Study Reveals 37% of Men Blame Female Colleagues' Behavior on Hormones at Work

Women continue to face systemic workplace discrimination, including a 14% lower likelihood of promotion compared to male colleagues, persistent pay gaps, and disproportionate burnout from caregiving responsibilities. These challenges contribute to higher rates of women leaving the workforce altogether.

Now, a new report highlights another layer of bias: unfair assumptions about women’s health by male coworkers. According to a survey conducted by Mira, a fertility and health tracking platform, 37% of men admitted to attributing a female colleague’s behavior to hormonal fluctuations. Even more alarmingly, 39% of men stated they expect women to regulate their emotions differently in professional settings.

The most concerning finding? 23% of men have questioned a female colleague’s leadership decisions based solely on assumptions about their hormonal state.

While people who menstruate may experience physical and emotional distress monthly, that doesn’t negate their ability to perform in the workplace. In fact, with the average age of menstruation onset now at 11.9 years, many have spent years developing strategies to manage these challenges.

This disparity in emotional expectations extends beyond hormonal assumptions. A 2020 survey by Totaljobs, a U.K.-based job search platform, revealed that men are more than twice as likely as women to react to stress by yelling or quitting their jobs.

Men Acknowledge Period Pain but Lack Education

Despite these biases, the Mira survey uncovered some positive trends. A significant majority of men—86%—recognized that period pain can impact a woman’s mental and physical health. However, nearly one-third admitted their education failed to prepare them to understand women’s health challenges.

Worryingly, the knowledge gap appears to be widening. Only 66% of Gen Z men reported feeling educated about women’s health, compared to 70% of millennials. On a brighter note, 83% of respondents expressed a willingness to teach their sons about women’s health.

Hope for Progress by 2026

While workplace biases against women persist, the survey suggests a growing awareness among men. By 2026, many aim to improve their understanding and support for female colleagues.