Teacher Collaboration Handbook: Understanding and Supporting Adolescent Students with Menstrual Discomfort

📚 Basic Knowledge About Adolescent Menstruation

What is Menstruation?

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon of the female reproductive cycle. It typically begins during puberty (around ages 10-16) and marks the body's development into a new stage. Each menstrual period usually lasts 3-7 days.

What is Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain)?

Dysmenorrhea refers to pelvic pain that occurs during or around menstruation. Most adolescent dysmenorrhea is "primary dysmenorrhea," meaning it's not caused by other gynecological conditions but is related to substances like prostaglandins secreted by the endometrium, which cause uterine contractions.

⚠️ Important Note

Adolescent dysmenorrhea is common, but don't dismiss students' pain experiences because of this. For them, this pain may be a new experience and could be a significant distress. Treat it as a physiological need that requires attention, not as "making a big deal out of nothing."

🔍 Identifying Signs of Student Menstrual Discomfort

Physical Manifestations

Pale complexion, cold sweats
Frequently changing sitting positions, twisting body, appearing restless
Bending over, holding stomach or lower back
Looking weak and listless in their seat
Nausea or vomiting (may go to bathroom)
Frequent bathroom visits

Classroom Performance

Difficulty concentrating
Vacant stare, seeming unable to listen to class
Decreased efficiency in homework or classroom tasks
Reluctance to participate in class discussions or activities
Requesting exemptions or showing difficulty in PE or extracurricular activities

Emotional Manifestations

Appearing more irritable, angry, or withdrawn than usual
Looking anxious or tense
May tear up

🤝 Support Strategies in School Environment

💡 Flexible Classroom Arrangements

Allow adjusting sitting positions or light movement
Allow brief leaves to go to the bathroom
Allow low-intensity activities or rest during PE class
Humane handling during exams

🏥 Emergency Supply Preparation

Provide hot water, hot water bottles, or heating pads
Backup sanitary products (pads, tampons)
School health office provides pain medication according to regulations

⚠️ Important Reminder

Teachers are strictly prohibited from providing medication to students privately. Pain medication can only be provided by school medical staff after evaluating the student's condition, informing parents, and obtaining consent, following proper procedures.

💬 Effective Communication with Students and Parents

Communicating with Students

Choose private, quiet time
Express care and understanding
Listen to student's feelings
Inform about available support
Encourage communication with parents

Communicating with Parents

Communicate student's situation promptly
Objectively describe observed symptoms
Collaborate on support plans
Share menstrual health information (if needed)

🔒 Important Principle: Protecting Student Privacy

Pay attention to conversation locations, choose places where others cannot hear
Use professional or neutral terms, avoid embarrassing words
Keep information confidential, don't tell unrelated personnel without consent
Take discreet actions, provide help without drawing attention

🚨 When to Recommend Students Seek Professional Medical Help

Situations Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Severe unbearable pain affecting normal activities
Pain lasting too long
Accompanied by high fever, severe vomiting, fainting, or other serious symptoms
Abnormal bleeding amount or duration
Progressive worsening of pain
Seriously affecting growth and development

When students experience any of the above situations, please take it seriously, immediately contact the student's parents, and strongly recommend that parents take the student to the hospital as soon as possible.

🌟 Creating a More Friendly Campus Environment

Let's Work Together

Promote menstrual health knowledge, eliminate stigmatization
Establish smooth communication channels
Provide visible support (such as "menstrual-friendly rest point" signs)
Embrace understanding and compassion

💝 Warm Reminder

Your small act of care may bring great comfort and strength to students who are experiencing pain and distress. Thank you for your hard work and care for students!