We were thrilled to have our first academic abstract accepted for the fantastic Menstruation Research Network conference. We submitted a 3 minute video detailing the abstract, which was shown throughout the conference.

Abstract: Managing menstrual symptoms in primary care with Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) as a mindfulness-based intervention programme.

Kate Shepherd Cohen

Does the daily mindful practice of ‘Menstrual Cycle Awareness’ (MCA), developed by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo-Wurlizer of Red School, help manage menstrual symptoms for better health outcomes?

For the last 18 months, through over 500 GP surgeries across the UK, the digital menstrual health and education organisation, Menstrual Cycle Support, has run an evidence-informed and clinically-backed online four step 60 minute programme in MCA as a treatment pathway in primary care, on social prescription (self-referral also available).

Early indicators, as compiled by independent academics, reveal that the approach can improve outcomes and help manage menstrual symptoms.

In this 3 minute presentation, Kate Shepherd Cohen will briefly describe the practice of MCA and how it is taught by Menstrual Cycle Support; present the early qualitative and quantitative research findings and will pose the question: could MCA become a viable clinical intervention for managing menstrual symptoms in the future?

Menstrual Cycle Support is a digital menstrual health and education organisation, launching the world’s first menstrual health service on social prescription at the House of Lords in Oct 2022. The service - an short online course - is clinically-backed and peer reviewed and endorsed by the Women’s Health Ambassador, the President of the RCOG and all of the leading menstrual health charities. In partnership with the charity, Endometriosis UK and schools from across the UK, Menstrual Cycle Support is launching an online course for teens in Parliament in March 2024.

The recently published Menstrual Cycle Support Impact Report was compiled by Dr Marie Polley and Dr Helen Seers, Meaningful Measures Ltd.