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Guide to being on your period on holiday
Getting your period on your holiday can be a right hassle, who wants cramping and bleeding to get in the way of chilling in the sun or exploring a new city? But don’t worry, we’re here to help you manage your period so that you can continue to enjoy your trip as you would any other time of the month.
Skip to: Tracking your cycle | Delaying your period | Holiday period product | Management tips
How to tell if you’ll be on your period on holiday
First things first, you might want to try and find out in advance whether you’ll be on your period or not. Not sure how to go about it? That’s okay! There are a few different methods you can choose.
One of the easiest ways to check if you’re on while away is to use a period tracking app! Simply fill in the details of when your last period was and how long it usually lasts, and it’ll come up with a prediction of when your next period will be!
Or, you could go analog and work it out yourself. For this, you’ll need to write down when you start your period each month and how long it lasts for. Once you have a few months’ worth of data, look for the average number of days from day one of your period, to the day before your next one. This is usually around 28 days or so.1 Then think about when you’re going on holiday and see where you’ll be in your cycle by then.
If you don’t want to be on your period on holiday…
If you’ve discovered that you’ll be on your period on holiday and absolutely don’t want that to be the case, we understand! Fortunately for you, there are a few different options so that you can enjoy your trip, period-free.
1
Try period delay pills
If you’re not taking a contraceptive pill, your other option may be a medication called norethisterone. Your GP might be able to prescribe you this to delay your period, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have a history of breast cancer or blood clots.
Usually, you’ll take three tablets a day starting from three or four days before your period is due to start.2
2
Take your combined pill pack back-to-back
Do you already take the combined pill? If so, you have the option to take your packets back-to-back to delay your period. If you’re not sure what pill you’re on and how it works, speak to a medical professional and they’ll be able to guide you.2
3
Track your cycle
If you’re in the process of booking a holiday and you don’t want to be on your period while you’re there, it may be a good idea to use a period tracking app (or do it yourself) so that you can specifically book for any other time in your cycle.
What to use if you’re on your period on holiday
Okay, you’re on holiday and on your period… so what should you use while you’re away? Here are some holiday-friendly period products to try.
1
Tampons
The most obvious choice for a holiday where you’ll be swimming (or at least relaxing in swimwear) is a tampon. Minimal leakage, swim safe and discrete, tampons are one of the best options for your holiday. Just make sure you can dispose of them in the correct way, which may be difficult if you’re having a day at the beach! Taking some small, sealable bags with you is a good idea so that you’re not caught out on the coast.
2
Menstrual cup
If you’re not a fan of single-use products, then a menstrual cup may be a good choice for you to use while you’re away. Again, menstrual cups are discreet, swimming-friendly period product and you don’t have to worry about leaks as long as you insert it correctly.
3
Period swimwear
Looking for a non-invasive period product to wear on your holiday? Look no further than period swimwear! Much like period pants, period swimwear is designed with a super-absorbent lining, that soaks in period blood leaving you comfortable and leak-free. But with swimwear, the outer fabric is water-resistant so that it doesn’t get inside the lining. Also, they can be worn for up to eight hours!
Prepping for your period on holiday
We all know that preparation is key when it comes to travelling, but it’s especially important if you’re going to be on your period too. make sure your suitcase is stocked up with sanitary towels, tampons, pant liners or any other kind of period product so you have plenty of options to choose from. Also, make sure to take light, comfy clothes and pain killers so your period doesn’t get in the way of your fun, but more on that below…
Tips for feeling your best while you’re away
Before we leave you to jet off on your adventure, we wanted to share some last few tips so that you can feel your best while you’re relaxing in the sun.
- Take a selection of swimwear products – one day you might wake up bloated and uncomfortable, meaning that you might prefer to reach for swimwear with a little more coverage. So be sure to take a wide range of options.
- Bloat-friendly fashion – like with swimwear, we’d recommend taking a range of lightweight, comfy clothes so that you’re covered if you’re experiencing bloating.
- Pain-relief – if you need it, taking a painkiller like ibuprofen or paracetamol may be necessary to help manage cramps.
- Get a good night’s sleep – our sleep can sometimes be disturbed in the run up to our period, so to keep your energy levels up on your period, try to prioritise having a good amount of sleep each night.
- Remember to fuel yourself – particularly with iron-rich foods, as a lot of our iron is lost as we bleed and iron is important for supporting our muscles, brain and immune system.3
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