Menstrual health
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the menstrual cycle and explain how to track cycles.
Key learning points
- There are four phases in the menstrual cycle; the length of cycle depends on many factors.
- Ovaries produce eggs which travel down the fallopian tubes to the womb or the uterus.
- The endometrium thickens ready for a fertilised egg; when an egg isn’t fertilised, the endometrium is shed as a period.
- Menstruation is different for all individuals and there is no ‘normal’.
- People can track their menstrual cycles and that can be helpful for preparation.
Keywords
Endometrium - the blood-filled lining of the uterus which sheds every month there is no fertilised egg implanted
Uterus - an organ, also called a womb, where a fertilised egg can grow into a foetus
Ovary - one of two glands that contain and release egg cells
Fallopian tube - also called oviduct, one leads from each ovary to the uterus
Discharge - fluid made in the cervix or vagina that helps to keep the vagina clean and moist
Common misconception
Normal cycles last 28 days.
Cycles can vary in length between 21 and 45 days. Cycles vary most when someone's periods have just started (the menarche) and when someone is approaching the menopause. Cycles can also vary, for example, because of stress.
Teacher tip
Consider discussing one interpretation of the Ishango Bone with the class which suggests it is the earliest known period tracker!
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Puberty is the stage in life between and adulthood.
Q2.Which of the following changes might occur during puberty?
Q3.Everyone starts puberty at ages.
Q4.Match the word to the correct definition.
relating to your feelings and thoughts
relating to your body
practices that help maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases
Q5.What products should be used to keep clean during puberty?
Q6.Match the first part of the sentence with the correct second part of the sentence.
because their circadian rhythm is different to children.
because emotions can feel heightened and there are new stresses.
because hormonal changes happen at different speeds.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Menstruation usually starts at around years old but can be earlier or later.
Q2.Match the word to the correct definition.
one of two glands that contain and release egg cells
a tube, also called oviduct, which leads from an ovary to the uterus
the blood-filled lining of the uterus which sheds every month
fluid made in the cervix/vagina that helps keep the vagina clean/moist
Q3.A menstrual cycle can vary between 21 and 45 days, especially when first starting periods, approaching menopause or when under ...
Q4.Place these four phases of the menstrual cycle in order:
Q5.On average, how much blood is lost per menstrual cycle?
Q6.Recording the date a period starts and stops is called:
To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstrual health, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstrual health, 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: What do I need to know about menstruation? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.