Study Urges Global Focus on Menstrual Health Education for Youth

A recent study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced menstrual health education and programming aimed at young adolescents. The research, titled “Attention to Menarche, Puberty Education, and Menstrual Health Monitoring Are Essential,” was published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and highlights significant gaps in existing global initiatives.

Conducted by researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, the study identifies two critical areas for improvement: increasing awareness of menarche through early puberty education and enhancing national and regional monitoring of menstrual health. According to the lead author, Marni Sommer, DrPH, MSN, RN, who is a professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia Mailman School, addressing these issues is vital for the health and social outcomes of adolescents.

“Menarche is a pivotal milestone with lasting implications for health and social outcomes, yet it receives far too little attention in health research and programming,” Sommer stated. She also directs the Gender, Adolescent Transitions and Environment (GATE) Program at Columbia, which focuses on addressing the needs of adolescents in various contexts.

Despite its importance, discussions surrounding menstruation and associated risks often remain absent in educational settings. The lack of dialogue leaves many young people unprepared and perpetuates feelings of fear, shame, and misinformation. The study calls for a shift in focus, arguing that comprehensive education about menstrual health can empower adolescents and improve their overall well-being.

Strengthening monitoring systems for menstrual health is equally crucial, as it would provide better data to inform public health strategies. Enhanced monitoring can help identify trends and challenges, allowing policymakers to implement targeted interventions.

The findings underscore a pressing need for global stakeholders to prioritize menstrual health in health research, education, and policy. As the study indicates, investing in menstrual health education can lead to significant improvements in the lives of young adolescents worldwide.

More information about the study can be found in the publication by Bethany A Caruso and colleagues in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health (2025), DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(25)00270-6.