Summer survival for menstruators: From beach days to festival toilets and family dinners
We will keep talking about cycles and the need for space to be our full cyclical selves in a fairly linear world - until the moon is made of cheese. That or those many conversations are only just beginning.
And now summer is coming, which for many of us means vacation, warmth, spontaneous plans and odd rhythms. We love it, but (!) for menstruating bodies it can also be a cocktail of challenges that can end up making us wonder how good it all can be (or just us who overexert ourselves to keep up rather than find a bed that suits where we are).
Holidays can mean changed routines, fewer breaks, more socializing, alcohol, perhaps worse toilet conditions and less opportunity to withdraw. That's why we've created a guide for those of you who want to be good to your cycle (and thus yourself) – even when you're sunbathing, dancing at a Danish festival or hanging out with your in-laws in a summer house without a door to the bathroom (jeez).
1. Plan – but expect unpredictability
The summer heat, travel days and holiday stress can affect your cycle. Your period may come earlier, later – or with more intensity than you are used to. That's why it's a good idea to track your cycle extra closely and pack wisely.
Pack a “just-in-case kit” in your beach bag or rolling suitcase: a pair of panty liners (or our new low-absorbency thong ), a menstrual cup, sanitary napkins, a wet bag for used products, hand sanitizer, iron supplements if you’re bleeding a lot, and a pair of Flow panties . It’ll save the day if you’re bleeding unexpectedly or the toilet is n’t an option .
2. Remember: you lose fluid and minerals
It's not just sweat and Aperol that you might be balancing in the summer heat. Menstruation and heat are both draining – especially when combined. You lose fluids, but also electrolytes like magnesium, sodium and potassium, which play a role in everything from mood to cramps.
Tip: Drink plenty of water and consider taking electrolytes, especially if you are bleeding a lot. Magnesium in particular has a muscle-relaxing effect. This can make a noticeable difference to your energy, mood and pain.
3. Toilets are not always a given
Festival? Hiking? Road trip? Summer vacation often means you don't have access to your usual, clean bathroom. So think ahead – especially if you're bleeding heavily or in the luteal phase, where you might be extra sensitive to chaos and a little more "disgusting" surroundings (we're, we think, simple, millennial girls who want a clean board and a bin for used products).
Make a mini period kit-to-go and keep it in your bag. We suggest a wet bag with two pairs of period panties ( these are great for a long day of travel). Your Flows can be a lifesaver in situations where you can't change a tampon or pad. And wet wipes? Your best friend.
4. It's your body and you that should be comfortable.
“Can you swim when you're on your period?” many people ask. Of course you can - and with sharks and an increased danger if you're on your period - it's not appropriate.
BUT. You don't have to . If you're not in the mood to jump in the pool, don't. Your body may be bloated, feel sore and tired - you don't have to do anything, just what your body wants.
Would you like to take a bath? If you are in your luteal phase or menstruating, cooling down and getting some exercise can also help relieve discomfort. You can use a tampon, menstrual cup, or panties (we have a killer swimsuit on the way, but it's unfortunately delayed - on the other hand, you can easily fit in your quick-drying Flow 1 ) that can handle light to moderate bleeding.
5. Family visits and vacations can be overwhelming
Maybe you're at a summer house with your family, maybe on holiday with friends – and maybe your body is in the luteal phase and is crying out for peace. When we're bleeding or approaching menstruation, many of us have less energy for socializing and more need for space. Even if we're on holiday and "NOW we're going to have fun". The body has a pretty big job right up until menstruation and during the bleeding, and that can require peace from us regardless of whether you're in Blokhus or Biarritz.
Give yourself permission to say no, thank you. You can stay home from the walk or say “I’ll just take an hour alone.” The cycle doesn’t take a vacation – and neither do you need to from your needs.
6. Eat what you want – and what nourishes you
The holidays often offer sweets, alcohol and fluctuating meal times. This is completely normal, and there should be room for enjoyment. But if you feel cravings or feel exhausted, it may be your body asking for extra support. If you are craving a lot of salt - chips, French fries, etc., then it may be your body calling for a little extra to balance the salt in the heat.
Especially during and leading up to menstruation, you need magnesium, iron and B vitamins. If you can, think: dark chocolate, green vegetables, eggs, whole grains and perhaps a supplement if you are bleeding a lot.
7. It's okay not to exercise as usual
Many people experience a dip in energy during the luteal phase and during menstruation – and summer can exacerbate this because we sleep worse, are more active and have less structure.
Move on your own terms. Go for a walk, do gentle yoga, stretch – or lie still with your legs up a wall.
Rest is not laziness. It's cycle care (that's our new mantra).
8. Remember: Hormonal fluctuations + heat = more sensitivity
It's not just you who feels completely off one day in the middle of the holidays. Estrogen, progesterone and heat waves can make us more sensitive, hungry, sad, tired – and frustrated that no clothes feel good.
You can say it out loud. We can put our needs into words, and if we don't know them completely, we can just say: I'm a little flat for the next few days. We all know that the follicular phase is just around the corner (and in that case: Remember condoms for the holiday too).
Give space to your emotions. And remember: Your mood doesn't reflect that you're not enjoying your vacation. But your body is clearly telling you its needs, and we're just trying to listen, right?
9. You can take a vacation on your own terms.
You don't owe anyone a perfect holiday mood. You're allowed to have your period, be tired, need some peace and quiet, change your panties in the middle of a car ride, or ask for some alone time.
It could also be that you're just overexerting yourself and overusing your energy to enjoy that one week in Rhodes with your girlfriends - if you come home and are completely exhausted, know that you've had fun, felt life, overused your battery a bit, but that you'll of course be yourself again once you've rested.
Your body is at work for you, every single day. It's pretty amazing, and in reality, most people's mood on vacation would probably be significantly higher if everyone lived a little more cyclically. With a little more balance between yin and yang. A little more breaks, a little more peace, a little more downtime and a little closer to ourselves.
We wish you the most wonderful holiday, wherever it takes you. Take good care of yourself, we hope that peace will come sooner or later 🧉 Love from us
