Recent developments in menstrual health: New research and global progress

The landscape of menstrual health research and policy has seen significant developments in 2024 and 2025, with groundbreaking studies revealing important trends and ongoing challenges that affect millions worldwide.

Earlier onset of menstruation documented in major study

Research from Harvard's Apple Women's Health Study published in May 2024 has documented a concerning trend: girls are starting their menstrual cycles earlier than in previous decades. This large-scale longitudinal study represents the first comprehensive research of its scope focused specifically on understanding menstrual cycles and their changing patterns across generations.

The study found that the average age at menarche has been decreasing among younger generations in the United States, with particularly notable changes among certain racial and ethnic groups. This trend has important implications for both health planning and educational approaches to menstrual health.

Global gaps in school menstrual health facilities revealed

A major report released by the World Health Organization in May 2024 exposed significant deficiencies in menstrual health infrastructure worldwide. The comprehensive global assessment found that only 39% of schools provide adequate menstrual health facilities, representing a substantial gap in basic health infrastructure that affects educational outcomes.

This finding highlights the ongoing challenge of period poverty and its impact on educational access, particularly affecting young people during their formative years.

Heavy menstruation's impact on academic performance

New research published in May 2025 and reported by The Guardian has established clear links between heavy menstrual bleeding and academic outcomes. The study conducted in England found that heavy, prolonged periods and severe menstrual pain are directly associated with lower school attendance rates and poorer GCSE examination scores.

This research provides concrete evidence of how menstrual health challenges translate into measurable educational disadvantages, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive menstrual health support in educational settings.

Period poverty affects one in three adolescents

Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conferences in 2024 revealed alarming statistics about menstrual product access. The study found that one in three adolescents visiting pediatric emergency departments report difficulties accessing menstruation products, indicating widespread period poverty even in healthcare settings.

This research underscores the ongoing accessibility challenges that affect young people's health and well-being, particularly highlighting disparities in healthcare access.

Technology adoption in menstrual health tracking

A November 2024 study from the University of Oxford examined global patterns in menstrual tracking app usage. The research revealed that menstrual tracking applications are being used worldwide, including in low-income countries, though usage remains lower in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing areas.

This finding suggests growing global awareness and engagement with menstrual health monitoring while also highlighting digital divide issues that affect access to health technology.

Clinical community programs address menstrual poverty

A study published in Pediatrics in June 2025 documented the successful implementation of clinical community programs designed specifically to address menstrual poverty. This research demonstrates that targeted interventions combining healthcare and community resources can effectively improve access to menstrual products and education.

The program's success provides a model for healthcare systems looking to address period poverty through coordinated community efforts.

Global awareness initiatives gain momentum

The United Nations Water organization's 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign highlighted ongoing challenges with new data showing an average 15% rate of menstrual related school absenteeism globally. Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa report even higher rates, emphasizing the continued need for comprehensive menstrual health initiatives.

These findings reinforce the global scope of menstrual health challenges and the need for sustained international attention and resources.

Implications for the future

The research developments of 2024 and 2025 paint a picture of both progress and ongoing challenges in menstrual health. While technology adoption and awareness campaigns are expanding globally, fundamental issues of access, education, and infrastructure remain significant barriers.

The documentation of earlier menarche onset suggests that health systems and educational institutions need to adapt their approaches to serve younger populations. Meanwhile, the clear links established between menstrual health challenges and academic outcomes provide compelling evidence for policymakers to prioritize comprehensive menstrual health support.

The success of targeted clinical community programs offers hope that coordinated efforts can make meaningful differences in addressing period poverty and improving access to essential menstrual health resources.

Conclusion

These recent research developments underscore the complex, interconnected nature of menstrual health challenges. From biological changes in onset timing to social and economic barriers affecting access, the field continues to evolve with new evidence informing better approaches to support menstrual health worldwide.

The growing body of research provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, educators, policy makers, and communities working to ensure that menstruation does not become a barrier to health, education, or full participation in society.

Sources

1. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2024, May). Apple Women's Health Study: Study Updates. Retrieved from https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/apple-womens-health-study/study-updates/
2. World Health Organization. (2024, May 28). Global report reveals major gaps in menstrual health and hygiene in schools. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2024-global-report-reveals-major-gaps-in-menstrual-health-and-hygiene-in-schools
3. The Guardian. (2025, May 22). Heavy periods affect school attendance and exam scores, study in England finds. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/22/heavy-periods-affect-school-attendance-and-exam-scores-study-in-england-finds
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024, September 27). Period Poverty Research Finds 1 in 3 Teens Lack Access to Menstruation Products. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases-from-aap-conferences/period-poverty-research-finds-1-in-3-teens-lack-access-to-menstruation-products/
5. ScienceDaily. (2024, May 29). Menstrual periods are arriving earlier for younger generations. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240529144225.htm
6. University of Oxford. (2024, November 21). New study reveals global trends for menstrual tracking app use. Retrieved from https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-11-21-new-study-reveals-global-trends-menstrual-tracking-app-use
7. Medical Xpress. (2025, May 15). Clinical-community program addresses menstrual poverty. Retrieved from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-clinical-community-menstrual-poverty.html
8. UN-Water. (2025, May 15). Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Bridging Gaps in Dignity, Data and Investment. Retrieved from https://www.unwater.org/news/menstrual-hygiene-day-2025-bridging-gaps-dignity-data-and-investment