Menstruation and how to access support
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe different menstrual health conditions and explain when someone may need support.
Key learning points
- The menstrual cycle is different for everyone but averages between 21 and 35 days.
- People experience a range of emotions which can change dramatically during their menstrual cycle.
- There are several disorders that affect female reproductive organs, including PMDD and PCOS.
- 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 females experiencing mensruation have the same symptoms during their menstrual cycle.
There is a wide range of symptoms experienced by females who are menstruating and at different points in their menstrual cycle.
Teacher tip
Using biological terminology can be helpful, but using more conversational language that pupils use alongside terminology can help pupils connect with the topic.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
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.
Q2.Match the words to the correct definition.
when your skin gets spots or pimples because of blocked pores
a smell that is caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down proteins
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 ...
Q4.Males produce a hormone called __________ during puberty.
Q5.Females produce a hormone called __________ during puberty.
Q6. spurts during puberty are very common.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Endometriosis is when ...
Q2.PCOS stands for ...
Q3.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can result in ...
Q4.Which menstrual condition can cause panic attacks and severe insomnia?
Q5.True or False? All menstruating people experience the same symptoms during their menstrual cycle and they often don’t want to do anything.
Q6.If someone experiences more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle they should seek support from a ...
To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstruation and how to access support, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstruation and how to access support, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Our changing bodies: When might I need to seek support? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.