Over 600 Queensland teens have now participated in a Queensland-first study examining the impacts of menstrual symptoms on their daily lives.
The Australian Women and Girls’ Health (AWaGHR) Centre’s The MadeHER Project launched late last year and is open to teenagers aged 11-19 years living in Queensland.
The National Health and Medical Research Council and Queensland Health have funded the project to address the knowledge gap around menstrual symptoms, with findings aimed at informing policy and practice. A Young Persons Advisory Group also contributed to the development of the project from a teens’ perspective.
MadeHER’s Project Manager, Dr Lexie Prokopuk said the milestone was a great achievement for both the study and for changing the stigma around periods.
“We’re so pleased to see over 600 Queensland teens have made their voices heard and participated in The MadeHER Project,” Dr Prokopuk said.
“Little research is known on the effects of periods in Queensland, yet they can impact school and work attendance, and physical and mental health. Building a clearer evidence base will hopefully help bridge this knowledge gap.”
Whilst the project has reached a key marker for the study, Dr Prokopuk said more Queensland teens can participate regardless of their menstrual symptoms.
“All periods, good or bad, will help us build a fuller picture in the ways menstrual symptoms and pelvic pain impact the daily lives of teenagers. It’s also important that we can hear the voices from culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Dr Prokopuk said.
But it’s not just teenagers who can participate; mothers of daughters can participate and link family history, health conditions and experiences during pregnancy to help us understand more.
“Mothers of eligible teens can participate as well. Mothers will be required to complete an online survey and will be reimbursed for their time and participation with a $30 e-Gift card. Teens will complete an online survey and a period diary app to record symptoms across three consecutive cycles; they will also be reimbursed with an e-Gift card to say thanks.”
For more information on the MadeHER study, or to get involved, visit: the MadeHER website.
