How I Navigated PMS and Period Symptoms During My Travels

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of the daily grind when your menstrual tracker app pops up with a friendly reminder: "Period starts in 2 days"? You're juggling chores and struggling with PMS symptoms, and this notification feels more like a gentle nudge from the universe stating the obvious. Today, let's talk about managing menstruation and PMS while travelling – the highs, lows, and how I’ve learned to navigate my cycle abroad.

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Navigating PMS and Period Symptoms While Travelling

How Hormonal Contraceptives Affected My Cycle

I've been on hormonal contraceptives for what feels like an eternity, making my natural cycle a mystery to decipher. It’s a daunting realisation that has made me reconsider my approach to contraception, but that’s a topic for another post.

For the past five years, PMS has been a relentless companion, bringing headaches, mood swings, food cravings, tender breasts, and many more unwanted symptoms. Add menstrual cramps, migraines, hot flushes, fatigue, leg swelling, and general weight gain to the mix, and you have a monthly cycle of torment that can be far from ideal.

Managing PMS While Travelling: A Nurse's Perspective

Working as a nurse in a busy hospital environment, standing for hours, dealing with irregular breaks, and having an erratic sleep schedule made dealing with PMS and my period even more challenging. Emotionally drained from work, combined with the rollercoaster of hormones, some days it felt impossible to pull myself together.

I tried various remedies like the cycle-synchronised diet, hoping it would help, but the discipline it required was overwhelming. And when I slipped up, it only fueled more self-doubt and frustration—a vicious cycle of its own.

Travelling with Period Cramps: A Surprising Solution

But then came the opportunity to travel. Could a change of scenery, less stress, and more time for myself affect my cycle? Surprisingly, yes! With less stress and more time to focus on self-care, my PMS symptoms eased. The cravings for sweets disappeared, mood swings stabilised, and energy levels increased.

While my headaches and cramps didn’t vanish entirely, travelling allowed me to embrace a slower pace. Early morning beach walks, leisurely days, and accepting my emotions without judgment became my new survival kit.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Period on the Road

Period Travel Hacks: What to Pack for Menstruation

One of the most significant challenges I faced while travelling was the lack of basic sanitary facilities on long bus journeys: no toilet paper, bins, clean toilets, soap, or water made it hard to change tampons, menstrual cups, or pads. That's when I discovered the magic of period underwear. These were a game-changer, offering comfort and convenience in less-than-ideal conditions.

Here’s what I recommend packing for travelling with menstruation:

• Period underwear for comfort and protection during long trips

• Extra underwear (just in case)

• Pain relief methods like heating pads for cramps

• Menstrual cups or tampons (just in case)

• Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser for quick freshen-ups when no soap is available

• Magnesium supplements to help with cramps and muscle relaxation

• Loose, comfortable clothes for easy movement and comfort on the go

• Support stockings for long bus rides and reduce leg swelling

• Healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and curb cravings (e.g. Bananas, Nuts & Seeds, Dark Chocolate)

• Enough drinking water to stay hydrated and balanced

• Medicine or natural alternatives for gut problems: Imodium for unexpected diarrhoea or Bioflorin to support gut health during travel

My Little Helper for Period Cramps

Menstrual Heating Pad-Belt for Cramps: A Cute, Practical, and Fast-Acting Relief Solution for Period Pain While Traveling

Emotional Support During Your Period

Let’s not forget the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies PMS. Travelling with a supportive partner who understands the ups and downs of my cycle has been an enormous help. A quiet hug, a thoughtful gesture, or simply giving me space when needed made all the difference.

Finding Balance and Sustainability

As I continue my travels, my next challenge is establishing a sustainable eating routine once I return home. It’s a work in progress, but I'm excited to tackle it head-on, knowing that my body responds well to more balanced and mindful habits.

Share Your Experience

Share Your Tips: How Do You Manage Menstruation While Travelling?

Now I turn to you, fellow travellers with periods: How do you handle your menstruation and period-related symptoms when travelling? Do you have any strategies or recipes that have helped you? Let’s build a community of support and wisdom, one cycle at a time.

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