Teacher / School Health Office Manual

🎯 Understanding Your Role

Why This Matters

Menstrual health affects academic performance
Students may miss school due to period-related issues
Early intervention can prevent long-term problems
Creating supportive environments reduces stigma
Proper education promotes lifelong health habits

Your Impact as an Educator

Normalize conversations about menstrual health
Provide accurate, age-appropriate information
Create inclusive classroom environments
Recognize signs of menstrual difficulties
Connect students with appropriate resources

📚 Essential Knowledge for Educators

Basic Menstrual Facts

Average age of menarche: 12-13 years (range 9-16)
Normal cycle length: 21-35 days
Typical period duration: 3-7 days
Common symptoms: cramping, mood changes, fatigue
Individual variation is normal

Signs a Student May Need Support

Frequent absences, especially monthly patterns
Visible discomfort or pain during class
Requests to visit the nurse repeatedly
Difficulty concentrating during certain times
Social withdrawal or embarrassment
Asking to be excused from physical activities

🎭 Common Classroom Scenarios

Scenario 1: A student asks to go to the bathroom frequently during your class.

Response: Allow bathroom breaks without questioning. Consider having a discrete signal system for students who need to leave for menstrual reasons.

Scenario 2: A student appears uncomfortable and is holding their stomach.

Response: Quietly ask if they need to visit the nurse or if there's anything you can do to help. Offer a heating pad if available.

Scenario 3: A student asks to be excused from PE class.

Response: Respect their request and offer alternative activities. Avoid asking for detailed explanations.

🏥 Health Office Essentials

Menstrual Products

Various sizes of pads
Panty liners
Tampons (if appropriate)
Disposal bags

Comfort Items

Heating pads
Hot water bottles
Comfortable seating
Blankets

Hygiene Supplies

Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Spare underwear

Medications

Ibuprofen (with parent permission)
Acetaminophen
Antacids
Emergency contact information

🚨 When to Take Immediate Action

Contact parents/guardians and consider medical attention if:

Student experiences severe, debilitating pain
Heavy bleeding that soaks through protection in less than an hour
Fainting, dizziness, or vomiting
Signs of infection (fever, unusual discharge)
Student expresses thoughts of self-harm due to menstrual distress

💬 Communication Guidelines

Talking with Students

Use matter-of-fact, non-judgmental language
Respect privacy and confidentiality
Avoid euphemisms that create shame
Listen actively to student concerns
Validate their experiences
Provide reassurance about normalcy

Communicating with Parents

Focus on student's academic and health needs
Share observations without diagnosing
Suggest resources and support options
Respect family values while prioritizing student welfare
Document conversations appropriately

💡 Creating an Inclusive Environment

Language matters: Use inclusive terms that don't assume all students menstruate
Privacy protection: Ensure bathroom and changing facilities offer adequate privacy
Flexible policies: Allow for bathroom breaks and movement during class
Educational opportunities: Include menstrual health in health education curricula
Peer support: Foster environments where students can support each other

📋 Documentation and Record Keeping

What to Document

Date and time of student visits
Symptoms reported by student
Interventions provided
Student response to treatment
Parent/guardian communications
Follow-up actions needed

Privacy Considerations

Store records securely and confidentially
Share information only on a need-to-know basis
Follow school policies on health information
Respect student's right to privacy
Obtain consent before sharing with parents when appropriate

📚 Recommended Resources

periodhub.health educational materials
American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines
School health organization resources
Adolescent health textbooks and journals
Professional development workshops
Peer educator training programs