Navigating menstruation in adolescents with Down Syndrome: A mixed-methods study of caregiver reflections and adolescent voices in the UK
- 1International Centre for Evidence in Disability (ICED), London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
Abstract
Adolescents with Down syndrome face unique menstrual health challenges, yet their experiences remain under-researched. This study aimed to investigate the menstrual health and wellbeing of adolescents with Down syndrome in the UK, examined primarily through the reflective lens of primary caregivers alongside direct accounts from adolescents, to inform the development of tailored, evidence-based interventions for this population. Guided by an advisory group of caregivers and young people with Down syndrome, this mixed-methods study (September 2024 – September 2025) involved a national online survey of primary caregivers (N = 143) and participatory interviews with adolescents (n = 6), mothers (n = 11) and healthcare and education professionals (n = 8). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively according to support needs (high vs low), and qualitative data were analysed thematically. The median age of menarche (12 years) aligned with the general population. While adolescents generally coped better with menarche than caregivers anticipated, 91% of 120 caregivers of adolescents who had reached menarche had ongoing menstruation concerns. While products like period underwear (“magic pants”) improved independence and simplified care, key remaining concerns included: heavy periods (48%); personal care (45%); menstrual pain (45%); and the communication of pain (26%). The impact on adolescent wellbeing was greater for those with higher support needs. Additionally, 33% of caregivers felt “overwhelmed” by menstrual-related care. Decision-making about hormonal intervention was a source of heavy responsibility for caregivers. There is substantial demand for accessible educational and practical resources to support menstruation. Menstrual health is a highly individualised experience for adolescents with Down syndrome. Significant unmet needs persist, particularly for those with higher support needs. Successful outcomes require supporting caregivers through provision of accurate information that dispels pre-menarche anxiety alongside accessible and appropriate guidance to foster young people’s independence, choice and autonomy. Future interventions must be co-developed with the Down syndrome community to ensure safe, dignified menstruation.
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BibTeX
@article{greenland2026navigating,
title = {{Navigating menstruation in adolescents with Down Syndrome: A mixed-methods study of caregiver reflections and adolescent voices in the UK}},
author = {Katie Greenland and Sarah Polack and Jane Wilbur},
journal = {PLOS Global Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgph.0006396},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0006396},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Navigating menstruation in adolescents with Down Syndrome: A mixed-methods study of caregiver reflections and adolescent voices in the UK
AU - Katie Greenland
AU - Sarah Polack
AU - Jane Wilbur
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/10
JO - PLOS Global Public Health
DO - 10.1371/journal.pgph.0006396
UR - https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0006396
AB - Adolescents with Down syndrome face unique menstrual health challenges, yet their experiences remain under-researched. This study aimed to investigate the menstrual health and wellbeing of adolescents with Down syndrome in the UK, examined primarily through the reflective lens of primary caregivers alongside direct accounts from adolescents, to inform the development of tailored, evidence-based interventions for this population. Guided by an advisory group of caregivers and young people with Down syndrome, this mixed-methods study (September 2024 – September 2025) involved a national online survey of primary caregivers (N = 143) and participatory interviews with adolescents (n = 6), mothers (n = 11) and healthcare and education professionals (n = 8). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively according to support needs (high vs low), and qualitative data were analysed thematically. The median age of menarche (12 years) aligned with the general population. While adolescents generally coped better with menarche than caregivers anticipated, 91% of 120 caregivers of adolescents who had reached menarche had ongoing menstruation concerns. While products like period underwear (“magic pants”) improved independence and simplified care, key remaining concerns included: heavy periods (48%); personal care (45%); menstrual pain (45%); and the communication of pain (26%). The impact on adolescent wellbeing was greater for those with higher support needs. Additionally, 33% of caregivers felt “overwhelmed” by menstrual-related care. Decision-making about hormonal intervention was a source of heavy responsibility for caregivers. There is substantial demand for accessible educational and practical resources to support menstruation. Menstrual health is a highly individualised experience for adolescents with Down syndrome. Significant unmet needs persist, particularly for those with higher support needs. Successful outcomes require supporting caregivers through provision of accurate information that dispels pre-menarche anxiety alongside accessible and appropriate guidance to foster young people’s independence, choice and autonomy. Future interventions must be co-developed with the Down syndrome community to ensure safe, dignified menstruation.
SN - 2767-3375
ER -