Trekking On Your Period? Here’s How To Ease The Pain

Trekking is an exciting, scenic, and sometimes a hard experience. But while you are on a trek, it is a whole different level of challenge. Most women worry about whether they will be able to bear the pain, the exhaustion, and the unease of walking for hours on end in mountains, woods, or valleys.

Here we will provide you with simple, real-world tips for dealing with period pain while hiking and making your experience smoother and more comfortable.

Never let the periods stop your trekking dreams

First of all, let’s set one thing straight: menstruation is normal, healthy, and not something to be ashamed of not even on the mountain! Most female climbers, trekkers, and adventurers get and trek through their periods just fine.

Yes, you can experience cramps, mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. But the good news is that physical exercise such as walking, hill-walking, and trekking helps reduce period pain because it gets your blood flowing more and releases happy hormones called endorphins.

The secret is preparation. Understanding your body, packing the essentials with you, and listening to your body can make your hike comfortable even while you’re on your period.

Basic gear for trekking on your period

If you are planning a trek and your period date is near or due, you must carry the essentials with you. Here is a practical list for you:

• Sanitary Products: Provide sufficient sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Always carry spares since you might need more due to physical activity.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen can ease cramps and back pain. Keep them on hand.
• Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes: In some cases, there is no good washroom on trails. Wet wipes may be used in order to maintain cleanliness.
• Hand Sanitizer: To remain clean in case there is no water nearby.
• Ziplock Bags: Keep carrying used sanitary items until you can put them in the right dustbin. Always be respectful to nature and never litter your environment. 
• Spare Pants and Underwear: Having a spare set of pants and underwear just in case leaks or accidents should occur is helpful.
• Menstrual Cup (Optional): Menstrual cups are also used by trekkers in large numbers since they can be left for 8-12 hours without needing to be changed.
• Heat Pad (Portable): There are light, travel heat patches for cramps that are portable.

Tip: Ensure your period materials are stored in a waterproof bag to prevent them from getting wet due to rain or wet conditions.

How to alleviate menstrual cramps while backpacking?

Even with preparation, you will still experience some discomfort. Oh well! Here are easy tips to relieve period cramps during a hike:

1. Stretch and Warm Up Properly

• Spend a few minutes each morning before embarking on your trek slowly stretching.
• Be careful of your lower back, your legs, and your belly. Stretch out the cramps with a slow stretch and your body is ready to walk.

2. Go but At Your Own Pace

• Don’t worry about slowing down slightly if you are tired or feeling weighed down.
• Tune into your body.
• Don’t try to keep pace with faster trekkers if you don’t wish to. Trekking is not a race. Short, frequent rests can ease fatigue.

3. Drink a lot of water

• Dehydration makes cramps worse and makes you that much more fatigued.
• Consume electrolyte powder or ORS if the trek is long and you are sweating profusely.

4. Consume Light and Nourishing Snacks

• Avoid greasy, heavy foods.
• Pack nuts, energy bars, fruits, and energy biscuits.
• Snacking in moderation keeps you on the move and bloating away.

5. Use Pain Relievers Wisely

• If cramps are restricting walking, use painkillers wisely.
• Always take medicine with food and only in the prescribed quantity.

6. Use Heat If It Is Available

• If you have a heat patch on, place it on the lower abdomen during break time.
• Heat calms down muscles and reduces pain naturally.

Trekking in period requires strength, not perfection 

One of the most critical things to keep in mind when hiking while you are on your period is that you don’t have to be perfect.

• It is okay if you get more breaks.
• It is alright if, occasionally, you are emotional.
• You’re okay if you can’t walk faster than other individuals.
• Your power is in your spirit, your grit, and your sense of adventure, not in your ability to impeccably manage your period.

Each woman’s experience is different. Some have very little pain at all, but some have a terrible day or two. Both are okay. Don’t compare yourself to another person.

Tips for maintaining hygiene while trekking during the period 

Hygiene should be ensured during hiking to avoid infection or irritation. This is how you can do it even when the facilities are minimal:

• Replace sanitary pads after 4-6 hours if possible.
• Always wash your hands before and after a change.
• Disinfect the surface with wet wipes if water is not accessible.
• Bring all the trash back in a sealed ziplock bag to dispose of later.
• Wear cotton undergarments for easy breathing and dryness to prevent rashes from forming.

Important Tip: If a menstrual cup is being utilized, rinse with bottled water if necessary and sanitize it appropriately after hiking.

Myths about trekking on your period 

Myth 1: You Can’t Trek During Your Period

Fact: You bet you can! Body movement relieves cramps and improves your mood.

Myth 2: You’ll Be Too Weak

Fact: If you’re well-rested, well-hydrated, and well-fed, you can hike just as vigorously while you’re having your period as you can any other day.

Myth 3: Trekking Will Make Period Pain Worse

Fact: More often than not, trekking can brighten your mood by enhancing circulation and lessening stress.

What to do if you get your period unexpectedly while trekking 

At some moments, times arrive sooner than you anticipated. If that ever happens during trekking, these are what to do:

Remain Calm, it’s fine. You are able and can do it.

• Inform a Friend or Trek Leader: Having a friend who takes care of you can assist you if you need a break. 
• Make Do with What You Have: Utilize whatever sanitary material you or someone else may have. Trekking groups always have first aid kits. 
• Take Short Breaks: Rest if experiencing pain or tiredness. 
• Adjust Plans If Necessary: If the pain is becoming too much, talk with your group about adjusting the route or pace. You don’t have to feel guilty and ashamed. Nature does not criticize you as you are.

Mental preparation is as crucial as physical preparation 

In preparing to undertake a trek during your time, something that is as significant as physical strength is your mental preparation. Most women get apprehensive in advance of embarking on the trek, dreading pain, leaking, or feeling embarrassed. But the key to a successful trek begins with believing in oneself. 

Remember that your period is a natural part of life, not a problem or a weakness. You have already overcome so much in life, and this is just another small challenge on your journey. 

Positive thinking can completely change your trekking experience. Instead of focusing on possible pain or discomfort, focus on the amazing adventure ahead. Consider the pure mountain air, the majesty of nature outside you, and the strong sensation of climbing higher. Remember your body is sturdy, resilient, and designed for adventure. 

Lots of trekkers report they forget all about their period aches and pains once they have begun walking and breathing in the open air and get completely immersed in the pleasure of the trail.

Conclusion

Periods Are Normal, and So Is Your Adventure Spirit Hiking during your time can seem difficult initially but with planning, confidence, and proper attitude, you can make the most out of your trip. Just remember that your body can do it, and every step you make, even if cramped or exhausted, is a triumph of will and power. 

So buckle up, pack your backpack with equipment, take a whiff of that mountain air, and move forward. Your period is your own, and it should never keep you from pursuing your dreams. Every summit you overcome and every trail you conquer is a reminder that you are unstoppable, no matter which day of the month!