PERIOD pain causes female university students to lose about six weeks of study time during a three-year degree course, according to research published today.

The report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) warns that the loss rises to around 11 weeks for those who have been diagnosed with a menstruation-related illness, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.

It calls for “thoughtful institutional and governmental responses” to an issue affecting half the student population, calling for universities to use clearer language and make explicit references to women’s health conditions when considering requests for extensions to assignment deadlines or time off.

Awareness of the impact of menstruation should be raised in the same way as for the menopause, with policies, guidelines and action plans to reduce stigma, provide training and signpost support for both staff and students, the report adds.

Hepi director of policy and report author Rose Stephenson said: “The findings from this report demonstrate the hidden impact of periods and menstrual cycles on students’ higher education studies.”

Universities UK president Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said: “Historically, menstruation has too often been framed as a source of embarrassment, invisibility or disadvantage. That should no longer be the case.”

The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education said that it was important that providers “clearly explain how students can seek support for any personal circumstances affecting them, including menstruation.”

The Department for Education said: “Our new sex and health education guidance makes clear that pupils should learn the facts about the menstrual cycle, as well as the associated physical and emotional changes.”