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NEXT working with Wellbeing of Women
We are part of the Wellbeing of Women Membership Programme. We want to support the amazing work they do to save and change the lives of women, girls and babies.
We're working with Wellbeing of Women to help tackle the taboos surrounding women’s health and provide support, knowledge and raise awareness.
Menstrual health issues can impact both physical and mental health and in some cases can be debilitating. Employees experiencing symptoms may not be aware that this is related to menstrual health or that they can get access to support at work for these conditions.
As a business we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment for employees experiencing symptoms that are impacted by menstrual health issues. This page shows our employee guide which outlines the support and resources available to employees. Please also see an overview of some menstrual health issues along with some suggested support that may help.
Read our Menstrual Health Support Guide
This guide provides an overview of menstrual health issues and outlines the support and resources available to employees.
Just a Period
Millions of women, girls and people who menstruate suffer with severe period pain and heavy bleeding that disrupts their lives. Instead of getting the treatment and support they desperately need, they’re often dismissed and told it’s “Just a period”. Nobody should suffer from period symptoms holding them back.
Wellbeing of Women want to educate and empower girls and women to be in control of their menstrual health from their first period to their last. By knowing what a ‘normal period’ is, they can recognise when they need more help and have the confidence to advocate for their care.
We want to ensure that menstrual health never prevents girls and women from reaching their potential and enables them to thrive.
Each year, millions of women benefit from their research, campaigns and health information. Our great news is that they have launched a Period Symptom Checker which can really help women to help manage and support their cycle. Just answer a few short questions and find out if you should see a healthcare professional. Click the box below to take you straight to the checker 💜
Don't forget we also offer FREE sanitary products across the business 💜
Menstrual Health Issues
We're pleased that Menstrual health is beginning to be discussed along with the symptoms that some women experience. Please see our list of some menstrual health issues. This is list is not exhaustive. For support please see our Menstrual Health Guide and speak to your line manager to discuss any workplace adjustment/s required.
Definition
Symptoms
Support
Endometriosis
A condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body.
.Chronic Pain
.Painful Periods
.Pain during or after sex
.Infertility
.Painful bowel movements
.Fatigue
Support might include flexible working, home working, rest breaks, time for appointments and understanding during flare-ups.
Endometriosis affects 1.5 (1 in 10) million women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, similar to the number affected by diabetes or asthma.
Endometriosis happens when cells similar to those in the lining of your womb, appear in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. When periods happen, these cells can build up and break away. This causes painful inflammation in surrounding tissues.
What are the impacts of endometriosis?
It can have a devastating impact on a woman’s education, personal and professional relationships, mental health, and quality of life. Heavy periods, extreme fatigue, pain in the lower tummy, pelvis, thighs or back are just some of the symptoms that can be experienced. Some women also have difficulty getting pregnant.
For additional information relating to Endometriosis please see Wellbeing of Women here and the A-Z of Health here.
Endometriosis UK is the leading charity supporting the 1 in 10 people with endo. Get trusted information, helplines, support groups and advocacy.
Fibroids
Common, non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb
.Heavy periods or painful periods
.Abdominal pain/lower back pain
.Frequent need to urnate
.Constipation
.Pain or discomfort during sex
Support might include access to toilets, period products, comfortable seating, home working and flexibility around symptoms.
Adenomyosis
A condition where the lining of the womb starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb.
.Heavy periods that last a long time
.Severe period pain
.A feeling of pressure in your tummy
.Bloating (your tummy sticks out more than normal)
Practical support may include easy access to toilets, flexible working and opportunities for rest or medical appointments.
PMDD
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
A cyclicalm hormone-based mood disorder that causes significant emotional and physical symptoms in the second half of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase).
.Severe emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, low mood or depression.
.Irritability
.Significant mood changes before a period
.Pain in muscles and joints/headaches
.Feeling bloated
.Changes in appetite, such as overeating or having specific food cravings
Helpful support may include workload/working time flexibility, quiet spaces, wellbeing support, linking to counselling or specialist support services and supportive management conversations.
PMOS
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome
A chronic hormonal and metabolic imbalance that occurs when the ovaries create excess androgen hormones, disrupting reproductive, metabolic and mental health.
.Irregular periods or no periods at all
.Difficulties with fertility
.Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
.Weight gain
.Thinning hair and hair loss from the head
.Oily skin or acne
Support may include flexibility for appointments, wellbeing support, counselling referral and understanding of the wider impacts of a long - term condition.
For additional information and support relating to PMOS please see the A-Z of Health here
Tackling Health Inequalities
Black women are four times more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and the six-week period after, disabled women struggle to access life-saving screenings and women from ethnic minority backgrounds find themselves dismissed, with dangerous delays to getting treatment.
The Health Collective has emerged out of the urgent need to do more to ensure all girls and women receive the best care, regardless of their background or the community they belong to. It is made up of and led by grassroots organisations, representing women’s voices from every marginalised community in our society.
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