Ultra-trail and periods: what menstrual protection to perform?

Ultra-trail et règles : quelles protections menstruelles pour performer ?

Ultra-trail and rules: how to manage without stress for 100 km (or more)?

Running an ultra is already a huge mental and physical challenge. But when periods enter the race, the logistics become a real headache. What do you do when there are no restrooms, no privacy, and the race lasts more than 20 hours?
Good news: today there are solutions designed for athletes to run an ultra without your cycle holding you back.

The difficulties of women in ultra-trail

No access to clean toilets for hours
Food stalls are often crowded, with no privacy.
Heat, perspiration, friction → increased discomfort
Mental stress: fear of leaks, fear of having to stop

As a result, many athletes are reluctant to register because of their periods, or are left to make do with poorly adapted solutions.

Classic solutions… and their limits

Tampons : easy to change but require an isolated space → often complicated on an ultra.
Menstrual cups : good battery life, but rinsing is impossible in the mountains without clean water.
Sanitary napkins : poorly adapted, they move and cause irritation.
Cotton menstrual panties : practical for everyday use, but not at all designed for sports. They absorb blood and sweat, remain damp, and cause chafing, unpleasant odors, and discomfort. In ultra running, this is the best way to end up with irritation and a depressed mood.

These solutions exist, but none are designed specifically for endurance and ultra-trail performance.

The new generation: Haomah menstrual clothes

At Haomah, we have developed a range of technical menstrual sportswear, tested and validated by athletes, capable of supporting you over the long term.

The menstrual cyclist Haomah

Battery life up to 8 hours even with heavy flow
Breathable technical fabric that wicks away perspiration
Anti-friction flat seams
Complete freedom of movement

In concrete terms, this means that you can run an entire section between two life bases without having to think about it.

Haomah menstrual shorts

Ideal for training, shorter trails or athletes who prefer lightness.

Optimal absorption for 4 to 8 hours
Breathable comfort
Cut suitable for intense efforts

Perfect for training rides or as a backup option during the ultra.

Haomah menstrual leggings

Designed for long distances, cold weather or active recovery.

Integrated protection
Muscle support and thermal comfort
Total peace of mind without overlay

It's the perfect piece for those who run at night, or for ultras at altitude where temperatures drop.

In short, unlike traditional cotton menstrual panties that retain sweat and create a “wet” effect, Haomah clothing has been developed with breathable technical fabrics to ensure absorption of the flow without retaining perspiration . The result: you stay dry, without chafing or odor, even after several hours of exercise.

Practical advice for managing your period during ultra-trail running

Pack a waterproof menstrual kit in your bag: a spare Haomah garment, biodegradable wipes, a zip bag to store the dirty ones.
Take advantage of the base camps (every 6–10 hours) to change and leave feeling calm.
Hydrate regularly: dehydration increases menstrual pain.
Plan ahead: if you know your period will start during your run, consider doubling your protection.

FAQ – Rules and ultra-trail

How to manage your period during an ultra-trail?
The best option is to combine preparation (spare menstrual kit, wipes, waterproof zip) and technical menstrual clothing like those from Haomah, which allow you to run for up to 8 hours without changing.

Can you run an ultra in cotton menstrual panties?
No. Cotton underwear also absorbs perspiration, remains damp, and causes chafing and irritation. They are not suitable for long, intense workouts.

What is the best menstrual protection for long trail running?
The Haomah menstrual bib for 8-hour sections, the shorts for training or shorter trails, and the leggings for altitude or night runs.