Spain is the first country in the European Union to approve menstrual leave. 1,418 applications for this labor right have been processed due to having a disabling period.

Around one in 10 women of reproductive age have endometriosis (more than one million in Spain) The fear of workplace stigma and the limitations of the norm explain the limited exercise of this right, experts say.. In France, a group of deputies underwent a pain simulator in March to debate the approval of sick leave due to disabling rules in their country. If you or a family member have contemplated taking menstrual leave, please contact CNN iReport on 0203 615 4157. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.