Schoep ME, et al. - Through an internet-based, cross-sectional survey performed in the Netherlands from July to October 2017 (n=32,748 women aged 15–45 years), researchers assessed the age-dependent productivity loss induced by menstruation-related symptoms—estimated in absenteeism (time away from work or school) and presenteeism (productivity loss while present at work or school). A total of 13.8% (n=4,514) and 3.4% (n=1,108) of all women informed absenteeism through their menstrual periods and absenteeism every or nearly every menstrual cycle, respectively. A total of 80.7% (n=26,438) of the respondents reported presenteeism and reduced productivity an average of 23.2 days annually. An average productivity loss of 33% led to a mean of 8.9 days of total lost productivity annually due to presenteeism. Because of menstruation-related symptoms, women under 21 years if age were more likely to report absenteeism. Only 20.1% (n=908) informed their employer or school that their absence was due to menstrual complaints when women called in sick. Also, during their periods, 67.7% (n=22,154) of the individuals wished they had greater flexibility in their tasks and working hours at work or school. Overall, menstruation-related symptoms resulted in a substantial loss of productivity, and presenteeism was identified as a greater contributor to this vs absenteeism.