Menstruation in space is a topic that has long been overlooked, yet it is becoming an essential part of astronaut health research as more women travel beyond Earth and missions grow longer. Spaceflight changes how the human body functions. Microgravity affects circulation, fluid movement, bone density, muscle strength, and immune response. These physiological shifts can make everyday biological processes feel very different from life on Earth, including menstruation. Historically, space travel was designed around male bodies, which meant that menstrual management was rarely discussed or engineered into spacecraft systems. Today, that is changing. As space agencies work to build safe and sustainable environments for all astronauts, understanding and improving menstrual care in space is becoming a priority that supports equality and mission performance.A NASA-supported research report focusing on female astronaut health explains that menstruation behaves normally in microgravity and that the main challenge is not physiology, but hygiene and logistics. The report emphasizes the importance of providing reliable menstrual solutions that can withstand launch stresses, pressure fluctuations, limited water, and restricted waste disposal. This research supports the growing interest in testing reusable menstrual products for long-duration space travel.
Why managing menstruation in space became a challenge
When women first joined astronaut programs, medical and engineering teams raised concerns about whether menstrual blood could exit the body properly without gravity. There was uncertainty around how pads or tampons would behave, how to clean and dispose of waste, and how to maintain hygiene when water is scarce. To avoid complications, many astronauts chose menstrual suppression using continuous hormonal contraception. Although still common, suppression limits personal choice and is not suitable for everyone. Practical challenges include limited storage space, the need to manage bio waste safely, and concerns about leakage and sanitation in a sealed spacecraft environment.
NASA ‘s interest in testing new menstrual solutions
NASA and external research partners have begun investigating menstrual cups as a potential alternative for long missions. A single reusable cup produces far less waste and requires less storage space than months of tampons or pads. Cups are made from medical-grade silicone and designed to withstand pressure and movement, making them a promising option for spaceflight. Although laboratory results are encouraging, more testing is needed in real microgravity to understand cleaning procedures, insertion, and removal in zero gravity and compatibility with spacecraft life support systems. If proven effective, menstrual cups could give astronauts greater autonomy and eliminate the need for constant resupply.
Current options used by astronauts
Today, astronauts who menstruate typically choose between hormonal suppression or packing personal menstrual products before flight. Tampons and pads remain usable but create storage and disposal challenges. Some astronauts prefer suppression for convenience, while others advocate for natural menstrual cycles for hormonal health. NASA’s long-term goal is to support multiple safe and practical options so astronauts can decide based on preference rather than limitation.
Why menstrual care matters for future space missions
Upcoming missions to the Moon under Artemis and eventual travel to Mars will last months or years. Resupply will be rare, and spacecraft will function more like homes than laboratories. Menstrual care solutions must therefore be sustainable, waste-efficient, and safe under extreme conditions. Addressing this need is not only about comfort but about equality, dignity, and operational readiness. More inclusive systems help ensure that crew members can work effectively without unnecessary stress or risk to health.
What still needs more research?
Future studies must evaluate long-term effects of hormonal suppression in microgravity, fluid behavior in reusable menstrual devices, and infection control and sterilization systems compatible with spacecraft. Real-world testing aboard the International Space Station will be necessary before adoption for deep space missions.NASA’s exploration of menstrual management reflects a shift wider toward inclusive and realistic human spaceflight. As crews become more diverse and missions grow longer, understanding how to support all biological needs becomes essential. Menstruation in space is no longer a taboo topic but a practical engineering and medical challenge. With continued research and innovation, astronauts of all genders can thrive during the next era of exploration beyond Earth.Also read| Scientists say there may be a third state between life and death and the discovery is rewriting biology
