Hands-on menstruation education program improves adolescent preparedness, confidence

Hands-on menstruation education program improves adolescent preparedness, confidence | Image Credit: © Ирина Пятаева - stock.adobe.com.

Practical, hands-on education about menstruation can help adolescents feel more confident and prepared for the physical and emotional changes associated with their first periods, according to research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition in Denver, Colorado.^1,2

The study, Menstruation Education Centered Around Hands-On Skills, evaluated an initiative called Period Prepared, which was designed to fill gaps in menstrual education for students in grades 3-12. The program was developed using design-thinking principles and informed by community surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews with menstruators, parents, teachers, and physicians.

“Most of us have picked up scraps of information along the way: how to choose a period product, insert a tampon, or track your cycle—usually through trial and error. But imagine a generation of young menstruators who felt informed instead of afraid,” said study author Hannah Chiu, a medical student at Tulane University School of Medicine.

Gaps in menstruation education

In many US schools, particularly in Louisiana, where the study was conducted, sexual education is limited. Louisiana does not mandate sexual education, and in 2020, only 11% of middle school students and 24% of high school students received comprehensive sexual education, according to the study. Even when offered, this curriculum does not explicitly cover menstruation.

According to Chiu, this lack of practical knowledge may harm body image, contribute to confusion, and reinforce stigma. Parents, often responsible for educating their children, may rely on personal experiences shaped by cultural upbringing or discomfort with the subject. Educators, meanwhile, typically emphasize anatomy and physiology, which may fail to engage students or provide practical guidance.

The Period Prepared program

Period Prepared addresses these limitations through a curriculum centered on practical skills and peer-to-peer learning. Workshops cover menstrual hygiene, recognizing what is clinically expected, and niche topics such as managing menstruation while playing sports and understanding pelvic floor health. Sessions incorporate activities like creating DIY heating pads for cramps and role-playing exercises to help students practice asking for support.

The program is delivered in classrooms by medical student volunteers, but resources are also available online for parents and teachers who wish to facilitate workshops independently. Facilitators are trained to build educator capacity and serve as ongoing resources for menstrual health.

Preliminary outcomes

Early feedback suggests the program has been well received. Adolescents actively engaged in discussions and openly asked questions despite the traditionally sensitive nature of menstruation. Small group sessions with fewer than 10 participants of similar ages proved most effective for fostering open conversation.

“Interestingly, the younger participants aged 8 to 10 years old were particularly enthusiastic about more advanced topics. This further reinforces the idea that being well prepared fosters confidence, something that could greatly benefit young people as they begin their menstruation journey,” Chiu said.

An anonymous system using index cards allowed students to submit questions, ensuring that even those with prior knowledge had a dedicated and judgment-free space to seek answers. Parents and educators also responded positively, appreciating the use of permission slips and online demonstrations of workshop materials.

Implications for adolescent health

The findings highlight how early, skill-based education can empower adolescents while reducing stigma around menstruation. Small-group learning, engaging activities, and peer support were identified as key strategies for fostering confidence and preparedness.

According to the study authors, future directions include expanding partnerships with school districts to formally integrate the curriculum into classrooms and developing additional resources to help educators and parents lead sessions independently.

By providing structured, practical instruction, the Period Prepared program aims to normalize menstruation discussions and equip adolescents with the tools they need to manage their health effectively, the study concluded.

References:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Period prepared: Research shows education helps teens feel informed, confident. Eurekalert. September 26, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1098728?
2. Chiu H. Menstruation Education Centered Around Hands-On Skills. Abstract. Presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition. September 26-30, 2025. Denver, Colorado.