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Tengrinews.kz — For years, women in Kazakhstan have been calling for the legal right to sick leave for painful periods. The topic recently resurfaced on social media, where one user proposed automating the process: registering one’s cycle with a doctor in advance so the medical system could automatically issue sick leave on the necessary days.
A Tengri Health correspondent investigated whether it is currently possible to obtain a certificate of temporary disability due to menstrual pain and what requirements must be met.
The issue of menstrual leave is not a new one in Kazakhstan. Women describe intense pain that makes it difficult to work, study, or carry out daily activities. However, not everyone is aware of whether sick leave can actually be granted in such situations.
The discussion recently regained momentum on social media. A Kazakhstani woman suggested integrating a feature into medical information systems that would automatically open a sick leave record during menstruation.
According to her proposal, a woman could consult a doctor in advance to report painful periods. The specialist would record the information in the system, which would then automatically issue a certificate of temporary disability based on the projected dates of the menstrual cycle.
We reached out to the Ministry of Health to find out if such an option is available in Kazakhstan.
The Ministry of Health's press service explained that there is no separate category for menstrual leave in Kazakhstan. However, the order regulating the issuance of sick leave certificates does not prohibit doctors from issuing a certificate of temporary disability for painful menstruation:
"Sick leave can be issued for conditions based on medical indications and the patient's state of health. Menstrual pain falls under dysmenorrhea. The decision to issue it is made by a doctor following an examination, an assessment of the woman's condition, and the presence of medical indications".
The idea of automatically processing sick leave based on the menstrual cycle remains merely a proposal for now.
The Ministry of Health stated that medical information systems do not currently provide for the automatic opening of sick leave based on projected menstruation dates.
Even if a woman informs her doctor of her cycle in advance, the system cannot independently issue a certificate of temporary disability.
"Only based on a doctor's clinical findings," the ministry emphasized.
We also requested statistics from the Ministry of Health regarding sick leave issued to women for painful menstruation.
The ministry reported that the "Ambulatory and Polyclinic Care" information system registered 21 sick leave certificates under the diagnosis of "dysmenorrhea" in 2025, and 17 in 2026.
In several countries, the right to menstrual leave has long existed at the legislative level, though conditions vary significantly.
Japan
For instance, Japan has recognized the right to menstrual leave since 1947, becoming one of the first countries to codify it into law. According to the law, an employer cannot require an employee to work during her period if she is experiencing severe discomfort and requests leave.
Spain
Spain became the first European Union country to pass legislation granting the right to sick leave for painful menstruation. In 2023, the country passed a law allowing women to take sick leave for severe menstrual pain.
Portugal
In 2025, Portugal also established the right to special leave for severe menstrual pain. The law provides for up to three consecutive paid days per month for women with conditions that cause pain so severe it prevents them from working.
South Korea
In South Korea, labor laws allow women to take one day of menstrual leave per month, though it is unpaid.
Vietnam
Vietnam takes a different approach. Women are entitled to a 30-minute paid break per day for at least three working days during their menstrual cycle.