U. of Virginia study: Digital help apps can assist women who suffer menstrual symptoms

A recent survey by University of Virginia (UVA) Health found that 42.5% of women in the United States suffer from menstrual symptoms, requiring them to take multiple days off from work.

According to a release by UVA Health, the study found that digital health apps can help women manage their symptoms better and also reduce the amount of leave they need to take. 

Researches from the UVA School of Medicine, University College London, Flo Health, Technische Universitaet Berlin and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that the symptoms had moderate to severe effects on a variety of factors that affect work. This includes energy levels, concentration, overall mood and interest in work. 

Women, who needed time off, reported they missed an average of 5.8 days.

“This study demonstrates that menstrual symptoms have a significant effect on women’s lives,” said Dr. Jennifer Payne, senior author of the study and director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Research Program at the UVA School of Medicine.

The 1,867 women surveyed were older than 18 while using the Flo app. The app helps women track their menstrual cycle and symptoms. 

The most commonly reported symptoms were cramps, fatigue and bloating. The study also found that many women didn’t feel supported at their workplace when dealing with symptoms. The research team found that digital health interventions like the Flo app can help women better manage their symptoms and improve productivity. 

More than half the women surveyed said the app helped them be prepared for, and be aware of, their body’s signals. It also helped them feel supported, improve management of the symptoms, and also be more open with others about their symptoms. Women, who said the app helped them feel better about themselves, were 12% to 16% less likely to take days off.

“Organizations would do well to pay attention to this study and promote environments where women can feel comfortable in addressing their needs surrounding the menstrual cycle,” Payne said. “Women are already doing the hard work of coping with menstrual symptoms on a monthly basis. Digital interventions geared toward minimizing women’s symptoms and maximizing coping skills are one way organizations can support their women employees.”