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Periods In Space: How Female Astronauts Deal With Periods

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin
May 25, 2020
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Varsha Jain, a space gynecologist and visiting researcher at the Center of Human & Aerospace Physiological Sciences, King’s College London, explains in her research how it is like for female astronauts to experience a menstrual cycle in space. While the human body goes through numerous changes in space, Varsha was surprised to learn that female menstrual cycles don’t change though.

“Studies have shown that women can have periods as normally in space as they do on Earth. What’s more, menstrual blood flow isn’t actually affected by the weightlessness we experience in space, so it doesn’t float back in – the body knows it needs to get rid of it”.

Women and their periods in space were once used as an argument that women shouldn’t be astronauts. When Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, tampons and sanitary napkins were never part of that process.  But since then women have been living and working in space for decades now, and with no issues. That’s also because all available data on periods in space pertain to short-duration missions.

The Challenges

While periods may not hinder an astronaut’s ability, it may not be a very pleasant thing to deal with in space. Also, when astronauts undertake longer missions, how many tampons or pads a woman can carry onboard can be a huge problem given the issue of weight and cargo space that these may occupy. Carrying a three-year supply of birth control pills onboard doesn’t sound practical either.

With limited resources and water supplies, menstruating may not be a very pleasant experience. Also, not all waste disposal systems in space are designed to handle menstrual blood, as the toilet system is connected to the water reclamation system (which recycles urine into drinking water), solid waste is distributed in a cylindrical container which is then exposed to vacuum to dry the waste. Unwanted liquid waste is vented to space, hence menstrual cups may not serve the purpose not to forget the constraints for its insertion and removal. For the longest time, NASA has been inviting new ideas to facilitate recycling in space.

So what are the other options?

With these issues, most female astronauts turn to the oral contraceptives or hormone pills which may help them skip or suppress their period.

According to Varsha’s research, “The oral progesterone pill is the most popular option. The second option is an IUD (intrauterine device), which is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and can safely last for three to five years. Subdermal implants are another option, and are safe to use for up to three years. Last is the Depo-Provera, a hormone injection similar to progesterone. It must be administered once every 12 weeks, and can be safely used for two to three years.”   

According to Florida’s Gynaecologist, Dr. Kristin Jackson, the best methods for suppression are either the pill or the IUD. 

“It’s completely safe for women to skip their periods. Every woman is different, but some methods are more reliable than others.” However, the most reliable methods aren’t always the safest as she points out with the depo shot.

Varsha agrees. “Studies of women in the military have shown that many would like to suppress their menstrual flow during deployment, so it’s not a stretch to assume astronauts want to do the same”.

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Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin has done her masters in Journalism & Communication and has worked as a senior journalist, editor and columnist for leading publications like The Logical Indian, Deccan Chronicle, Worldwide Media Corporation, The Bridge and Provoke.
With Infano, she hopes to create more awareness about women’s health issues. Suffering with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, she has also been advocating for its awareness through media.

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Infano Care

3 Essential Oils With Soothing Properties for Stress and Anxiety

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin
June 26, 2020 | 03:02 PM |
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Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents to treat several health and wellness issues. Adding a few drops to your diffuser or bath water can change the experience for you. Or put a few drops on a candle before lighting it. The subtle essences have an effect on the body’s chemical and energy systems thus making it a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Peppermint, lavender and rose are some of the essential oils you can use to relieve symptoms of anxiety or stress and to soothe those nerves.  

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is an important part of most of our lives; from giving our upset stomach some relief to providing our drinks a refreshing taste and aroma, but many are unaware of its calmative properties that can leave you relaxed, release your stress and mental pressure. The menthol present in the herb is known to be a muscle relaxant and is antispasmodic in nature, helping you relax amidst mental stress. It also works to wake up your senses and makes you more attentive.

Tip: When it comes to relieving stress and anxiety, tea infused with peppermint oil is also a good choice. Goodwyn, The Indian Chai are some of the brands offering this flavor.

Lavender oil

This is another oil which works great for relaxing and calming your nerves and ease tension because of its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties and is the best choice for those suffering with anxiety.  A few drops on your pillow or in your diffuser can help get you a good night’s sleep if you are suffering from insomnia. It is widely used in candles, perfumes, beauty products and cosmetics for its fragrance and antiseptic properties. It has the ability to help reduce mild pains.

Tip: A few drops of essential oils rubbed on the belly can help you ease your menstrual cramps in a few minutes.

Rose Oil

This is known as the Queen of Oils because of its soothing aroma. A whiff of rose oil can leave you feeling happy and cheerful and uplift your mood in an instant. It’s a great choice when you feel a clout of sadness, grief or when feeling depressed. It also has libido boosting properties. It has been used since ages for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties and is used in both the medical and cosmetic industry.

Tip: Keep distilled water infused with a few drops of rose oil in a small spray bottle and carry it along in your everyday bag. A couple of sprays serve as an instant refresher for hair and skin.

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Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin has done her masters in Journalism & Communication and has worked as a senior journalist, editor and columnist for leading publications like The Logical Indian, Deccan Chronicle, Worldwide Media Corporation, The Bridge and Provoke.
With Infano, she hopes to create more awareness about women’s health issues. Suffering with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, she has also been advocating for its awareness through media.

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