Clinic For Releases Third 2026 Survey on the “Tolerance Loss” of Irregular Periods Among Working Women

Clinic For Group, which provides both in-person and online medical consultations, announced the results of the third installment of its 2026 survey on the “tolerance loss” caused by irregular periods, focusing on working women. The analysis covers responses from 427 working women aged 18 to 49 across Japan, including company employees, executives, public servants, self-employed workers, and part-time workers. The survey suggests that the post-Golden Week period, often associated in Japan with so-called “May blues,” may place mental and physical stress on working women through new workplace relationships, pressure, and fatigue from the start of the fiscal year, potentially affecting menstrual irregularities. Nearly half of working women, 48.1%, cited “interpersonal stress” as one factor affecting irregular periods, while 40.9% cited “pressure and a sense of responsibility” at work. The survey also found signs of a “negative loop” in which irregular periods lead to physical discomfort that then affects work and mental health. Among working women who felt they could not control their body or condition because of irregular periods, 50.3% reported negative effects on work, such as difficulty concentrating, more mistakes, or being unable to speak up in meetings. Another 47.8% reported negative effects on mental health, such as self-dislike or difficulty staying positive. At the same time, nearly 90% of respondents knew that irregular periods can be medically managed, yet only 17.3% had actually taken measures through a medical institution. About one in three said they knew there were ways to improve the condition but had not taken action. Among working women not currently visiting a gynecologist, 43.6% had gone more than a year without seeking care after becoming aware of their irregular periods. The main reasons were that symptoms were “tolerable” (39.4%), that they had “gotten used to it” (39.4%), and that visiting a doctor was “troublesome” (32.4%). The findings highlight how the mindset of enduring symptoms and becoming accustomed to them can become a major barrier to medical consultation. Clinic For has also launched an official online self-check tool called the “Irregular Period Tolerance Loss Diagnosis.” By answering seven questions, users can assess how much irregular periods may be affecting their time, mental bandwidth, and daily life, and receive self-care tips. The tool is not a medical diagnosis but a self-check for understanding lifestyle impact; users are advised to consult a physician regarding whether treatment is necessary. A Clinic For physician commented that the findings show working women face a double burden: stress-related irregular periods and the impact of those irregular periods on performance. Environmental changes after Golden Week and accumulated fatigue from a new lifestyle can be factors that disrupt menstrual cycles. The physician noted that controlling the menstrual cycle with options such as low-dose pills may help stabilize physical condition, reduce anxiety over unpredictable symptoms, and maintain quality of life. However, effects and side effects vary by individual, and medication should be used under medical supervision after checking health condition and risks. The release also explains low-dose pills and mini-pills. Low-dose pills combine two female hormones, estrogen and progestin, and work by stabilizing hormone levels and suppressing ovulation. Beyond contraception, they may help improve menstrual pain, menstrual flow, irregular periods, and PMS. Mini-pills contain only progestin and do not include estrogen, which is described as reducing the risk of serious estrogen-related side effects such as thrombosis. They may be an option for people who could not previously take low-dose pills, including some smokers over 35, people with migraine with aura, or people with obesity. Clinic For’s online pill prescription service is a self-pay medical service. Patients can receive consultations from home or another preferred location, complete booking and prescription steps by smartphone, and have medication delivered to their home mailbox. The service is available on weekdays from 7 a.m. to midnight and on weekends, although hours may vary. Medication can be shipped as early as the same day and delivered as soon as the next day in eligible cases. Clinic For Group reports more than 9 million online consultation cases as of April 2026. In some cases, in-person consultation may be recommended, and physicians may determine that medication cannot be prescribed.