Imagine getting your period in space—a scenario that’s as daunting as it is practical. But what if there was a sustainable, space-tested solution? Scientists are tackling this very question by sending a menstrual cup to space, and the results are out of this world. In 2022, the AstroCup research team launched two menstrual cups on an uncrewed rocket, subjecting them to the extreme conditions of spaceflight. These cups, made by Lunette, endured vibrations and pressures during a 9-minute flight that reached an altitude of 1.9 miles (3 kilometers). The verdict? They held up flawlessly, showing no signs of damage or degradation in leak tests using glycerol and water. These findings, published in NPJ Women's Health, mark a giant leap for menstrual health in space.
Menstrual cups are reusable, silicone-based devices that collect menstrual blood, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use products like tampons and pads. Their rise in popularity on Earth is now extending to space exploration. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many astronauts who menstruate opt to pause their cycles using hormonal suppression, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What if someone chooses not to alter their natural cycle? Or, more critically, what if future missions make hormonal suppression impractical? Spacecraft recycling systems aren’t designed to handle blood, and single-use products create waste—a problem menstrual cups could solve.
The AstroCup team sees this as a game-changer, but they’re quick to point out that more research is needed. How do menstrual cups perform in reduced gravity or on long-term missions? Removing the cup and its contents in space could pose unique challenges. To address this, researchers hope to test various menstrual products on the International Space Station for a comprehensive comparison.
“Now we can start implementing and redefining health autonomy in space,” says astrobiologist Lígia Coelho, lead researcher of AstroCup and fellow at Cornell University’s Carl Sagan Institute. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about empowering women in space exploration.
But here’s the part most people miss: Hormonal suppression, while common, isn’t without risks. Birth control pills, often used to pause periods, can increase the risk of blood clotting and may affect bone density—side effects that need further study in space. Plus, not everyone can or wants to use hormonal methods. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants like Nexplanon, while effective on Earth, can cause breakthrough bleeding, making them less ideal for space.
And this is where it gets even more thought-provoking: As humanity considers reproduction and pregnancy in space, managing menstrual cycles effectively will be crucial. “More women will have the opportunity to go to space for longer missions, and it is paramount that their autonomy on menstrual options is respected,” the study authors emphasize. Should astronauts on Moon or Mars missions have the choice to menstruate naturally? The answer could shape the future of space health.
The study, published on December 2 in NPJ Women's Health, opens the door to these conversations. As we push the boundaries of space exploration, one thing is clear: menstrual health deserves a seat at the rocket launch. What do you think? Should space agencies prioritize more research into menstrual products, or is hormonal suppression the way forward? Let’s spark the debate in the comments!
