The effect of menstrual cycle on working performance and quality of life on female office workers

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of menstrual cycle on work performance and quality of life of female office workers. 110 women between the ages of 25-40 were included in the study. Female individuals were divided into 2 groups as the group with dominant menstrual symptoms (Group 1, n = 55) and the group with premenstrual symptoms (Group 2, n = 55) by using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire was used to compare the study performances for the two groups and the Nottingham Health Profile was used to compare the quality of life as well. The result of the study showed that there was a difference in menstrual complaints (p <0.005) and quality of life (p <0.001), but no difference was found in their work performance (p> 0.05). It was observed that the women in Group 1 had more severe complaints and their quality of life was lower than the women in Group 2.The women in group 1 mostly complained about abdominal pain and fatigue, also stated that they need frequent breaks in their work life and their quality of life was found to be low due to lack of energy and pain. The women in Group 2 mostly complained about low back pain and bloating, also stated that they had difficulty in bending, turning and reaching activities in their work environment and their quality of life was found to be low due to their inadequate physical exertion and pain. The instructions given by the physiotherapists about coping with pain, spasm and fatigue, sleep hygiene, energy usage techniques, correct posture perception and exercises, the trainings about relaxation and cardiovascular endurance given for the women in the workplaces by the physiotherapists will reduce the symptoms of the women and the risk of musculoskeletal diseases in their work life.We think that these could contribute positively to their working performance and quality of life. Accordingly, the employment of physiotherapists in workplaces and primary health care services would be of great importance.