Medical Certificate for Period Pain

Severe period pain — medically called dysmenorrhea — affects many women and can significantly impact daily activities, including work. If your period pain is preventing you from working, you have every right to take sick leave.

Period Pain Is a Valid Medical Reason

Let's be clear: period pain is a legitimate medical condition. While some people experience mild discomfort, others have pain severe enough to cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and an inability to function normally.

Under Australian workplace law, personal leave covers any illness or injury that prevents you from working. Period pain qualifies just like any other condition.

Symptoms That Warrant Time Off

Consider taking sick leave if you're experiencing:

• Severe cramping that prevents normal activities
• Pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with your period
• Heavy bleeding that requires frequent changes
• Fatigue or dizziness that makes working unsafe
• Migraines triggered by your menstrual cycle

Getting a Medical Certificate

You can get a medical certificate for period pain through a telehealth consultation. The process is straightforward and discreet:

• Complete a brief questionnaire about your symptoms
• A doctor reviews your information
• If appropriate, they issue a certificate for 1-2 days
• You receive your certificate digitally

When Period Pain Might Be Something More

While period pain is common, severe or worsening pain could indicate an underlying condition:

• Endometriosis — tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus
• Adenomyosis — uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus
• Fibroids — non-cancerous growths in the uterus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease — infection of the reproductive organs

Managing Severe Period Pain

While there's no instant fix, several approaches can help:

• Heat packs on the lower abdomen
• Anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) taken at the first sign of pain
• Gentle movement or stretching when possible
• Hormonal contraceptives — many reduce or eliminate period pain
• Prescription options for severe cases

Your Workplace Rights

You're entitled to use your personal leave for period pain. Your employer cannot ask for details of your condition — "medical condition" on a certificate is sufficient.

Some Australian organisations are beginning to introduce menstrual leave policies, though this isn't yet mandatory. Regardless, your existing sick leave entitlements cover period-related illness.