Addressing the Lack of Infrastructure Surrounding Education: Menstruation & Puberty for Young People
Recently, I read an intriguing article, regarding the evolution of menstrual health education in the United States, and the respective pros and cons thereof. This blog provides a synopsis of an article published on “The Conversation” platform (https://theconversation.com/the-us-lacks-adequate-education-around-puberty-and-menstruation-for-young-people-an-expert-on-menstrual-health-explains-187501), which is “an independent nonprofit news source” that provides nuanced delivery of nuanced issues worldwide.
While most menstruating individuals gain insight regarding the fundamental mechanics of a period, such as period management directly upon the occurrence of their first menstrual cycle. Perhaps, if asked to recollect their first menstrual cycle, most individuals would recall the urge to keep their period concealed from others, particularly at school. It would become a frequent topic of conversation, particularly in the middle school years, as girls approached the precipice of womanhood. Most information regarding periods would be attained by family members, friends, teachers, and the internet. However, the more complex attributes of the period─specifically, healthy vs unhealthy patterns, duration, and pain severity would be learned later, all of which would have a rather major pertinence with pregnancy prevention.
Information on Menstrual Health Remains Lacking:
According to the article, both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics deem periods equally as critical as blood pressure and temperature during visits. Not only is it the responsibility of parents to prepare girls for the nuances of menstruation, but also healthcare providers hold as pertinent of a responsibility in ensuring menstruation education standards are met.
About Dr. Marni Sommer:
Dr. Marni Sommer, Associate Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University, has spearheaded critical research efforts with regards to the onset of menstruation around the world for almost 20 years. Her research overarchingly elucidated that many girls (based on a sample size of girls in Los Angeles, United States) received no guidance before their first period.
“A Girl’s Guide to Puberty and Periods”
In 2018, Dr. Sommer launched an effort to learn more about the experiences of American girls, as they enter puberty. Based on insights and experience Dr. Sommer gathered throughout her study and overall 20 year research tenure, she published “A Girl’s Guide to Puberty and Periods.” Over 2 million copies of the book, available both online and in print, have been distributed globally and have garnered significant critical acclaim among the press. Interestingly enough, in addition to the guide, Dr. Sommer and team have developed similar books for 9 countries worldwide, tailored uniquely to the cultural, social, and political conditions of each respective country based on participatory surveys consisting of boy and girl participants. Not only do the books contain pertinent information regarding the nuanced mechanics of periods as a “toolkit” for girls entering puberty, but also they are rife with riveting narratives on the “physical and emotional changes of puberty.” The versions have been translated into Spanish to further promote accessibility and inclusivity efforts, not only in the United States but also worldwide.
As an additional bonus, the promotional website for the book contains a meticulously-curated video library consisting of a series of accessible, kid-friendly videos that ensure comfortability and security among girls who enter puberty. Linked: https://www.agirlsguide.org/videos
Decrease in the Age of Menstruation Onset:
According to the article, the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention have found that the median onset of menstruation has decreased from 12.1 years old to 11.9 years old over the span of 22 years. As most individuals reach their 11th birthday in the 5th grade, it is evident that most girls are in elementary school when they first get their period. As many girls can relate to the stark lack of infrastructure in the education and support for menstrual health in legally-mandated health education classes (4th and 5th grade), it is plausible that the effects thereof translate to detrimental mental health issues, such as depression and depreciated self-regard.
Personal Take:
I believe that social media is a key centerpiece in promoting menstrual health literacy. Albeit rife with false news and misinformation, the connection that can be fostered among girls who are on the brink of puberty and those who have completed it is one that should be harnessed for the better. As girls forge connections with those who can relate to similar experiences, menstrual health literacy can be propagated in a friendly, accessible manner.
Favorite Article Quote & Key Takeaway: “Menstrual health literacy translates to health literacy.”
Purchase “A Girl’s Guide to Puberty and Periods”
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