Survey finds that 43% of respondents felt unprepared or uninformed before their first period
Berlin, Germany, November 25, 2024 (EZ Newswire) -- Clue, the most trusted, data-driven period and reproductive health tracking app, has released findings from a survey on first period experiences and menstrual education across generations. The survey highlights that despite some progress, significant gaps remain especially in preparing young people for menstruation, with 43% of respondents reporting they felt unprepared or uninformed before their first period.The survey, which was taken by 2000 members of the Clue community worldwide, found that more than half (51%) of respondents were not comfortable speaking about their period or seeking advice when they first started menstruating, highlighting the continued nature of period taboo.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Most people experience their first period between ages 11-14, with 52% starting between ages 11-12 and 32% between ages 13-14
- Mothers remain the primary source of menstrual education (71%), followed by school (52%) and peers (39%). Dads as main sources were only at 1.8%
- Digital resources play an increasing role, with 21% turning to online searches and 11% to social media for information
- Healthcare providers are surprisingly underutilized, with only 4% citing them as a primary source of period education
"While we're seeing positive shifts across generations, there's still significant work to be done to ensure everyone feels informed and supported during this crucial life transition. And as studies are finding many children are showing signs of puberty earlier than the generations before them, it’s more important than ever to start a conversation around improving early menstrual health education,” said Dr. Cornelia Hainer, Head of Science at Clue. "We're committed to providing the resources to help foster more informed, positive conversations about menstruation across generations."
The survey also revealed encouraging generational progress:
- People with Gen X mothers (born 1965-1980) reported the highest comfort levels discussing periods with their mothers
- 55% of those with Gen X mothers (born 1965-1980) reported positive influences on their period perception, compared to 42% with Boomer mothers (born 1946-1964)
- Similar positive trends continue for those with Millennial mothers (born 1981-1996), with 53% reporting positive influences
For parents wondering how to have the conversation with their children about their first period, the experts at Clue recommend:
- Start early and keep the conversation ongoing. Clue recommends starting the conversation well before puberty starts, which can be as early as 8-10 years old.
- Make it an ongoing, open dialogue rather than a single “big talk”. Parents and caregivers should emphasize that periods are a sign of a healthy body, not something to hide.
- Go through Clue’s Puberty 101: The Clue guide to getting your period together. It might feel awkward at first, but we can normalize periods by speaking about them matter-of-factly, like any other bodily function.
- Get personal and talk about what it was like to get your first period, what products you used when you first started your period, and how you learned about the menstrual cycle.
- Involve the whole family. Dads and brothers can be part of the conversation as well. This can go a long way toward helping to foster understanding and empathy around periods.
- Discuss symptoms beyond bleeding (cramps, mood changes, fatigue, breast tenderness, etc.). Explain what's typical and when it’s time to seek medical advice.
- Go to the store together to create ‘period kits’ with a variety of products that can be kept at home, at school or in the car.
- Be patient and maintain an open-door policy for questions. Every child is different and may need different approaches, so remember to focus on building confidence and body literacy.
About Clue
Clue is the top women-led menstrual and reproductive health app, loved by over 10 million users around the world. With a science-driven approach, Clue enables members to create a powerful personal health record that uses each cycle as a tool to uncover insight into their overall health. From general cycle health education to fertility, pregnancy, menopausal stages, and all changes and choices in between, the Clue app is CE-marked as a Class 1 medical-grade device. Clue regularly partners with researchers from top institutions and universities to help close the data gap and move female health forward. Based in Berlin, Germany, Clue data is protected by the world's strictest data laws (the EU's GDPR) and by Clue's absolute commitment to standing up for the privacy of its users, no matter where they are. For more, visit helloclue.com.
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