This study aimed to explore key aspects of menstrual health literacy and menstrual management in young people at school or in tertiary education. Data was collected from over 4000 young people about their contraceptive use, management strategies, sources of information, and knowledge of menstruation.
The study found that the majority of respondents did not seek medical advice for their menstrual symptoms, but used information from the Internet and engaged in self-management, most commonly with over-the-counter medications. Self-management of menstrual symptoms is common, but a significant minority of people who menstruate are underdosing or choosing ineffective methods. Most do not seek medical advice even when symptoms are severe, and cannot identify symptoms suggestive of secondary dysmenorrhea.
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