October 9th 2024.
It's a common issue for women to have their health concerns dismissed or not taken seriously. Even when seeking professional help, they may still be told that their symptoms are all in their head or that they are seeking attention. So it's no surprise that women are outraged by a school's new policy on sick days, which states that period pain is no longer an acceptable reason for a student's absence.
An email sent out to parents by the Neale-Wade Academy in Cambridgeshire caused quite a stir, as it stated that "medical information" would now be required for a student to take a sick day due to period pain. This means that students would not be authorized to have an absence if they simply said they were "unwell", "poorly", "ill", or had a cold. This new policy also comes with the possibility of fines for parents if their child misses 10 or more sessions due to unapproved absences.
While the school claims that these new rules are in line with statutory guidance, many people feel that they have taken things too far. In response, women have been sharing their own experiences with extremely painful periods, with some even recalling instances of vomiting or passing out at school. Twitter users have been using the hashtag #periodpain to speak out against the policy.
Michaella Mazzoni, a nutritionist based in Cambridgeshire, was particularly passionate about the situation. She shared with Metro how she would have been greatly impacted by this policy in her younger years, as she often had to take time off from school due to her debilitating period pains. She explains, "My periods started when I was super young, around 11 years old, and quickly became a problem for me. By the time I was in secondary school, I was experiencing debilitating pain and digestive issues, as well as low mood before my cycle started."
Painkillers were not enough to alleviate the pain, and Michaella's mother would often allow her to stay home from school for the first few days of her period. It wasn't until she was in her 30s that she finally received a diagnosis for her pain - stage 4 endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those found in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as pain and heavy periods. It can also have a significant impact on a woman's fertility.
Sadly, Michaella's fertility has been greatly affected by her endometriosis, and she believes that if her pain had been taken more seriously when she was younger, she may have been able to receive a diagnosis earlier and potentially have better managed her condition. She hopes that other young girls won't have to go through what she did, but with policies like the one at the Neale-Wade Academy, she worries that things aren't improving.
One of the major issues with this new policy is that it implies that those who have to miss school due to their periods are just being "dramatic". This dismissive attitude towards women's pain is a problem, as it can discourage young girls from seeking help and potentially lead to delayed diagnoses of conditions such as PMDD, endometriosis, PCOS, or fibroids. As Michaella says, "When someone says they are struggling with their health or symptoms, believe them. They shouldn't have to prove it."
Experts also agree that this policy is unfair and disproportionately affects female students. Dr. Jan Toledano, a woman's hormone specialist, explains that it will be difficult for students to provide "medical evidence" for their period pain, as many may not realize that they should not have to suffer from severe menstrual symptoms in the first place. She adds that some students may not have access to medical help or have parents who are unable to provide the necessary support.
Dr. Toledano also believes that the policy should not have been implemented without proper support and education for young girls about their menstrual health. She suggests having a school nurse or doctor available to provide support and education. Metro reached out to the Neale-Wade Academy for comment on their absence policy, and Principal Graham Horn responded by stating that they prioritize student well-being and recognize the importance of regular attendance for academic success.
While the school's intentions may be to promote attendance, it is important to consider the potential consequences and to ensure that young girls are not suffering from undiagnosed menstrual conditions. As Dr. Toledano says, "No woman should be suffering the effects of hormonal imbalance," and it is crucial that there is support and treatment available for all girls. Do you agree with the school's new policy? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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