Skip to content

Survey study, 2022

What problems do young teenage girls experience during their period?

Most experience body pain, leg pain, and headaches. Many also have mood changes, irritability, and stress. Some lack privacy or face restrictions.

Early or limited evidence 60 girls aged 13-16 in one high school in Chennai, India

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 60 girls aged 13-16 in one high school in Chennai, India. Researchers used a questionnaire to ask about physical, psychological, and social problems during menstruation.

What they found

Physical problems: 58% had premenstrual syndrome, 68% body pain, 55% leg pain, 45% headache. Psychological: 70% mood changes, 78% irritability, 63% unstable mood, 58% felt stressed. Social: 65% were unaware before first period, 10% had no privacy to change pads, 32% faced restrictions.

What it means for you

Young girls need better education about periods and mental health support. This is a small study from one school in India, so results may differ in other places.

78%

experienced irritability

68%

experienced body pain

70%

experienced mood changes

About the study

Original title
Psychosocial Problems of Adolescent Girls during Menstruation
Authors
Sundari T, George AJ, Sinu E
Journal
Journal of mental health education
Year
2022
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics