A Landscape Review of Evidence-Based, Comprehensive Menstrual Cycle Curriculums and Educational Programs for Adolescents

Despite the significant role of hormonal health in adolescent well-being, substantial cycle education gaps remain in how menstrual cycle education is standardized and delivered. This literature review evaluates the current landscape of comprehensive, evidence-based menstrual cycle curriculums for adolescents to determine what instructional frameworks are available and have been effective. Findings highlight a shortage of comprehensive, evidence-based curriculums that address overall cycle health and well-being for adolescents and stigma around discussing menstruation. Comprehensive cycle education integrates biology with cycle-tracking and the psychosocial impacts of the menstrual cycle. This review attempts to map out the strengths and deficiencies identified in current programming and resources in K-12 public schools in the United States and community-based educational curriculums and discusses digital interventions that have emerged independently to provide foundational resources for educators and curriculum developers aiming to implement holistic cycle health education programs for adolescent populations.