How do astronauts handle periods in space? NASA develops new menstrual options

NASA Studies Periods in Space as Crews Prepare for Moon and Mars Flights (Image: Canva)

A quiet shift is taking place in space research. More women are flying beyond Earth, and missions are getting longer. These changes push scientists to rethink how the human body works in orbit, including menstrual health, once rarely discussed in spaceflight.

Spaceflight alters body functions in microgravity conditions. It changes circulation, fluid flow, bone loss, muscle strength, and immune response. These effects can make normal biological processes feel very different. Historically, space missions were built around male bodies. Menstrual care was not designed into early spacecraft systems.

A NASA-supported research report now explains that menstruation behaves normally in microgravity. The main challenges involve hygiene and logistics, not biology. The report highlights the need for reliable menstrual solutions. They must survive launch pressures, water limits, and restricted waste disposal. This research supports growing interest in reusable products for long missions.

Early medical teams feared blood might not exit normally. There were doubts about how tampons or pads would behave. Cleaning and disposal were difficult with limited water. For these reasons, many astronauts used hormonal suppression. The method is still common but limits personal choice.

Storage space remains limited on crewed flights. Waste must be handled safely inside small sealed habitats. Leakage worries and hygiene risks show the need for better systems. Long missions demand improved protocols that adapt to human needs.

NASA and research partners are exploring menstrual cups for future flights. A single cup needs very little storage space. It also reduces months of waste from pads or tampons. The cup uses medical-grade silicone and handles pressure well. These features make it suitable for spaceflight conditions.

However, more testing is needed in real microgravity. Researchers must study cleaning steps, insertion challenges, and removal without gravity. They must also confirm compatibility with life support systems. If successful, cups may offer greater autonomy and fewer resupply needs.

Astronauts now choose hormonal suppression or personal supplies. Tampons and pads still work in space but create waste issues. Some astronauts choose suppression for convenience. Others prefer natural cycles for hormonal stability. NASA wants to support all safe options without limiting choice.

Upcoming Artemis missions will last for many months. Mars travel will take years without frequent resupply. Spacecraft will act like small homes in harsh environments. Menstrual systems must be safe, sustainable, and waste-efficient. This improves comfort, dignity, and mission performance. Inclusive systems help ensure smooth work across diverse crews.

Future studies must examine long-term hormonal suppression impacts. Researchers must study fluid behaviour in reusable devices. Infection control and safe sterilisation also need development. Testing aboard the ISS will be required before deep space flights.

NASA’s work on menstrual care shows a wider shift in human spaceflight. As crews become more diverse, support for all biological needs becomes essential. Menstruation in space is now a practical challenge, not a taboo. With continued research, future astronauts can live and work confidently beyond Earth.