Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My period makes me so tired. AIBU to take a day off work?

47 replies

OttilieStonelady · 17/10/2021 18:55

Not every month, but just as a one off as I'm so exhausted. My period is due and no matter how much sleep I get, I'm completely exhausted. So tired that I can't concentrate, can't keep my eyes open properly after 5pm, move really slowly, am in bed at the same time as my toddler etc. I struggle to work and it's really getting to me. I'm not usually this bad but the last few months have got progressively worse. Would I be unreasonable to take a one off day off work? Also, does anyone else feel like this in the run up to their period? I feel awful.

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 17/10/2021 18:58

It sounds like you need to take an iron supplement. Could you do this and see if it helps?

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 17/10/2021 18:59

@RampantIvy

It sounds like you need to take an iron supplement. Could you do this and see if it helps?
I already do. I take them daily. My iron levels are actually ok as I had low levels before. I wish it was my iron so I had a solution!
OP posts:
WithABiffBangPow · 17/10/2021 19:42

I get like this, absolutely zero energy and just dragging my limbs around until bedtime.
I've never taken a day off but I wouldn't blame you for it.

Dontforgetyourbrolly · 17/10/2021 19:47

No but I'm like this during , however I've got issues in that department and fatigue is part of it

Take a day off but use that day to speak to the doctor or try to get an appointment- those levels of tiredness need to be checked. You should try to get this treated as you don't want to have to keep taking time off for it .
I absolutely do believe menstrual related issues are as valid as any other and should be investigated by the gp

HairyScaryMonster · 17/10/2021 20:07

If you're this bad, take the day off if you feel you must but be sure to go to the GP and get investigated.

hotmeatymilk · 17/10/2021 20:10

I get this monthly, absolutely wipes me out and yes, I take time off for it. I actually saw a job ad the other day where one of the benefits is a period day off a month!

AhNowTed · 17/10/2021 20:12

"I actually saw a job ad the other day where one of the benefits is a period day off a month!"

That's just bloody ridiculous.

gogohm · 17/10/2021 20:12

If you are that tired you need to book a drs appointment, it's not ok to be that exhausted. Yes take the day off and call your gp and be insistent on being seen

Makinglists · 17/10/2021 20:14

Take the day off, but contact the doctor to arrange an appointment. That way you are dealing with the problem now and are trying to get help to remedy it in the future. My periods have stopped - seen off by age and the Covid jab, but I used to get a day of almost feeling flu like, then a burst of energy before it arrived. Make sure your B12 and Vit D levels are good as this can make tiredness worse.

Fluffycloudland77 · 17/10/2021 20:14

I’d book with the drs too. Are you on proper iron tablets from the pharmacy and avoiding tea an hour each side of taking it?.

Chipsinthewoods · 17/10/2021 20:14

Have they checked your thyroid?

OtterAndDog · 17/10/2021 20:14

Yes take the day off. Don’t exhaust yourself, you’ll work more productively if you are well rested.

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 17/10/2021 20:15

B12!

CaptainMarvelDanvers · 17/10/2021 20:15

I get this. My head feels fuzzy, I’m so fatigued and I’m in autopilot mode to cope. I’ll get home and I’ll just go to bed, it only lasts a few days but the effect it has on me is ridiculous.

I’m taking iron supplements too.

Larryyourwaiter · 17/10/2021 20:15

I always feel like I am coming down with something.

Lillyofthe · 17/10/2021 20:16

Could be endometriosis. I get exhausted because of all the inflammation. Sorry you're having to deal with this. No woman wants to have to take the day off because of their period. Definitely take the time off you need and speak with your GP

CaptainMarvelDanvers · 17/10/2021 20:20

@AhNowTed

"I actually saw a job ad the other day where one of the benefits is a period day off a month!"

That's just bloody ridiculous.

Why is it ridiculous? Bare minimum of period symptoms is blood, killer stomach cramps, period shits and backache. That isn’t including any of the extra symptoms that many women suffer with.

Let’s be honest, if men had the above - it wouldn’t be surprising for us to see a period day as part of normal working life. But unfortunately they don’t, so if we have an especially shit one - we ring in sick and say we have a migraine instead.

tiredanddangerous · 17/10/2021 20:21

I'm like this for 2 or 3 days before my period every month too. Definitely not anaemic and I have no idea what causes it. If you'd be as unproductive as I am at work during this time I'd phone in sick!

icedcoffees · 17/10/2021 20:21

@AhNowTed

"I actually saw a job ad the other day where one of the benefits is a period day off a month!"

That's just bloody ridiculous.

Why?
CaptainMarvelDanvers · 17/10/2021 20:22

Period flu.

hotmeatymilk · 17/10/2021 20:24

That's just bloody ridiculous.
No one is making you apply for a job with such a benefit, nor offer one. Personally it tipped the balance towards me applying – an actual fucking benefit that’s of use, and takes into account the intensely debilitating nature of some periods. Better than the usual “free fruit in the office, and wine Fridays!” shite most companies offer.

Stressedout1980 · 17/10/2021 20:30

As above, definitely speak to your GP. I have terrible periods and am always exhausted. I am a veggie so thought it was iron. After 3 blood tests it was a severe vitamin D and B12 deficiency. I felt much better after the injections but feeling it now as my 3 monthly top up is due next week! Hope you get to the bottom of it

Skatastic · 17/10/2021 20:33

I am like this! But for about a week. It gets me down so much, I just feel totally useless. My vitamin D is low but not ridiculously so.

dudsville · 17/10/2021 20:38

I get this OP, and am currently in the midst of it, weekend was spent on the sofa barely moving, taking naps, long sleeps at night, I also have good iron levels. I've also just been weighing up the pros and cons of calling in sick tomorrow. I haven't taken a sick day all pandemic. It's much easier to manage this at home, but we started back several months ago. If I'm "lucky" my period will start tomorrow and I'll just have the cramping. I'd love a job with a period day. Why do we have to be so stoic?

MeltedCheeseonTop · 17/10/2021 20:42

Deffo rest and speak to GP. But don’t be surprised if they dismiss it and tell you to eat more bloody iron - but they won’t check to be sure.

Keep pushing. Mine knock me for six. You need to keep pushing. But until you’re listened too… take time off, rest, eat, rebuild.

Swipe left for the next trending thread