Female astronauts manage menstruation challenges during space missions

Women astronauts face unique challenges during their space missions, particularly regarding menstruation. This issue is significant for those spending extended time in space. Astronauts like Sunita Williams, who had to extend her mission unexpectedly, may have to manage their periods without normal facilities. Female astronauts usually plan for their menstrual cycles before traveling. However, in space, traditional means of management become less accessible. To prepare for this, NASA has researched how to accommodate their needs. For instance, engineers initially overestimated the number of sanitary pads needed for a mission. Today, many women use birth control pills to suppress their periods while in space. This approach helps make their experience more manageable. Dr. Varsha Jain, a space gynecologist, is involved in ongoing research to potentially eliminate menstruation during space travel. NASA’s history with female astronauts began with Sally Ride in 1983. The first woman in space was Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova in 1963. Research continues to examine the physical effects of space travel on men and women, revealing some differences in how each gender adapts. For example, women might feel more sluggish in space, while men face tiredness upon return. Understanding these differences is crucial as we look to the future of long-duration missions in space. Further studies are needed to unravel the effects of space travel on the human body over time.