‘The Real Reason’ is a social experiment that unveils the power that comes from speaking up and unapologetically seeking relief from period symptoms

Midol^®, the #1 Period Relief brand¹ by Bayer, is launching The Real Reason: A Social Experiment that reinforces to people with periods and those who support them that period symptoms are not something to push through. In a recent survey, only about half of people with periods feel it is socially acceptable to cancel or reschedule social (54%)² and academic (50%) obligations because of period symptoms.³ No more.

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Bayer Consumer Health is proud to inspire the world to share the ‘real reason’ as the next step to ending period stigmas. (Photo: Business Wire)

Midol^® wants to create an environment that encourages menstruators to reach for relief and openly recognize their period symptoms as a real reason for taking time to themselves. After putting an end to period apologies with last year’s No Apologies. Period. movement, this social experiment inspires sharing the real reason as the next step to ending period stigmas. There is power in sharing and owning the truth. There is power in finding comfort in that honesty.

An extension of the Comfort is Power campaign launched earlier this year, Midol’s The Real Reason, captures reactions from friends, family, school, and work colleagues to real menstruators “calling out” of different social or work commitments due to period symptoms instead of using a fake or more “acceptable” reason. The result was an overwhelming response of understanding and support, empowering the honest individuals to do what’s necessary to take care of their bodies and achieve the comfort they need.

“Midol® is working to reinforce that there is no shame in talking about period symptoms and, more importantly, in speaking out when they strike. We want menstruators to feel the power in addressing their needs and the even greater power that comes from knowing their community will support them when they do,” said Kelly Fanning, General Manager & Vice President of Pain and Cardio at Bayer Consumer Health U.S. “Our hope is this campaign helps normalize the conversation around period symptoms and help menstruators realize that speaking and acting on your period truth is powerful.”

While the period positivity movement has made strides in normalizing taboo topics, they largely remain sources of individual discomfort. Only 43% of menstruators know how to have a comfortable, open dialogue about their period with peers.² By highlighting real menstruators speaking their period truth to friends, family and colleagues, Midol^® hopes to continue breaking down toxic suppressive cycle and perception that period symptoms are an unacceptable reason to take the time you need.

“As menstruators, we feel pressure to hide or make excuses for our periods. For anyone who has experienced the debilitating and annoying period symptoms, they are not something you can just easily push through and ignore,” said Midol^® Partner Dr. Charis Chambers, OBGYN. “This social experiment showcases the modern reality menstruators face and society’s reaction to the real reasons for needing a break. I’m honored to support Midol^® in creating a world where menstruators aren’t embarrassed of their bodies and feel the need to minimize period symptoms. Together we are celebrating the power in actively and unapologetically owning your period and seeking the relief you need.”

Watch The Real Reason: A Social Experiment at www.Midol.com/therealreason and @Midol on Instagram. Follow @Midol on Instagram and share an instance where you gave The Real Reason for putting your comfort first using #TheRealReason.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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1</sup> #1 OTC brand based on highest dollar and unit sales in Period Category, IRI L52WK ending 05/29/22 Total US – MULO

² This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Bayer between April 23 – April 25, 2022, among a national sample of 1117 US adults who menstruate. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.

³ This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Bayer between April 23 – April 25, 2022, among a subset of self-identified students (n=124) of a national sample of 1117 US adults who menstruate. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.

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