Relationship between the mental state of female workers and menstruation: from the HERLIFE study

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between menstrual-related problems and mental health in female workers. Methods This study was conducted under a cross-sectional design using the results of the baseline survey of a prospective cohort study called the “Study of Health, Employment, Resilience, and the Life of Females; HERLIFE study”. In June 2024, 30,000 working women aged 20 to 60 were recruited through an internet survey company. We used a questionnaire that included items on demographic characteristics and menstrual-related problems, as well as the K6, a scale for assessing severe mental illness. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the odds ratio of mental health disorders associated with menstrual-related problems. Results Of 19,451 participants, 2,148 (11.0%) had mental health problems, with a K6 score of 13 or more. Compared to workers who reported having regular menstrual cycles of 25 to 38 days, workers with an irregular menstrual cycle were significantly more likely to have mental health problems (odds ratio (OR) = 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41–1.71). It was also found that workers with hypermenorrhea, as defined by the SAMANTA Questionnaire, were significantly more likely to have mental health problems than those without hypermenorrhea. Lower abdominal pain, dizziness, and swelling were also significantly associated with mental health problems. Conclusions This study has shown a significant link between various menstrual problems and mental health disorders. Both female workers and employers should be aware that menstrual problems are related to mental health disorders.