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Lesson 2 of 4
  • Year 9

Menstruation and how to access support

I can describe different menstrual health conditions and explain when someone may need support.

Lesson 2 of 4
New
New
  • Year 9

Menstruation and how to access support

I can describe different menstrual health conditions and explain when someone may need support.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The menstrual cycle is different for everyone but averages between 21 and 35 days.
  2. People experience a range of emotions which can change dramatically during their menstrual cycle.
  3. There are several disorders that affect female reproductive organs, including PMDD and PCOS.
  4. A doctor or medical professional can offer advice or support to anyone worried about their menstrual health.

Keywords

  • PMS - premenstrual syndrome occurs a few days to two weeks before a person has their period and includes changes in emotions and physical sensations

  • PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects how the ovaries work

  • Endometriosis - a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places outside the uterus

  • PMDD - premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a health problem that is similar to PMS, but more serious

Common misconception

All menstruating people experience the same symptoms during their menstrual cycle and they often don’t want to do anything.

There is a wide range of symptoms experienced by menstruating people and at different points in their menstrual cycle. People should listen to their bodies and take care of themselves accordingly.


To help you plan your year 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstruation and how to access support, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Using biological terminology can be helpful, but using more conversational language that pupils use alongside terminology can help pupils connect with the topic.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
True or False? Males and females can both experience acne as a symptom of puberty.

Correct answer: True, because hormones during puberty increase oil production in everyone.
False, because only females produce the hormones that cause acne.
True, because males and females go through identical physical changes.
False, because acne only affects people after puberty has finished.

Q2.
Match the words to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:acne,when your skin gets spots or pimples because of blocked pores

when your skin gets spots or pimples because of blocked pores

Correct Answer:body odour,a smell that is caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down proteins

a smell that is caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down proteins

Correct Answer:puberty,the process of changing from a child's body to an adult's body

the process of changing from a child's body to an adult's body

Q3.
Puberty varies for everyone, but it can start from the age of ...

Correct Answer: Eight, 8

Q4.
Males produce a hormone called __________ during puberty.

oestrogen
Correct answer: testosterone
cortisol
adrenaline

Q5.
Females produce a hormone called __________ during puberty.

adrenaline
testosterone
cortisol
Correct answer: oestogen

Q6.
spurts during puberty are very common.

Correct Answer: Growth

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Endometriosis is when ...

Correct answer: tissue similar to uterus lining grows in places outside the uterus
tissue similar to uterus lining only grows inside the uterus
no tissue similar to uterus lining grows inside or outside the uterus

Q2.
PCOS stands for ...

Correct answer: polycystic ovary syndrome
poly ovary syndrome
polycystic ovarian symptoms

Q3.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can result in ...

Correct answer: extreme anxiety
heavier periods
bloating
pelvic pain
Correct answer: low moods

Q4.
Which menstrual condition can cause panic attacks and severe insomnia?

Correct Answer: PMDD

Q5.
True or False? All menstruating people experience the same symptoms during their menstrual cycle and they often don’t want to do anything.

True, because menstruation affects everyone in exactly the same way.
Correct answer: False, because symptoms vary widely and people respond differently.
True, because hormones cause identical symptoms in all people.
False, because only people with conditions like PMDD have symptoms.

Q6.
If someone experiences more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle they should seek support from a ...

Correct Answer: medical professional, doctor, nurse, trusted adult