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American Indian Adolescent Girls' Experiences with Menstruation
Molly Secor1, Kaitlin Schmitz2, Andrea Huseth-Zosel3
1Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|May 29, 2026
Summary
American Indian adolescent girls face unique challenges with menstruation, impacting their education and well-being. Culturally responsive education and school support are crucial for improving their menstrual health experiences.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Menstruation is a universal experience, yet American Indian (AI) adolescent girls in the US face distinct challenges contributing to health disparities.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding AI adolescent girls' menstruation experiences and their educational impact.
- This study addresses the need to understand menstruation experiences among AI adolescent girls in rural, upper Midwest reservation communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the menstruation-related experiences of AI adolescent girls residing in rural reservation communities.
- To identify challenges and cultural factors influencing menstrual health and education for this population.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative, community-engaged approach utilizing focus groups with middle and high school students.
- Data collected through semi-structured interviews covering menstruation experiences, education, school challenges, and cultural beliefs.
- Descriptive content analysis applied to focus group transcripts.
Main Results:
- 110 AI adolescent girls participated across 13 focus groups in three reservation communities.
- Key themes identified: inadequate menstruation education, challenges with menstrual management at school affecting performance and participation, emotional/physical symptoms, and developing positive associations with age.
- Experiences are shaped by familial, cultural, educational, and institutional factors.
Conclusions:
- This study offers critical insights into the menstruation experiences of AI adolescent girls in rural reservation settings.
- Findings highlight the complexity of menstruation influenced by multiple intersecting factors.
- Urgent need for early, culturally tailored menstrual health education and supportive school policies is emphasized.
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