Attention to menarche, puberty education, and menstrual health monitoring are essential

Abstract

In August, 2025, Maria Lohan and colleagues reported on the 30 sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) research priorities identified for young adolescents (age 10–14 years), the output of a collaborative global exercise intended to bolster investment and research for this overlooked group.1 We commend their emphasis on young adolescents’ developmental needs, the perspectives of their caregivers, and the underlying determinants of positive SRHR. Among the highlighted areas, strengthening menstrual health programming (priority 11) is especially urgent to promote health and address ongoing gender inequality in this age group. The menstrual cycle typically begins during young adolescence, and early and holistic intervention in menstrual health is an entry point for SRHR throughout the life course