Lady Business: Dealing with your Period in the Outdoors
Having your period in the outdoors can be annoying, uncomfortable, and for some...embarrassing! BUT that doesn’t have to be the case for you. Let’s first all agree that having your period is a normal bodily function and should be thought of similarly as to having to go #1 or #2. It’s NORMAL! You’re not a weirdo, you aren’t some scary being, it’s completely normal—anyone that doesn’t treat it as such is the weirdo, quite frankly.
Your mind might be filled with questions like, will cramps ruin my day? What about a headache? Do I have to be waste free or can I use a tampon? Last but not least...what about the wild animals. Being a woman is pretty great but it presents some unique challenges when it comes to the outdoors. Let’s dive in.
A COMMON MYTH
A question I often hear is, “Will bears be more attracted to me if I’m on my period?” Here’s my answer:
YOU WILL NOT BE EATEN BY A BEAR. I REPEAT - YOU WILL NOT BE EATEN BY A BEAR.
A senior outdoor instructor from REI told Self Magazine “There really isn’t any reason to worry about bears in the vicinity taking a special interest in you just because you’re bleeding”. A research paper published by the National Parks also found no evidence to support that bears are more attracted to the smell of menstrual blood over other scents.
TYPES OF PERIOD SUPPLIES
Now that we’ve nixed that common misperception, let’s talk about period supplies. There are many different types of supplies one can use when on her period...but what’s the best to use on an adventure in the outdoors? Our answer? It really depends on your own preferences.
Disclaimer: If you are new to having your period, please consult a responsible adult before deciding which types of period supplies is best for you.
Traditional Tampons + Pads
PROS
Cleaner than a cup
Can be used for up to 8 hours
If you are wearing a pad you don’t have to worry about getting an infection
CONS
Carry out all your trash
Extra weight and material to bring in
If not taken managed properly it can lead to an infection
Minimizing Menstrual Cups
PROS
Can be worn for 12 hours
Minimizes your environmental impact
No worries of leaking
No trash to carry out
CONS
You have to dispose of your period blood properly (dig a hole 200 feet from camp that is 6-8 inches deep, dump it and then cover it)
Some campsites don’t allow for burying items as it could end up in the water supply.
Your hands have to be clean and it must be properly washed
Pads and Tampons
When using a pad or tampon, always follow Leave No Trace principles. Pads and Tampons do not easily breakdown in the wilderness, so you have to pack it out. When you are packing, make a “Period Prep Pouch” including toilet paper, hand wipes, a shovel, tampons or pads, hand sanitizer, and a trash bag to carry out trash.
As mentioned above, tampons and pads can only be worn for up to 8 hours. Do not exceed this time limit! This can lead to TSS, toxic shock syndrome, while rare it can happen and can be fatal. So know your body and bring enough supplies to change often!
Menstrual Cups
While I have never tried this method, it is highly recommended by other female outdoorists! A menstrual cup can be used for 12 hours, you don’t have to worry about leaking, and you won’t have period trash to pack out. If you decide to go this route, make sure you practice using your cup before you take it in the outdoors.
You don’t need to worry about removing a menstrual cup every time you go pee. However, when you do remove it, make sure you dispose of the waste properly:
Walk 200 feet away from the campsite or off the main trail
Dig a shallow hole, 6-8 inches deep
Remove the cup
Dump the cup out
Wash the cup with clean water
Cover the hole
Clean your hands!
Period Underwear
There is no time limit to how long you can wear period underwear but there is a limit for how much they can hold. If you choose this route, I would only recommend it for day hikes and a light workout as the clean up would be quite difficult.
PREPARING TO HIT THE TRAIL
Drink lots of water, our blood is mainly made up of water. You need to be hydrated to avoid dehydration and other muscle cramps.
Get plenty of sleep. Your period is exhausting and can make you feel drained. Sleep 8 hours before you hit the trail.
Drink Tea. Green tea, black tea, and herbal tea all have great qualities that can help with period symptoms—a cup of tea will also be a nice, warm treat before bed or upon waking up.
Eat healthy! Be sure to eat your fruits and veggies before you hit the trail. They are full of dense nutrients to keep your body going during a long day hiking. Try to consume less salt as it causes more bloating.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Everyone’s experience with their period is different. Before you even get out there, know yourself. Physical activity is proven to help reduce period side effects, however, if you normally experience painful cramps on your period, consider going for a short hike rather than a weekend of backpacking.
Dealing with your period doesn’t have to stop you from conquering mountains, taking a trail run in the Wasatch, or strolling through the fall colors with friends. Be knowledgeable and prepared, take care of your body, and get out there :)
Resources:
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
https://thewalkingmermaid.com/blog/outdoors-period-tips-on-dealing-with-menstrual-cycle
https://www.self.com/story/hiking-or-camping-on-your-period
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-with-your-period.html
https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/girl-talk-part-2-handling-your-period-in-the-backcountry