How Does Flying Affect Your Period?

If you've ever experienced unexpected period cramps mid-flight or found yourself scrambling for a bathroom in an airport stopover because your period showed up early, you might wonder if air travel is messing with your menstrual cycle. The thing is –– travel itself doesn’t directly affect your period. However, certain factors connected to traveling, like stress, sleep disruption, dehydration, and changes in your routine, can influence your body and potentially your menstrual cycle. 

So, while hopping on a plane isn’t going to cause a period delay on its own, there are a few things about air travel that can affect how your body functions. To help manage these effects and have a hassle-free flight, let's explore what these factors are and what you can do to manage any menstrual changes while you’re traveling. 

factors that can influence your period during air travel 

Though flying doesn’t have a direct impact on your period, things like stress, jet lag, and changes in your routine can. These influences can cause your period to feel out of sync while you’re away from home. 

Some might experience a delayed period, while others may notice more subtle changes. Understanding these potential effects can help you be better prepared for any period surprises that might come up mid-flight. Here are the factors you should look out for: 

how stress affects your menstrual cycle 

Air travel, especially when you're juggling long flights, missed connections, or unfamiliar destinations, can be stressful. Flying high above the clouds also means you’re experiencing changes in altitude that affect cabin pressure. These changes can also impact your body in different ways. Some common, stressful signs you may have already experienced on a plane would be ear discomfort or popping in the ears and headaches as your body adjusts to new pressure levels. 

Stress is one of the main factors that can cause menstrual irregularities. When you're stressed, your body produces cortisol, the "stress hormone." Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the balance of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which regulate your menstrual cycle. 

This disruption can result in a delayed period, a missed period, or lighter flow than usual. So, if you’re feeling frazzled from travel, stress might be the real culprit behind any changes in your period. 

how disruptions to sleep patterns can influence menstrual cycles 

Crossing time zones and dealing with jet lag can throw off your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. Your body’s internal clock –– the circadian rhythm –– regulates your sleep-wake cycle, which also affects the production of your hormones. When your sleep cycle is disrupted, it can impact the release of melatonin and other hormones that interact with your reproductive hormones and may cause menstrual irregularities.  

So while many people think that traveling can delay your period, that’s not really the case. Instead, factors like stress or disrupted sleep patterns can make it seem like travel is affecting your cycle, but it’s more about how your body responds to those changes than the travel itself. Experiencing jet lag symptoms like fatigue and insomnia during your period doesn’t help either, adding stress that can further throw off your menstrual cycle. 

hydration and diet considerations 

effects of dehydration on menstrual flow during flights 

One of the sneaky culprits of air travel is dehydration. The dry air in the plane’s cabin can lead to dehydration, and sometimes it’s easy to forget to drink enough water during a long flight. Dehydration can affect your period flow and blood circulation, which can throw off your hormone levels and lower blood volume. This can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, along with more intense menstrual cramps and period bloating. To support your body and keep your menstrual flow healthy, make sure to sip on water throughout your flight to stay hydrated.  

tips for staying hydrated while flying to support menstrual health 

Staying hydrated on a flight doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s simple but often overlooked. Here are some tips to ensure you're getting enough water while traveling: 

• bring a reusable water bottle - Fill this up with water after passing through security and keep it handy during the flight. Drink at least 8 ounces or 240 milliliters of water (equivalent to 1 cup) every hour. 

• avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol - Both of these drinks can dehydrate you, so it's better to avoid consumption if possible and stick to water instead. 

• eat hydrating snacks - Choose to pack or buy hydrating snacks like fruits or a vegetable salad instead of salty, sugary, or processed snacks like chips that can increase dehydration. 

managing period challenges while flying 

Even though flying doesn’t directly affect your period, traveling with your period still has its challenges. Whether it’s jet lag, dehydration, or managing stress, following the tips above and making sure you use reliable period products can make your trip more comfortable while on your period. 

benefits of using Thinx for period protection and comfort during flights 

Comfort and reliability are important when it comes to period protection when traveling. Thinx period underwear provides excellent protection and relief, so you don’t have to worry during your flight. Our newest styles are designed to be absorbent for up to 12 hours, making it perfect for those periods of time in the air. 

Thinx period underwear is not only effective at what it does but also incredibly convenient for travel. They’re easy to pack, easy to wear, and machine washable. The same goes for our bladder leak underwear. Just throw a couple of pairs in your carry-on, and you’re set! Whether you’re dealing with a heavy period or just want peace of mind, Thinx has got your back. 

sources 

National Center for Biotechnology Information. The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: a semi-experimental study.  

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33509179/ 

Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Occupational physical demands and menstrual cycle irregularities in flight attendants and teachers. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2023-109099 

NIH. Jet lag: trends and coping strategies.  

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17398311/ 

Cleveland Clinic. Can stress cause you to skip a period. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-stress-cause-you-to-skip-a-period 

National Center for Biotechnology Information. Hormone profile during the menstrual cycle at high altitude. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8910083/