The Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre are conducting research into how menstrual disorders and pelvic pain impact the day-to-day lives of 11-19 year old girls*.
We will survey a large national cohort of teenage girls* and their mothers about their experiences of menstruation and pelvic pain, looking at numerous life factors, including education, physical activity, family and social life and wellbeing. We want to know if girls* are missing out on any important life activities because of their periods or pelvic pain.
The knowledge we gain from The MadeHER Project, will inform policy and guide health professionals to improve risk assessment, prevention, and management of menstrual disorders and pelvic pain, as well as improve information materials for educators, teenagers, and their families.
MadeHER is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Queensland Health, and will run for five years.
Download our flyer (PDF, 171.7 KB)
*Acknowledgement of gender identity: The MadeHER Project aims to gather information to inform policies and services focussed on improving the health and wellbeing of Australian girls and women. We acknowledge that the boundaries around what “girls and women’s health” incorporates are not always clear, and that sex and gender are distinct concepts. Although it is necessary for us to collect information on health topics related to the female sex (i.e., periods and pelvic pain), we acknowledge that not everyone who identifies as a girl/woman experiences these female-specific health issues or identifies as female. We value the contribution of all our participants.
- Professor Gita Mishra The University of Queensland
- Dr Lexie Prokopuk The University of Queensland
- Professor Martha Hickey The University of Melbourne
- Professor Jenny Doust The University of Queensland
- Professor Cynthia Farquhar The University of Auckland
- Associate Professor Leigh Tooth The University of Queensland
- Professor Deb Loxton University of Newcastle
- Professor Annette Dobson The University of Queensland
- Associate Professor Susan Evans Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia
- Dr Katrina Moss The University of Queensland
- Dr Lisa Buckley The University of Queensland
- Professor Grant Montgomery The University of Queensland
- Dr David Ireland CSIRO
- Ms Jessica Taylor QENDO
- Ms Sarah Kell The University of Queensland
- Ms Paige Booth The University of Queensland
To inform the development of The MadeHER Project, we have established the MadeHER-Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG). The MadeHER-YPAG is a consumer reference group of 11-19 year old girls and their role is to ensure that The MadeHER Project investigates issues most relevant to Australian girls and women. The MadeHER-YPAG will be vital in interpreting results and identifying the key messages of our study outcomes.
Using a co-designed approach towards the development of the survey, will improve accessibility of our research and increase the diversity and retention of our participants.
If you would like to be involved in the MadeHER-YPAG, please reach out and email us at MadeHER@uq.edu.au.
All hands on deck!
Our partners and collaborators for MadeHER:
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Newcastle
- The University of Auckland
- Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia
- CSIRO
- QENDO
Check out MadeHER in the news!
- Research Australia: INSPIRE Issue 29 2023
- Modibodi + MadeHER: Period Pals
What is The MadeHER Project about?
The MadeHER Project looks at how period symptoms and pelvic pain affect the daily lives of teenage girls in Queensland. We want to understand how periods affect different parts of your life, such as school, sport, work, relationships, physical and mental health, and overall wellbeing.
We will collect data from mothers and daughters for this project. By studying both generations, we can build a fuller picture of how family history, health conditions, early childhood experiences, and a mother’s experience during her pregnancy, may lead to period issues and pelvic pain.
Why should I take part in The MadeHER Project?
Good or bad, we want to know how your period and/or pelvic pain impacts your life. One in three female students report missing school due to period symptoms, and for one in ten, this happens every cycle. With your help, we can learn more about these concerns. Together we can improve support for young people with period issues and/or pelvic pain.
Who can participate in The MadeHER Project?
Teenage girls (aged between 11 – 19 years old) who have started their period, and their mothers can participate. Both must live in Queensland to take part.
What’s involved?
- Completing an online survey that takes about 40 minutes (mothers and daughters)
- Completing a period diary app to record symptoms and wellbeing for three consecutive menstrual cycles (daughters only)
- Linking your MadeHER Project data to health and education records (optional)
The benefits of participating in The MadeHER Project?
That feel good feeling! By participating in our research, you will help us to learn better ways to manage and support young people with period issues and/or pelvic pain.
As a thank you for your time completing the survey, mothers and daughters will receive a $30 eGift voucher. Daughters will receive an extra $20 eGift voucher for finishing the period diary app (3-6 months).
How is my information kept safe and confidential?
- Your personal details (like your name and address) are removed from your survey answers and other health records and stored separately
- ID numbers are assigned to protect your privacy
- All information is kept confidential and stored securely
Why do you need to link my health and education records?
This will allow us to get a complete view of your health and reduce the number of survey questions we need to ask you.
What are the risks?
Some questions may make you feel uncomfortable. If you find any question upsetting or don’t want to answer it, you can stop at any point, your participation is voluntary.
If you do feel upset and need to talk to someone, you can contact:
- Kids Helpline: kidshelpline.com.au or call: 1800 55 1800
- Headspace: headspace.org.au or call: 1800 650 890
- Lifeline: lifeline.org.au or call: 13 11 14
- The MadeHER Team at MadeHER@uq.edu.au
How do I participate in The MadeHER Project?
Register your interest to participate in The MadeHER Project here.
What if I have any technical difficulties or other questions?
Please contact a member of The MadeHER Team at MadeHER@uq.edu.au
Teen Specific FAQs
Can I participate in MadeHER if my mother isn’t participating?
Yes absolutely! Children and teens are still able to participate in MadeHER, without their mother.
Mother Specific FAQs
Can I participate in MadeHER without a daughter who’s participating?
Sorry, you’ll need to have a daughter who’s participating to be eligible for MadeHER.
Withdrawing from The MadeHER Project (Teens)
If you want to stop participating in the study, or have any questions about participating, please contact Dr Lexie Prokopuk, lexie.prokopuk@uq.edu.au.
You are under no obligation to continue with the consented release of your MBS, PBS, or AIR information. You may change your mind at any time about releasing this information to the study. You (if you are 14-19 years) or your parent ( if you are 11-13 years) can withdraw your consent to release your MBS, PBS, or AIR information by completing and signing the ‘Services Australia Child Study Withdrawal Form’ or ‘Services Australia Participant Study Withdrawal' (ages 14-19). You must supply this form to the research team, if you choose to withdraw your consent for the release of your linked data at a later date. If you withdraw your consent, you will be able to choose whether the study will destroy or retain the information we have collected about you. You should only choose one of these options. Where both boxes are ticked in error or neither box is ticked, the study will destroy all information it has collected about you. If you wish to withdraw your consented release of your NAPLAN, hospital, or emergency department data, please send your ‘Services Australia Child Study Withdrawal Form’ or ‘Services Australia Participant Study Withdrawal' (ages 14-19) to Dr Lexie Prokopuk, lexie.prokopuk@uq.edu.au. Please note that data about you that has already been analysed and/or included in a publication by the study will not be able to be destroyed. In such circumstances, your personal information will continue to form part of the project study records and results. Your privacy will continue to be protected at all times.
Withdrawing from The MadeHER Project (Mothers)
If you want to stop participating in the study, or have any questions about participating, please contact Dr Lexie Prokopuk, lexie.prokopuk@uq.edu.au.
You/your child are under no obligation to continue with this study once you have consented. People withdraw from studies for various reasons, and a reason does not need to be provided to us. If you wish to withdraw the consented release of your survey information, NAPLAN, hospital, or emergency department data, please contact Dr Lexie Prokopuk, lexie.prokopuk@uq.edu.au. Please note, the information collected prior to your withdrawal, will still be used unless you explicitly request otherwise.
You are under no obligation to continue with the consented release of you/your child’s MBS, PBS, or AIR information. You may change your mind at any time about releasing this information to the study. You can withdraw your consent to release your/your child’s MBS, PBS, or AIR information by completing and signing the ‘Services Australia Child Study Withdrawal Form’ and 'Services Australia Participant Study Withdrawal Form’. You must supply this form to the research team, if you choose to withdraw your consent for the release of your linked data at a later date. If you withdraw your consent, you will be able to choose whether the study will destroy or retain the information we have collected about you. Please note that data about you and/or your child that has already been analysed and/or included in a publication by the study will not be able to be destroyed. In such circumstances, your personal information will continue to form part of the project study records and results. Your privacy will continue to be protected at all times.
Contact us
If you’d like to find out more about our study, please reach out and
email us.
Join The MadeHER Project
Or scan the QR code below to be taken to the registry.
