep it short and simple for when you just need a day to rest. This message doesn’t disclose why you’re calling in sick but lets your boss know you’re feeling under the weather.^{[6]
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Research source}
- “I’d like to take a personal day to focus on my health.”
- “I woke up with a migraine and am not feeling well. It’s probably best if I take a sick day to be at my best tomorrow.”
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“I woke up with serious cramps and can’t come into the office.” A brief explanation could help if you want to work from home. Sometimes, you just need to curl up with a heat pack and work, so let your boss know—if you’re comfortable—that you need to take a work-from-home day.
- “My doctor advised me to take it easy due to severe period symptoms. Would it be possible to work from home today?”
- “I can’t come into the office due to a menstrual cycle issue. I’m seeing my doctor this morning, but would be happy to work from home for the rest of my shift.”
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“I’ve had to schedule a last-minute doctor’s appointment this morning because I'm not feeling well.” This message doesn’t require further explanation yet expresses urgency, making it perfect for when disclosing your period isn’t an option.
- “I'm not feeling well and have scheduled an appointment with my doctor. I'll make sure I get to work early tomorrow to catch up on what I've missed.”
- “Can’t make today’s meeting. Had to schedule a doctor's appointment since I'm feeling under the weather. I’ll make sure to catch up tomorrow!”

Section 4 of 4:

Tips for Calling in Sick on Your Period

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You don’t need to disclose any or everything to your boss. A short, sweet, and simple message saying you’ll be out sick can be enough. Let them know you’re feeling under the weather in one or two sentences.^{[7]
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Add an apology to your message. This will assure your boss that you’re being sincere and truly are sick. If missing work is the last thing you want to do, express it. Try writing something like:^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source

State of Oregon
Official website for the State of Oregon

Go to source}
- “I'm really sorry for the inconvenience.”
- “I'm sorry for missing the meeting today, but I’m prepared to make up for it when I'm back.”
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Be prepared to offer solutions. You may miss some work when you’re out, so plan to make up for it. Let your boss know that you can make up the missed hours or have a plan with another coworker to swap shifts. This will show efficiency and dependability.^{[9]
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Research source}
- Set up an email auto-reply stating that you’re out of the office but will be returning shortly.
- Offer to make up the hours you’ve missed while on your period later in the week or pick up an extra shift.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How early should you call in sick to work?

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Pacific Life Coach
Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Amber Rosenberg, PCC

Pacific Life Coach

Expert Answer

Let your boss know about your situation as soon as possible. If you aren't feeling well the night before and know you will need the next day, send your boss a message that evening. Otherwise, tell them first thing in the morning.

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Question

How bad does have it to be? Because periods are normal but I think I have something more serious like PMMD.

Rainy

Top Answerer

It should be bad enough that you don't feel like you can/should go to work. If you think you have a bigger problem than just PMS or cramps, please talk to your doctor.

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