Tips for Traveling with HRT, Needles, and Supplies

Whether you’re heading out for vacation, a work trip, or visiting family, here are some practical and affirming tips to help you travel confidently with your HRT, needles, and supplies.

1. Pack smart

Always keep your medication and supplies in your carry-on—not your checked luggage. Lost bags happen, and you don’t want to be separated from your medication.

If you take oral medication (like pills, tablets, or dissolvable tablets) or transdermal hormones (like patches), bring:

• Enough medication for your trip (plus a little extra, just in case)
• Your meds in their original labeled container, whenever possible. If space is tight, a pill organizer works fine

If you use injectable hormones, bring:

• Enough vials or prefilled syringes for your trip (plus a little extra, just in case)
• Alcohol swabs, needles, and syringes
• A small sharps container or a puncture-proof travel alternative (like a labeled hard plastic bottle)

Keep everything together in a small, organized kit. Some folks like to use a toiletries bag or a pencil case—whatever makes it easy to find and discreet to carry.

2. Bring documentation (just in case)

You usually won’t be asked for proof that your medication is prescribed, but having a copy of your prescription or a note from your provider can make things easier if questions come up.

If you travel with injectable supplies, make sure the prescription label is visible on your medication or packaging. This can help avoid any confusion at security checkpoints.

3. Navigating airport security

Traveling with medical supplies is allowed by the TSA and most international equivalents.

You can carry syringes, vials, and sharps containers, but you may consider telling the security officer that you’re carrying medical supplies before your carry-on goes through the scanner. It also helps to keep everything in its original packaging if possible.

You can also request a private screening if you prefer not to discuss your medication publicly.

4. Manage temperature and storage

Most injectable HRT medications are fine to keep at room temperature for short periods (usually a few weeks), but always check the manufacturer’s guidance and/or ask your pharmacist.

If you’re traveling somewhere warm, you might want to think about:

• An insulated medication travel case
• Cooling pouches made for insulin or other injectables
• Keeping your medication out of direct sunlight or hot cars

A simple rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t leave your phone or chocolate sitting in that spot, your meds shouldn’t sit there, either. Related reading: learn how to properly store and dispose of injectable HRT

5. Plan your meds schedule

Travel can throw off your normal routine, especially if you’re crossing time zones. Try setting a reminder on your phone or calendar so you don’t forget when to take your medication.

If you give yourself shots, think ahead about where you’ll feel comfortable doing them, like a quiet bathroom or private room.

6. Know what to do if something goes wrong

Lost or damaged medication? Contact your pharmacy or provider right away—they can often send a refill to a local pharmacy. If you’re abroad, check with your travel insurance provider or an LGBTQ-friendly clinic in the area for help.

It’s also a good idea to keep your provider’s contact info and your pharmacy’s phone number saved in your phone and written down somewhere safe.

7. Give yourself grace

Traveling can already be stressful, and adding medical logistics on top can feel like a lot. It’s okay if you forget something or need to improvise a little along the way. What matters most is that you take care of yourself. Remember: this journey—both literal and personal—is yours. You deserve to feel comfortable, affirmed, and cared for wherever you go.