TREKKING IN PERIODS - Kashti Adventures

MENSTURAL GUIDE TO TREKKING

WHAT WE WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT TREKKING DURING PERIODS

Have you ever skipped an important academic exam because of your periods?

Did you by chance bypass an opportunity for next level promotion at your workplace just because your menstrual circle began on that day?

No?

Then why do you want to postpone your trekking trip during periods?

Periods are a nuisance and a Pain

It is a fact that life is not the same for women on those few days. It could be a nuisance for some, for others it might be agonizing.

But a golden opportunity of promotion is not missed for anything in the world, isn’t it?

Also, exams are a mental exercises and trekking a physical one. You sure would agree that some exercise is not bad for your body, right?

Trekking is special

Trekking is special, doing something different in extreme conditions with a heart of steel!

Don’t let a customary monthly routine disturb your eagerly awaited trek to a wonderful summit!

Some concerns during periods

You will surely have some concerns to take the leap because; trekking is a strenuous physical activity involving day long trek and rest only at night. But planning and little support from your trekking team can ensure that you have a great trip.

Some planning and some packing

It is a matter of carrying some extra, things in your back pack… yes, the same ones required during your periods. Here are a few options…

i. Taking period-delaying pills could postpone your periods.

ii. Tampons are a great option and works for a maximum of 12 hours without changing. They are light weight and perfect for packing. They also do not get wet during river crossings. After use, just pack them in a zip lock and discard them in a safe place after your trek. Tea bags or powdered aspirin can be used to reduce odor from these zip bags

iii. Menstrual cups are even better. They are environment–friendly as they are reusable. Dig a 6-8 inches hole and empty the contents before reuse. Do ensure that this hole is at least 70 feet away from a water source and also a place where animals do not frequent. The cups have to be washed well. Avoid washing with hand sanitizer as they may get eroded.

iv. If you are person comfortable only with sanitary napkins, you can use them too. Request your team to stop whenever you need to change. Ensure that you do not discard used ones on trek trails as these take a lot of time to disintegrate and may cause great harm to the environment. Again these may be collected in zip locks and discarded only after you finish the trip. If you are in a homestay than you may find garbage bins to discard.

Your worry is hygiene?

It is a fact that daily baths are not possible on a trek.  Nevertheless you can sponge yourself with wet wipes every night before sleeping.  Avoid infections by wiping clean whenever you need to change a napkin.  Apply petroleum jelly around your inner thighs so that there are no rashes due to constant friction while walking

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Health Concerns

Several women experience cramps during periods. Studies show that physical exercise improves blood circulation and could actually reduce your back pain or stomach pain during periods. You can also carry some OTC medicine to address pain or cramps.

However, if unbearable pain is a norm for you during periods, it is better to take rest and postpone trekking to a later date.

Is it dangerous to hike during periods?

Some people feel that bears may attack if they smell period blood. This is not true. Trek trails were set up many years ago and are some distance away from where wild animals are. So there is no danger of animals attacking you during your periods.

Checklist before the trip

Carry sufficient underwear and pack them in such a way that you can retrieve easily while trekking.
Tampons/Sanitary pads/Menstrual cups
Some zip lock bags
Take sufficient drinking water bottles. Likewise you can take ORS packets that can be mixed with water for energy.
Take an extra pair of pants for those messy days. It is also better to avoid light colored clothing

Dos and don’ts during the trip

Always speak to the tour group about your problems. Don’t be shy. Most trek managers are trained to handle such problems with empathy. Moreover there are other women in Trekking team who can share tips from their own experiences.

Prefer green tea or tulsi tea over coffee during a trek. Eat less spicy snacks like poha, bun, and boiled egg to ensure good health during the trip.

Do not litter during the trek. It will cause serious damage to the environment! Along with these suggestions, choose others that work for you.