'Astronaut's menstrual turn off the universe'

Researchers are investigating the effects of oral contraceptives on the physiological cycle of female astronauts on long-term missions like Mars.

According to Science Alert, the waste treatment system on the International Space Station ISS is not designed to treat menstrual blood, because the toilet is connected to the system to filter urine back into drinking water. Therefore, more and more astronauts have to take birth control pills to pause the menstrual cycle during both trips and training tasks, according to a report in Microgravity magazine on April 21.

The most common way is to take a progesterone tablet (a hormone that inhibits ovulation). Another second popular way is to place the ring in the uterus , which can be safe for 3 to 5 years. However, women's ability to block cycles depends on the type of ring used. Currently there are two types: copper ring and endocrine ring , in which the endocrine ring is more effective.

Subcutaneous implantation is another option, for an effective time of up to 3 years. And finally, depo-provera contraceptive injection. This is a hormone analogue progesterone. It should be repeated every 12 weeks, effective 2 to 3 years.

According to Kristin Jackson, an obstetrician and gynecologist, the best methods are to take medicine or place a ring.

NASA female astronaut Terry Virts and colleagues.(Photo: NASA).

"Absolutely safe for women who want to pause their menstrual cycle," she said. "A lot of women have complex cycles and there is no medical reason to show that there is a cycle every month."

However, "it is important to note that there is no guaranteed method to prevent all cycles. Each one is different, but there are several more reliable methods than the rest , " she said.

The most reliable methods are not synonymous with the safest. She took the depo injection method for example.

"We have to closely monitor patients who are in the injection process, because one of the side effects is causing osteoporosis. When you live in a micro-gravity environment, osteoporosis is already a problem, so Injection therapy will not benefit astronauts ".

"Studies of women in the military have shown that many people want to pause their menstrual cycle while on duty, so it is possible to expand, so are the female astronauts," said the report of Varsha. Jain from the Center for Human Physiology on the Universe, Royal College of London, said.

Jain and her team pointed out another concern: the contraceptive container on the spacecraft. Carrying enough three-year contraceptive pills on the spacecraft is an impractical idea.

"There will need to be about 1,100 pills for 3 years, adding to the volume of packaging and waste disposal requirements for the flight," the team pointed out.

There are also reports of osteoporosis side effects of these drugs. Therefore, placing rings or implants under the skin will be the best methods , done before every flight into space and need not be replaced until returning to Earth.