Women suffering from Endometriosis and Adenomyosis have been given an update as a key petition soared in support - meaning MPs could be forced into a showdown. The campaign is calling for women with the issues to be given a statutory right to three days of paid leave a month.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis areconditions where tissue similar to the womb lining (endometrium) grows abnormally, causing pain, heavy periods, and fertility issues. Pain from the two issues can range from mild discomfort to excruciating, debilitating agony, often described as severe cramping, labour-like contractions, or constant pelvic pressure, sometimes so intense it stops daily activities.

A petition on the Parliament website has soared to 76,263 signatures of support - very close to the 100,000 threshold where a Commons debate must take place. This would force the Department for Business and Trade to stand up and defend its position to MPs and outline any possible changes.

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The petition, created by Michelle Dewar, will only be open until January 29 so people need to sign up quickly. It says: “We call on the UK Government to introduce statutory paid menstrual leave of up to 3 days per month for people with conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, following the model introduced in Portugal in 2025.

“We urge the UK Government toimplement a statutory menstrualleave policy similar to the one recently passed in Portugal.

• Provide up to 3 days of paid menstrual leave per month for individuals with a valid medical diagnosis

• Require only a single annual medical certificate confirming the condition

• Ensure full employment protections, including no loss of pay, benefits or seniority

• Guarantee confidentiality and non-discrimination in the workplace”

The Department for Business and Trade has given a response because the petition has over 10,000 signups. Officials said that currently there were no plans to introduce days off for women suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis, and said there reforms to worker rights which could help.

Officials said: “The Government has no plans to introduce menstrual leave for those with endometriosis or adenomyosis. We know the hardship they cause. Our employment rights reforms will help manage health at work.

“We recognise the difficulty and pain many women with endometriosis, adenomyosis and other menstrual or reproductive health issues face. We understand that for some women, menstrual or reproductive health issues can have a significant impact on their physical and mental wellbeing, including their participation in education and the workforce.”

It said that severe sufferers could be classed as having a disability - and employers are required to help: “The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. ‘Long-term’ is described as having lasted or likely to last for at least 12 months, or likely to last for the rest of a person’s life. ‘Substantial’ is defined as more than minor or trivial. Endometriosis and adenomyosis can classify as disabilities under this definition, and individuals with a disability are protected from discrimination and their employer is required to make reasonable adjustments.”

These could include phased returns to work, part-time working or flexible hours. And officials added that the new Employment Rights Bill ‘boosts access to this by making Statutory Sick Pay available to all eligible employees and payable from the first day of sickness absence.’

It adds: “The Bill will also make flexible working the default except where not reasonably feasible. This will help workers with menstrual or reproductive health issues and their employers to agree solutions which work for both parties, ensuring they can access greater flexibility to balance their work and manage their condition.”

To read the petition, sign up and see the full response click here.