While Connecticut currently does not mandate the inclusion of menstrual health education in public schools, the guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) provides suggestions of school community engagement and education around menstruation for students, educators, and staff.

 Menstrual health education is crucial for improving menstruators’ physical and mental health and well-being. Having a strong understanding of menstruation can help people identify abnormal menstrual symptoms and advocate for themselves, ultimately enabling better treatments and outcomes. Menstrual disorders can significantly disrupt daily life and impact quality of life. However, due to societal and personal barriers, many disorders can take years to diagnose, such as endometriosis, which sometimes takes up to eleven years to diagnose. Additionally, menstrual health education can increase young people’s comfort discussing menstruation and confidence implementing menstrual hygienepractices.

Additionally, menstrual education is essential for reducing the stigma associated with menstruation. Recent studies have shown that comprehensive menstrual education helps to demystify menstruation and challenge negative stereotypes. For instance, a 2021 study found that menstrual health education significantly decreases stigma and improves perceptions of menstruation, particularly in communities where menstruation is often considered taboo. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also underscores that effective menstrual health education can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, promoting greater acceptance and understanding. By providing everyone with an overview of menstruation, harmful taboos can be reduced, enhancing individuals' well-being and access to care.