This document discusses research on women's experiences with menstruation. Several studies found that many women received little information about menstruation from expected sources like mothers and school. This led to confusion and inaccurate beliefs. Some cultures have rituals celebrating a girl's first period, but most Western cultures do not. Research also found associations between a history of abuse, stress levels, and severity of premenstrual symptoms in women. However, menstruation can also be viewed positively and as an affirmation of womanhood. The document concludes by asking how the next generation's experiences with menstruation could be improved through education.

1. Women & Menstration Karrie Simone Jessica Cutting Jennifer Hasselbusch Penina Backer Shanna Martindale

9. "Nobody told me nothin": Communication About Menstruation Among Low-Income African American Women Spring Chenoa Cooper, Ph D Patricia Barthalow Koch, Ph D

19. Attitudes Toward Menarchy Among Mexican Preadolescents Ma. Luisa Marvan, Ph D Angeles Vacio, MS Gabriela Garcai-yarnes, BA Graciela Espinosa-Hernandez, MS

33. Abuse History and Premenstrual Symptomatology: Assessing the Mediating Role of Perceived Stress M. Kathleen B. Lustyk, Ph D Laura Widman, MA Linda de Laveaga Becker, BS