Plasma donation is a process that separates the clear, yellowish liquid component of blood, which contains proteins, antibodies, and clotting factors, from the red blood cells and other components. This collected plasma is then used to create life-saving therapies for people with rare chronic diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders. Potential donors often have questions about specific, temporary health states, such as the menstrual cycle, and whether these affect eligibility.
Menstruation and Official Eligibility
Menstruation is generally not considered an automatic medical deferral for plasma donation at most centers. Donation facilities focus their official eligibility criteria on objective health metrics rather than the donor’s current menstrual state. The primary health screen involves checking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and ensuring the donor is in good general health. A standard requirement for all donors is a minimum hematocrit level, which is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. Since menstruation involves blood loss, centers recognize that female donors may have a lower threshold for this requirement compared to male donors.
Physiological Considerations During Donation
Donating plasma, a process called plasmapheresis, involves removing whole blood, separating the plasma, and then returning the red blood cells and other components to the body, often with a saline solution. This procedure causes a temporary reduction in overall blood volume, which the body compensates for by drawing fluid from surrounding tissues. During menstruation, the body is already managing fluid and blood loss, which can lead to a slightly lower baseline blood volume. If a donor chooses to proceed during the heaviest days of their cycle, the combined effect can intensify common donation side effects, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, or fatigue. Donors who experience particularly heavy or lengthy cycles, or who suffer from severe menstrual symptoms like cramps, should consider rescheduling, as baseline iron stores may already be lower due to menstrual blood loss.
Essential Preparation and General Donor Requirements
To mitigate the risk of adverse reactions, donors who choose to donate during their period should focus heavily on pre-donation preparation. Adequate hydration is paramount, as drinking sufficient water or other non-caffeinated fluids 2–3 hours before the appointment helps increase blood volume and makes the separation process easier on the body. Eating a healthy, protein-rich, and iron-rich meal prior to donating is also advised to ensure stable blood sugar levels and to support iron stores.
General Donor Requirements
Beyond the menstrual cycle, several general requirements must be met to ensure donor safety and the quality of the collected plasma. Donors must typically be at least 18 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. A physical exam and a detailed medical screening are mandatory to rule out certain health conditions or medications that may cause a deferral. Other common reasons for temporary disqualification include receiving a tattoo or piercing within the last four months, recent travel to certain areas with high-risk diseases, or a recent illness.