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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe some common women's health conditions and explain when someone should seek support from a healthcare professional.

      Key learning points

      1. Women's health includes many aspects of physical and mental health.
      2. Some women's health conditions affect the menstrual cycle, while others affect hormones or different body systems.
      3. PMS, endometriosis, PMDD and PMOS are different health conditions with different causes and symptoms.
      4. PMOS is an endocrine condition that affects hormone regulation throughout the body.
      5. Healthcare professionals can provide advice, diagnosis and treatment.

      Keywords

      • PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome - a group of physical and emotional symptoms that happen before a period

      • Endometriosis - a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus

      • PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - a severe condition linked to the menstrual cycle that can affect mood and daily life

      • PMOS - Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome - an endocrine condition that affects hormone regulation throughout the body and may affect menstruation, metabolism, skin, hair and fertility.

      Common misconception

      All women's health conditions are menstrual disorders.

      Women's health conditions affect different body systems. Some mainly affect the menstrual cycle, while others affect hormones or several body systems. PMOS is an endocrine condition, although menstrual changes can be one of its symptoms.

      Teacher tip

      Remind pupils that symptoms vary from person to person. Encourage them to focus on recognising when symptoms may need medical support rather than trying to diagnose a health condition themselves.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      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
      Correct Answer:body odour,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

      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, growth

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which statement best describes PMS?

      a condition where tissue grows outside the uterus
      Correct answer: physical and emotional symptoms before a period
      bleeding that is heavier than usual
      an endocrine condition affecting hormones

      Q2.
      What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

      Correct answer: bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than is usual
      bleeding that always lasts more than seven days
      bleeding that only happens after exercise
      bleeding caused by every women's health condition

      Q3.
      Which body system is mainly affected by PMOS?

      digestive system
      Correct answer: endocrine system
      respiratory system
      skeletal system

      Q4.
      Who should someone speak to if symptoms are worrying them?

      Correct answer: a trusted adult or healthcare professional
      only a friend
      nobody, because symptoms always go away
      someone on social media

      Q5.
      Match each condition to its description.

      Correct Answer:PMS,physical and emotional symptoms before a period
      Correct Answer:endometriosis,tissue grows outside the uterus
      Correct Answer:PMDD,severe symptoms that affect daily life before a period

      Q6.
      A teacher is an example of a adult you could go to for support.

      Correct Answer: trusted

      To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Women's health conditions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...