Travelling and experiencing delays or changes in your period? Well don't worry! This can be very common and completely normal, as there are many reasons why travel might delay your period. Take it from me, when moving countries my period was super irregular for the first 3 months but it was only temporary and not a cause for concern. If delays become persistent, then check with your doctor and make sure you listen to your body.
So can travelling delay your period? In short: Yes, travel can delay your period due to factors like jet lag, stress, and disruptions to your daily routine.
But let's take a closer look at what could be causing these changes/delays with your period.
Jet lag, time zones, and surprise periods? We've got you covered. Pack light and smart with our reusable, travel-friendly period products.
Top reasons travelling can delay your period:
1- Jet lag and period delay
Travelling to a different country can sometimes mean new time zones and getting into a new routine. Especially for long haul flights where some time differences can be nearly a day different. Your body has to adapt to this change and it's completely normal if it takes time to do this.
Crossing time zones disrupts your Circadian Rhythm, This is your body’s natural, internal clock that follows the 24-hour cycle. This helps regulate things like:
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Sleep and wake cycles
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Hormone release
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Body temperature
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Digestion
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Mood and energy levels
All of these areas are important to function everyday so of course it can easily affect your menstrual cycle timing.
2- Stress while travelling (even if you don't realise it) and your period
When it comes to travelling there is so much that needs to be planned, prepped and ready. Did we remember the passport? Wait, I forgot my sunglasses! Have we got the correct money currency? Don’t tell me there's traffic on the way to the airport… The list goes on and on and our brains are constantly thinking subconsciously of different things, in between the excitement and 200 questions.
When something triggers our physical and emotional stress, elevated cortisol levels can interfere with estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate your cycle. Cortisol is a hormone your body produces naturally often known as the stress hormone.
3- Sleep pattern changes can affect your period
Having trouble sleeping while being away? Or staying out a lot later than usual and consistently? This can also lead to changes in your period or even cause a delayed period. Poor sleep or inconsistent sleep patterns can influence your hypothalamus.
What does the hypothalamus do?
The hypothalamus controls these things:
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Body temperature
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Hunger and thirst
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Sleep and circadian rhythm
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Heart rate and blood pressure
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Emotions and mood
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Hormone production
4- How changes in diet and activity can affect your menstrual cycle
When you're traveling, on holiday, or simply out of your normal routine, it's common for your period to be delayed. Your body thrives on consistency, and even small shifts in daily habits can have an impact.
For example, if you're used to having a structured day, like eating a healthy breakfast followed by a gym session, that rhythm might change while you're away. You might be relaxing more, exercising less, or indulging in different types of food. Changes in how much you eat (either more or less), trying new foods, or drinking more alcohol than usual can all affect your hormonal balance.
Alcohol in particular can interfere with your menstrual cycle. It can disrupt the way your liver processes hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are key to regulating your period. Alcohol can also affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the parts of your brain that help control your reproductive hormones. This hormonal interference may lead to a delayed, lighter, or even missed period.
Irregular periods while travelling
Travel can be unpredictable and so can your period.
All the reasons mentioned above can not only delay your period, but sometimes make it come earlier. That’s why it’s always a good idea to be prepared for irregular periods while travelling. Don’t forget to pack your period essentials: Choose something comfortable, reusable, and lightweight, like our Ruby Cup menstrual cup or period underwear. They're perfect for unexpected changes, especially when you're far from home.
While it’s totally normal for travel and changes in routine to throw your cycle off a little, your body often finds its balance again once you're back to your usual rhythm, this might be when you get back home, or if you have moved country maybe after a few months of routine, it could even be possible to miss a period. Everyone’s body responds differently, and a delayed period before, during or after travel isn’t usually something to worry about.
That said, if your period is consistently delayed, becomes irregular, or you notice other unusual changes, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to rule out anything more serious.
Enjoy your travels x
FAQ
Can travelling delay your period?
Simply put, Yes! Travelling absolutely can delay your period. Stress, time differences, jet lag, changes in diet and lifestyle all impact your body and can take time to adjust. With this said if you are still experiencing a delayed period and are worried it's a good idea to see a healthcare provider and talk it through.
How long can travelling delay your period?
This can be different depending on different people. You can still have a regular menstrual cycle if there are 24 to 38 days between the start of your previous period and the start of your next period.
Is it normal to miss a period after travelling?
Yes, as it can potentially take time for your body to get back to normal once you are home from your travels, especially if you are travelling on long haul flights, or have been away from home for a long period of time.
Can long-haul flights delay your period?
Yes! In fact, long haul flights can cause delays due to many factors and the further you go the more likely you are to be affected.
Ready for your next adventure? Stay worry-free and travel confidently with Ruby Cup or our comfy period underwear. Because your period shouldn’t hold you back.
Written by Chloe Arneberg
Chloe is Ruby Cups digital marketing specialist. With a passion for creating meaningful content, she crafts videos, explores emerging topics and trends, and brings fresh perspectives to the conversation around menstrual health. Chloe finds inspiration through travel and connecting with people around the world (she always has her passport on her!) Her go to Ruby Cup product would be the black flow freedom period underwear.
