Research & Reading
Peer-reviewed studies, advocacy research, and fertility awareness education from trusted sources. Knowledge is power — start here.
National Library of Medicine
Peer-reviewed research and clinical studies on menstrual health, reproductive medicine, and adolescent health from the world's largest biomedical library.
Society for Menstruation Research
Interdisciplinary research and advocacy dedicated to understanding menstruation across biology, culture, and lived experience.
Cyclical School
Evidence-based fertility awareness education for people who want to understand their cycles deeply — whether for contraception, conception, or general health.
Cleveland Clinic
Trusted patient health information from one of the top-ranked hospitals in the US — clear, medically reviewed guides on sexual health, contraception, and more.
Planned Parenthood Action
Research, policy analysis, and advocacy on reproductive health access — including studies on sex education gaps and what young people actually need.
UT Teen Health
Teen-focused health education projects from the University of Texas — honest, research-backed resources built specifically for young people.
Browse articles
"It always gets pushed aside": Barriers to menstrual health care among adolescents
A qualitative study exploring why teens delay or avoid seeking care for menstrual symptoms — and what healthcare systems can do differently.
Menstrual cycle irregularity in adolescents: prevalence, causes, and clinical approach
A clinical review of what drives irregular cycles in teens — from stress and nutrition to underlying conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders.
Dysmenorrhea in adolescents: underdiagnosis and the path to treatment
Research on why painful periods are routinely dismissed in young patients, and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and pain management.
Menstrual stigma and its effect on help-seeking behavior in young people
How shame and silence around periods prevent teens from getting the care they need — and what schools and families can do to change that.
Period poverty and its impact on education and wellbeing
Research on how lack of access to menstrual products affects school attendance, mental health, and long-term outcomes for young people.
Centering lived experience in menstrual health research
A call for interdisciplinary approaches that include patient voices — not just clinical data — in how we study and treat menstrual conditions.
What is fertility awareness, and is it right for you?
An introduction to fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) — how they work, how effective they are, and who they're best suited for.
Understanding your cervical mucus: a guide for beginners
One of the key signs used in fertility awareness — what to look for, what changes mean, and how to track it accurately.
Cycle charting 101: how to start tracking your fertility signs
A practical, step-by-step guide to beginning a fertility awareness practice — including what to track, how often, and what the data tells you.
Condoms: how to use them, types, and effectiveness
A medically reviewed guide covering external and internal condoms — correct usage, effectiveness rates, common mistakes, and what to do if one breaks.
New study reveals that teens are getting less sex education than a decade ago
Research showing a significant decline in comprehensive sex ed coverage in US schools — and what that means for teen health outcomes and decision-making.
UT Teen Health projects: research-backed resources for young people
An overview of University of Texas health education initiatives designed specifically for teens — covering sexual health, relationships, and decision-making.
About these sources
All articles and resources linked here come from established research institutions, advocacy organizations, and evidence-based education programs. We link to external sites — always check the original source for the most current information.