Menstruation Station: Getting Your Period On A Train

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Despite my best efforts and extensive planning, as we boarded our Amtrak train, specifically the Crescent Line 19 from NYC to New Orleans, my menstrual cycle arrived. I'd packed some period products, just in case, but it was a bit daunting to think about spending the next two days on a train while on my period.

Despite this, I made it work. So, today I'll be sharing a few tips on how to manage your menstruation while traveling on an Amtrak train.

For full disclosure, we'd reserved a Bedroom on the Amtrak Crescent Line, so we had a private, albeit tiny, bathroom to ourselves. However, these tips can apply to coach bathrooms and passengers as well. Without further ado, let's talk about making your periods work during train travel!

Pack Period Products For Your Train Ride

Before we left NYC I packed a small box of tampons and a cute travel case for pads, just in case. I'm on birth control and I wasn't supposed to be starting my period, but I'm a very "better safe than sorry", kind of person. So, I packed a small box of tampons in with my carry-on bag. If you're going to be on a train for any amount of time and you also menstruate, bring some period products along.

I chose to use tampons because the alternatives (period panties, diva cups, pads) would require a bit more work and wiggle room for me. Bathrooms on Amtrak trains are small and unless you have a private room, you're sharing that bathroom with several other passengers. Tampons can be discretely disposed of in trash receptacles and don't require too much room to remove and insert.

If you choose to use tampons, consider carrying a small bag for trash into the bathroom with you, unless the bathroom has a trash can inside of it. In private Bedrooms the trash receptacle and sink are outside the actual toilet area, so after using my tampons I wrapped them in toilet paper, placed them into a small grocery bag, and then disposed of them.

Wipe It Up

Having some wipes on hand was a lifesaver. Every time I used the toilet, I cleaned the seat using a Clorox wipe (you can find travel ones here). I did this before and after I used it. I then disposed of the cleaner wipe by placing it in a trash receptacle. (Do not flush period products or wipes down the toilet!)

I also brought along travel wipes for keeping myself clean. Menstruation can be messy and when you're in cramped quarters, feeling extra messy down south can be unpleasant. Additionally, the toilet paper used on trains is akin to camper toilet paper or septic-safe toilet paper: cheap and one-ply. Having little bits of paper stuck to your nether regions might not be your idea of comfort. Wipes help. But, again, do not flush them. Dispose of them in the trash.

Consider A Spray

If your period is presenting with a strong smell and you're feeling worried about it, consider packing along a small spray bottle of something fragrant. I recommend an essential oil spray vs a heavy fragrance spray. In closed spaces a spray with a lot of fragrance might mask smells, but you run the risk of causing issues for other passengers who may have allergies or sensitivities to fragrance.

An essential oil spray is a safer alternative but use it sparingly. Consider choosing an oil with a mild scent, like lavender. This will allow you to "freshen" yourself and the bathroom after use, while cutting down on the risk of irritating other passengers.

Manage The Symptoms

I keep a small collection of pain and period management medications in a travel pill case. My go-to medications are Midol and Excedrin Migraine. When I menstruate, I experience a LOT of gas and bloating. The Midol helps with these symptoms. I also tend to get migraines when I menstruate, so I use Excedrin Migraine. When you're jostling around on a noisy train, you're going to want something to help you manage the discomfort and pain.

Another option is a travel heating pad. If you book a Bedroom you'll have access to two 120v outlets you can plug a heating pad into, but if you don't have access to outlets, portable heating pads will do in a pinch. You might also want to try a cooling gel pack for your head to help manage headaches and migraines associated with your period.

Stay Hydrated & Eat Smart

Your Amtrak train will have a dinner car or cafe car with food items and beverages available for purchase. Consider purchasing or bringing along food items that don't contain a lot of dairy or gluten so as to avoid extra bloating. And stay hydrated! Keep water on hand for your trip. Keeping your body hydrated will help it process the loss of blood and the medications in your system.

Choose Comfort

Lastly, prioritize your comfort. Wear loose fitting clothing or items with lots of stretch. Pack an oversized hoodie with a zipper you can put on or remove easily as your temperature fluctuates. Something I did was pack some slip-on Birkenstocks and comfy socks for wearing on the train. You should ALWAYS wear shoes when riding a train, but having some comfy slip-on shoes was a life-saver for me. I swell considerably when I menstruate so wearing my Birkensocks with loose socks made me feel extra cozy and comfy.

I have no doubt you'll manage your menstrual cycle just fine while enjoying your next train ride! Just be prepared and try not to stress about it! I know how anxiety-inducing it can be to get your period while on vacation, but rest assured your next trip won't be ruined by your period! Plan ahead and you'll be fine! I hope these tips helped!