I once thought: "If only modern sex education included a lesson on the differences between testosterone and estrogen cycles early on, we could form proper expectations for all, not perpetuating bias further, avoiding misunderstandings in the future, and building a true empathy bridge."

A 2025 article in The Guardian said it: boys and girls should learn about menstruation together because understanding reduces stigma and improves support in friendships, relationships, and workplaces, too. (Read full article here).

Educating boys and men about the mechanics and rhythm of the menstrual cycle or menopause, how to support female partners during all stages of life, and increasing overall menstrual intelligence, together strengthen relationships and benefit society as a whole. That is why it is necessary to learn about the menstrual cycle and its differences from the testosterone cycle, the effects of estrogen on the brain, and the connection between hormonal changes and attitudes and behaviors, and you can do it right here.

Joined education about the same subject shapes realistic expectations for all involved of people who menstruate, and teaches non-menstruating people not to take things personally, building a strong base for empathy and awareness, and minimizing future conflicts in relationships.

What the latest research on Menstrual health, psychology, and the brain says:

• A 2025 study in Nature Neuroscience found evidence that fluctuations in estrogen and other reproductive hormones are associated with measurable changes in brain structure across the menstrual cycle, highlighting how hormones interact with brain plasticity.

  ·         Hormonal milieu influences whole-brain structural dynamics across the menstrual cycle using dense sampling in multiple individuals | Nature Neuroscience

• A 2025 review in MPDI examined links between menstrual cycle phases, cognition, emotional processing, and the autonomic nervous system. The review concludes that hormonal changes can influence emotional valence and subjective experiences, though effects vary substantially between individuals.

  ·         Autonomic Nervous System, Cognition, and Emotional Valence During Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle—A Narrative Review

• A 2024 review in PubMed shows that PMDD is more than "bad PMS." It is a recognized mood disorder triggered by normal hormonal fluctuations in susceptible individuals and can significantly affect emotions, cognition, and daily functioning.

  ·      PubMed – PMDD Systematic Review (2025)

• A guide from CIPD  - the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the UK’s leading professional body for human resources (HR) and people development, discusses menstrual health, stigma, communication, and practical support in workplaces.

  ·      CIPD Menstrual Health Guide

What are the menopause trusted resources:

As human relationships advance over time, and partners get older, it is important to have knowledge about new stages in women’s health and form realistic expectations.

• Comprehensive NIH Menopause Overview from the National Institute of Health Women’s Health Research provides detailed information on menopause, symptoms, health impacts, and current research.

NICHD Menopause Factsheet provides a clear explanation of perimenopause, menopause, hormonal changes, and common symptoms.

• MedlinePlus Menopause Guide Also called: Change of Life is an evidence-based patient resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Additional NIH Resources

• Curated collection of menopause information from NIH, NIA, NCCIH, and other federal health agencies. NICHD Menopause Resources Directory (NICHD)

 Organizations

• North American Menopause Society (The Menopause Society)

• NHS Menopause Information

• ACOG Women's Health Resources