Menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in schools: recommendations for menstrual health education in England

Menstruation can negatively impact quality of life (QoL), particularly during adolescence. The stigma surrounding menstruation and lack of support and education, can have detrimental effects on physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing. This study aims to (1) determine how adolescent girls from schools across England feel that periods affect their wellbeing, (2) understand the menstrual support and education that adolescents receive and (3) suggest improvements to menstrual health education and support in schools. Eight focus groups were carried out in four schools, two in each school, with year 10 girls. Four questions were asked in each focus group relating to the participants’ attitudes to having a period, how their period affected their wellbeing, the support they need and how could education be improved. A total of 49 girls participated, with most reporting negative attitudes about periods. Most stated that their periods negatively impacted their physical, emotional, and social QoL, affecting areas such as friendships, schoolwork, and socialising. They expressed a need for improved menstrual education and for boys to be included. They wanted improved menstrual support, especially at school, in the form of access to period products, days off school, and emotional support. This study highlights the negative impact that menstruation can have on the QoL of adolescent girls. It shows a need for improved support and education for all genders from an early age; which may help dissipate period stigma and increase QoL. We recommend improvements in education and support systems by providing training to teachers implementing menstrual policies, improving the curriculum and ensuring appropriate support systems are in place in schools.