Whether you are living abroad or Traveling to different Countries.. But it can also throw your routine out of whack, resulting in changes in your body that you may not have anticipated. Many women have that one question in common and that is, can travelling delay periods? Is travel the guilty party behind your late period?
The Effects of Traveling on Your Menstrual Cycle
1. Stress and Its Role
Stress is amongst the top factors which can impact your menstrual cycle. There are many common stressors associated with travel, from planning, packing, finding your way around unfamiliar surroundings, and adjusting to different time zones. Your body releases the hormone cortisol in response to stress and, when present in high levels, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamus, which regulates your menstrual cycle.
2. Changes in Routine and Sleep Patterns
Travel throws off your daily routines, from when you sleep to when you eat to how much you move. Disrupted sleep, particularly in the form of jet lag, can also affect levels of melatonin, a different hormone involved in regulating your cycle.
3. Dietary Changes
It’s not uncommon to indulge in different foods or irregular eating habits while traveling. Each of these contribute to hormonal balance, and consuming too much caffeine, alcohol, or sugary foods can throw your body off-balance and cause your period to be late.
4. Physical Exertion
If you are planning on traveling with plenty of strenuous activity (hiking, trekking, long walks), the physical exertion may play a role in your period flow. As with your period, extreme physical activity can also change its timing.
5. Time Zone Adjustments
The disruption from crossing multiple time zones may interfere with your body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that influences many biological processes, including menstruation. Changes in your routine that come with abrupt time zone shifts can postpone your period temporarily.
When to Worry About a Missing Period on Vacation
A late period on holiday is often no big deal and just a temporary response that resolves when your body re-adjusts. But if your period is weeks late or you’re experiencing bizarre symptoms, like extreme cramps, heavy bleeding or odd discharge, it’s important to consult a doctor.
9 Tips for Keeping Your Period Healthy While Traveling
- Follow a Routine: Try to keep a similar routine to the one you follow when at home for eating, sleeping and exercising, even while you travel.
- Get Hydrated: Dehydration is another stress exacerbating the hormone imbalance. Always try to keep an eye on your water intake.
- Manage your Stress: Take time to practice relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga during your trip.
- Pack Period Essentials: Bring sanitary products, pain relievers and any necessary medications so you’re well-prepared.
- Know Your Limits: If you’re fatigued or feeling dispirited, allow yourself time to recharge.
Conclusion
Though travel can sometimes cause your period to be late (stress, altered routine, new foods), these effects are usually temporary. We hope these can give you some wisdom to help minimize off-course cycles while traveling and to have a confident journey with your health in mind.
Always check with a health provider if you have prolonged delays or irregular symptoms when you travel.
