MANDATORY MENSTRUAL LEAVE: A NECESSITY, NOT AN OPTION

Why in the news?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Challenge: Neha Khemka, a master’s student, advocates for court-mandated menstrual leave due to severe PCOS pain.
Survey Results: An Everteen survey found 73% of women support menstrual leave , sees it as enhancing productivity and well-being.

Source: Farm

Implementation Example:

Swiggy offers a two-day menstrual leave policy, receiving positive feedback for addressing female employees’ health needs in demanding roles.

Apex Court Directive

Supreme Court’s Stance: The court directed the Centre to create a model menstrual leave policy, balancing women’s needs with workforce concerns, to avoid deterring employers from hiring women.

Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Overview

Nature of Disorder: PCOS is a multifactorial endocrine disorder characterized by chronic anovulation.
Prevalence: Most common female endocrine disorder and leading cause of infertility, affecting 6-26% globally and 3.7-22.5% in India.

Causes and Symptoms

Risk Factors: Genetics, neuroendocrine issues, sedentary lifestyle, diet, and obesity contribute to PCOS.
Mechanism: Small cysts form on the ovaries, increasing their size and causing them to release abnormal hormones, particularly male hormones like testosterone.
Symptoms: Increased testosterone leads to facial hair growth, acne, scalp hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.

Treatment

Management: PCOS cannot be cured but can be controlled.
Medication: Treatments include synthetic drugs like metformin and oral contraceptives, though these have concerning side effects.

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