Empowering Teens Through Menstruation Education: Research Highlights Benefits of Practical Curriculum

Recent research presented at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference emphasizes the importance of comprehensive menstruation education for adolescents. The study underscores that providing practical, hands-on information about managing periods can significantly boost teenagers' confidence and body image during this critical developmental stage. During the conference held at the Colorado Convention Center from September 26 to 30, medical student Hannah Chiu from Tulane University highlighted how lack of detailed knowledge about menstruation often leads to feelings of embarrassment and stigma.

Chiu pointed out that most young people acquire fragmented information through trial and error, which can exacerbate fears and misconceptions. Recognizing this gap, the organization "Period Prepared" was established to offer interactive menstrual health education to students from grades 3 through 12, covering essential topics such as hygiene, stigma reduction, and cycle monitoring.

The curriculum involves engaging activities like creating DIY heating pads for cramps and role-playing scenarios to practice seeking help for period-related issues. Initial feedback from educators, parents, and students has been encouraging, especially from small-group sessions that foster open dialogue among peers.

Interestingly, even the youngest participants aged 8 to 10 showed enthusiasm for learning more advanced topics, illustrating that early education can foster confidence and normalize menstruation. Chiu emphasized that being well-prepared helps young people feel more in control of their bodies and less anxious about the changes they experience.

In regions like Louisiana, where sexual education in schools is not mandatory—only 11% of middle school and 24% of high school students receive comprehensive sexual education—such initiatives are particularly vital. The hands-on approach by "Period Prepared" aims to fill this educational void, ensuring that adolescents are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate menstruation healthily and confidently.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-period-teens-confident.html