How to explain to a male boss that I’m taking a half day because of my period.

I was woken up this morning by my period cramps. My last few periods have had excruciating cramps, which is a very new to me. I have already taken 3 extra strength Tylenol and I am still in buckling pain. It hurts to sit at my chair at my desk. I want to take a half day because I’m so uncomfortable, but everyone who ever goes home has the sniffles. It’s never period cramps.

I don’t know how to explain to my boss why I need to take a half day without being like I have my period. My director, (my boss‘s boss) is a woman and I feel like I get it, but I don’t want my boss to feel like I went over his head so I don’t know what to do. I just know I can’t be here.

So what should I do? What do I say? Do I pretend like I have the sniffles and go home?