A woman's menstrual cycle changes many times throughout her life. Whether naturally during adolescence, in connection with pregnancy or in the period approaching menopause, or due to certain health conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis, and under the influence of daily habits and stress levels. The question is - can travel disrupt menstruation? Yes, it can.
Menstrual cycle and stress
First, it's worth remembering how menstruation actually works. The menstrual cycle is a hormonal series of changes that prepare the body for possible pregnancy. One of the known disruptors of this reproductive function is stress. Stress in many forms can suppress the production of hormones necessary for ovulation. This is the body's strategy to avoid pregnancy in an uncertain environment.
Once ovulation is delayed, or doesn't occur at all that month, it can also affect the onset of menstruation or the overall course of the cycle. (1) And even if it doesn't seem like it at first glance, trips, holidays or other forms of travel can have a certain share in changes in menstruation.
How travel affects the cycle
Travel involves not only joy and experiences, but often also a high level of stress associated with packing, planning or a different routine. On holiday, many of us experience changes in our sleep rhythm, or even jet lag, which is related to switching between time zones. Whenever the sleep cycle is disrupted, it can affect the length or course of the menstrual cycle. (2)
However, during travel, your overall daily routine is probably different in many ways from your normal days. You might cut down on exercise a bit, naturally want to taste local specialities, drink more, stay up later, and so on. All of this can have a greater or lesser impact on your hormones and menstrual cycle. You may therefore encounter the following scenarios (3):
- Delayed period (cycle longer than usual)
- Period comes early (cycle shorter than usual)
- Missed period
- Longer or shorter period
- Heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding
It's natural for our daily rhythm to change a bit on holiday. If your overall lifestyle is set correctly for the rest of the year, your menstrual cycle will likely soon return to normal after you get home. Otherwise, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Menstruation on holiday
If your period catches you on holiday, don't despair, you can still enjoy all the trips and time in the water. First and foremost, make sure you have enough hygiene products on hand. Whether you prefer a pad or a tampon, you'll find both with us! For swimming during menstruation, however, choose a tampon, which still absorbs menstrual fluid just as effectively even when wet.
With a Carefree Subscription, you don't have to rush to buy menstrual protection products at the last minute. You simply combine the quantity and type of products as you like, and every 3 months you'll receive a supply of GOTS-certified cotton pads and tampons delivered right to your door!
What else to read on FEMSPACE?
- How to swim during your period?
- PMS: 5 signs your period is coming soon
- 4 benefits of menstrual products made from organic organic cotton
- 10 things I wish I knew before my first period
- Menstrual red flags: 7 signs 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
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Organic pads — certified organic pads without chemicals
- 🌿 Organic tampons — organic tampons made from certified organic cotton
- 🌿 Ultra-thin organic panty liners — discreet protection for every day
- 📦 Carefree subscription — your organic menstrual products automatically every month
- 🎁 Trial pack — try Femvie organic menstrual products
Frequently asked questions
What are organic menstrual products?
Organic menstrual products are made from certified organic cotton without pesticides, plastics or bleaching chemicals. GOTS certification guarantees ecological processing from farm to product.
Are organic tampons safer than conventional ones?
Yes. Conventional tampons may contain trace amounts of pesticides and synthetic fibres. Femvie organic tampons are certified, hypoallergenic and gentler on intimate areas.
How does the Femvie subscription work?
With the Carefree Subscription, you set the delivery frequency and your favourite organic products arrive automatically. You save time and never run out of menstrual products.
