Traveling During Perimenopause

Does getting away on a trip simultaneously feel like just what you need, and also, an insurmountable challenge to plan? When you’re dealing with perimenopause symptoms, organizing a trip can feel daunting, but traveling during perimenopause doesn’t have to be difficult. We have some suggestions on how to prepare around those symptoms so you can take that vacation, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip or that rejuvenating small getaway you’ve been craving.

Embrace the Change

Our first tip is to embrace the changes you’re going through. The symptoms can sometimes be challenging to manage, but the menopause transition is a natural time in a woman’s life. Women often report embarrassment due to common perimenopause symptoms. Know that you’re not alone, and instead of hiding away when symptoms strike, you can still enjoy the same things you did before.

Hot Flashes

• Pack your bags with plenty of breathable cotton and light fabrics for when heat strikes. And pack some layers too, so if a sudden chill creeps up, you’re well prepared.
• Consider packing cooling towels; you can buy single-use wipes or reusable towels that you can recharge with water.
• Suffering from excessive sweating? Baby wipes can be great face and body cleansers in a pinch.

Erratic, Flash Periods

You may have gone months without a period, but until your doctor has confirmed that you’re in menopause, don’t consider them over just yet. A flash period can pop up at any time. Whether your periods are on pause or just erratic, be sure to pack your preferred menstruation products. If your vacation takes place a few blocks from a big box store, you might be safe to pack a few backup products, but if you’re camping in the middle of nowhere, plan ahead, just in case.

Brain Fog

• Brain fog and cognition impairment is a prevalent secondary symptom of perimenopause. You might feel like you’re more forgetful or have trouble wrapping your mind around complicated tasks. You can combat brain fog by focusing on getting enough sleep and lowering stress.
• Consider what you need to get your best night of sleep. That may mean you pack a portable white noise machine or eye mask in your luggage.
• To combat stress around vacation planning, consider creating a vacation binder with everything you need. Write a checklist of things to pack and tasks to complete before you leave. Gather important documents together in one place, and print out any vital information to keep at your fingertips (if you’re entirely digital, consider a battery backup for your phone to make sure you don’t lose access to critical information). Keeping notes is a great way to make sure you don’t forget any vital tasks, like scheduling the petsitter.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel like brain fog is getting in the way of your everyday tasks.

Mood Swings

Perimenopause mood swings and anxiety can strip your fun from even the happiest moments. If you’re experiencing mood swings, depression, anxiety or other mood disruptions, talk to your Southdale ObGyn provider about ways to manage so many moods. There are both natural methods and medications that can support you.

Traveling during perimenopause may put an extra strain on your moods at timesbut if you know you have this symptom of perimenopause, know that it’s normal and recognize those feelings as a symptom. When you catch yourself feeling suddenly irritated, anxious or unable to relax, practice your stress relief methods, whether those are taking a minute to yourself, meditation or mindfulness, or avoiding triggers (like overindulging in caffeine).

Traveling can be a stress at the best of times, but you can find ways to reduce your stress from the beginning. For example, if you hate to drive in a new location, consider a walkable location, a guided tour, or a cruise. If hot flashes are causing you to meltdown consider a trip to a cooler location. If you know that spicy food and caffeine trigger the heat, consider abstaining (or pack a handheld fan and book an ocean-side cabana for quick dips!)

No matter what symptoms you’re experiencing with the lead-up to menopause, they shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying your life. So if you’re struggling, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage symptoms and get back on track to take that trip! Traveling during perimenopause? Yes please!