‘Increase Your Pain Tolerance’: Manager’s remark on period leave triggers outrage, woman quits job

A Reddit post describing a woman’s experience of being questioned for taking sick leave due to severe menstrual pain has reignited discussions around workplace sensitivity, medical leave rights, and menstrual health awareness in India.

A viral Reddit post has brought renewed focus to the ongoing debate around menstrual leave and workplace sensitivity in India. The post, shared on the r/IndianWorkplace forum under the title “He said increase your pain tolerance”, details the experience of a woman whose manager allegedly dismissed her menstrual pain and questioned her need for medical leave.

According to the woman, she had taken one sick leave each month for three consecutive months due to severe menstrual cramps that caused dizziness and intense discomfort. Despite clearly stating the reason for her absence in official emails, she said her manager summoned her to his office and questioned her leave.

Also Read:Drunk youth attack cab driver in Bengaluru, FIR filed at Hulimavu Police Station

She alleged that during the meeting, the manager compared her condition with that of his wife and said, “Even my wife gets periods, but she works.” When she explained that pain levels vary from person to person, he reportedly responded, “Then increase your pain tolerance.” The remark left her distressed and anxious about applying for future leave.

he said "Increase your pain tolerance."
by u/Appropriate-Panic936 in IndianWorkplace

In her Reddit post, she explained that for the next two months, she continued coming to work by taking strong medication, despite severe discomfort. However, when she took another sick leave recently due to unbearable pain, she said she felt anxious about facing further confrontation at the workplace.

The post quickly gained traction, drawing widespread reactions from users across social media. Many criticised the manager’s behaviour, calling it insensitive, inappropriate, and unprofessional. Several users pointed out that menstrual pain varies significantly among individuals and should never be trivialised or compared.

Also Read:Heartbreak tragedy in Bengaluru: Gym trainer ends life after lover’s marriage fix

Some advised the woman to escalate the issue to the Human Resources department and senior leadership, stating that medical leave is a basic employee right and should not be questioned. One user suggested involving HR and top management, arguing that health issues cannot be judged by personal opinions or comparisons.

In a follow-up update, the woman revealed that she had resigned from the company. She also alleged that her manager planned to deduct money from her final settlement, claiming dissatisfaction over a course he had sponsored. She stated that such deductions were not mentioned in her offer letter and added that the company was family-run, making internal grievance redressal difficult.

The incident has once again highlighted gaps in workplace policies regarding menstrual health, medical leave, and employee welfare.