Understanding the Menstrual Cycle for Catholic Boys

Learn with our partner organization: Pearl & Thistle

This parent-son resource is designed to explain the hidden work of the menstrual cycle in an age-appropriate way for boys aged 8-12. It explains the basic functions of four key hormones and contextualizes the onset of this process within the broader discussion of puberty, the "language of the body," and how our bodies (uniquely male and female!) help us live out the universal call to be a GIFT to God and one another.

It's the perfect resource to get your son valuable and practical knowledge—while keeping your relationship and values at the center, right where they deserve to be.

This PDF e-Book includes sections on:

God's Image: The Language of Our Bodies
Growing Up: Puberty for Boys and Girls
The Menstrual Cycle: A Hidden Part of Girls' Puberty
Growing Together: Your Part in a Culture of Care
Discussion Questions for Families
Additional Resources for Parents

Best for ages 8-12

Meet the author

Christina Valenzuela

Christina Valenzuela is the founder and director of Pearl & Thistle, an organization which offers a unique blend of science and theology to bring better body literacy to Catholics. Christina has been an instructor in the Boston Cross Check Method of NFP for over a decade. She holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Notre Dame as well as a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. Pearl & Thistle’s signature course, “CYCLE PREP: First Period Course for Girls” was a finalist in the 2021 OSV Innovation Challenge and has been utilized in homes, schools, parishes, health clinics, and dioceses all around the world.

Important Note:

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...you are leaving the MyCatholicDoctor Academy site. MyCatholicDoctor Academy has partnered with Pearl and Thistle to provide you with additional relevant course offerings that reside outside of the MyCatholicDoctor Academy catalogue. When you click the button below and leave this page, you will no longer be on the Academy site and will be subject to the terms and conditions and privacy policy of pearlandthistle.com. The Academy may earn a commission from your enrollment with this affiliate. All enrollment questions and concerns should be addressed to the partner entity's customer service.

**This course is not included in the MyCatholicDoctor Academy membership subscription.

The perfect resource for boys aged 8-12

...to explain the menstrual cycle in an age-appropriate way and kickstart ongoing discussions about puberty and changes for both boys and girls!