In a groundbreaking initiative addressing a long-stigmatized health issue, researchers at the University of British Columbia have unveiled a comprehensive online resource dedicated to period pain education for Canadian youth. The website, dubbed “Period Pain: Let’s Talk About It,” represents the first national platform specifically designed to help young people understand and manage menstrual discomfort—a condition that affects millions yet remains shrouded in silence.
“We discovered an alarming gap in accessible, evidence-based information about period pain tailored for young Canadians,” explains Dr. Marian Sousa, lead researcher and associate professor at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. “Many adolescents suffer in silence, missing school and activities, because they don’t know what’s normal or when to seek help.”
The initiative emerges from a two-year study revealing that nearly 70% of Canadian youth experiencing menstruation report moderate to severe pain, yet fewer than 20% have discussed these symptoms with healthcare providers. More concerning, the research found widespread misinformation about menstrual health circulating on social media platforms frequently used by teens.
What sets this digital resource apart is its development process—created with direct input from over 200 youth across Canada who shared their experiences, questions, and preferred learning methods. The platform features interactive modules, animated explainers, and practical pain management strategies reviewed by medical professionals.
“Young people told us they wanted straightforward information without the awkwardness,” notes research team member Dr. Jessica Chen. “They’re tired of euphemisms and want to understand what’s happening in their bodies without shame or embarrassment.”
Beyond basic education, the website addresses complex topics including endometriosis awareness, the distinction between typical discomfort and conditions requiring medical attention, and culturally-sensitive approaches to menstrual health across diverse communities. Notably, the resource employs inclusive language acknowledging that menstruation affects various gender identities, not exclusively girls and women.
The timing of this initiative coincides with growing advocacy for menstrual equity across Canada, including recent provincial programs providing free period products in schools and public facilities. Health experts at CO24 News have previously reported on the economic impact of period poverty, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
Educators are already incorporating the resource into health curricula. “This fills a critical void in our health education materials,” says Toronto high school teacher Amina Hassan. “Previously, we cobbled together resources from various sources, many American-focused or outdated. Having Canadian content that speaks directly to our students’ experiences is invaluable.”
The project received $1.2 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and will be evaluated over the next three years to measure its effectiveness in improving health literacy and reducing stigma around menstruation.
As Canadian politics increasingly addresses healthcare accessibility for young people, initiatives like this raise important questions about bodily autonomy and health education. Provincial education ministers are now considering how to better integrate comprehensive menstrual health information into standardized curricula.
“The silence around period pain has real consequences,” Dr. Sousa emphasizes. “When we normalize discussion of menstrual health, we empower young people to advocate for their wellbeing and recognize warning signs of serious conditions.”
As this resource begins reaching classrooms and homes across the country, a pressing question emerges: Why has it taken until 2024 for Canada to develop a national educational platform on a health issue affecting half the population for thousands of years?
