A woman's menstrual cycle changes many times throughout her life. Whether naturally during puberty, in connection with pregnancy or approaching menopause, or as a result of certain medical conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis, and due to daily habits and stress levels. The question is - can traveling disrupt your period? Yes, it can.
Menstrual cycle and stress
First, it's important to remember how menstruation actually works. The menstrual cycle is a series of hormonal changes that prepare the body for possible pregnancy. One of the well-known disruptors of this reproductive function is stress. Stress, in its many forms, can suppress the production of hormones necessary for ovulation. This is the body's strategy for avoiding pregnancy in an uncertain environment.
When ovulation is delayed or doesn’t come at all, it can also affect the timing of your period or your overall cycle . ( 1 ) And while it may not seem like it at first glance, trips, vacations, or other forms of travel can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle.
How travel affects the cycle
Traveling is not only fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful, with packing, planning, and a different schedule . Many of us experience changes in our sleep patterns while on vacation, or jet lag, which is caused by time zones. Anytime our sleep cycles are disrupted , it can affect the length or course of our menstrual cycles. ( 2 )
But when you travel, your overall daily routine is likely to be different in many ways than it is on a normal day. You might cut back on your exercise, naturally want to sample local specialties, drink more drinks, stay up longer, and so on. All of this can have a greater or lesser impact on your hormones and menstrual cycle. You may encounter the following scenarios ( 3 ):
- Delayed menstruation (longer than usual cycle)
- Menstruation comes earlier (cycle shorter than usual)
- Skipping menstruation
- Longer or shorter menstrual periods
- Heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding
It's natural for our daily rhythm to change a bit when we're on vacation. If you've got your overall lifestyle in order for the rest of the year, your menstrual cycle will likely return to normal soon after you return home. If not, don't hesitate to consult your doctor.
Menstruation on vacation
If you get your period while on holiday, don't despair, you can still enjoy all the trips and moments in the water. First of all, make sure you have enough hygiene products on hand. Whether you prefer a pad or a tampon , you'll find both here! However, for swimming during your period, choose a tampon, which still absorbs menstrual fluid just as effectively even after getting wet.
With the Carefree Subscription , you don't have to worry about finding menstrual protection products at the last minute. Simply combine the quantity and type of products however you like, and every 3 months you'll receive a supply of pads and tampons made of GOTS certified cotton delivered to your door!
What else can you read on FEMSPACE?
- How about swimming during menstruation?
- PMS: 5 signs your period is coming soon
- 4 benefits of menstrual products made from organic cotton
- 10 things I wish I knew before my first period
- Menstrual *red flags*: 7 signals to watch out for
- What is vaginal discharge and how does it change during the cycle?
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With love
The Femvie team
