It's important to learn how to track your menstrual cycle.You will be able to learn your rhythm.Every month, you won't be surprised by the start of your period.The days that you can most likely become pregnant will be known.You will be able to understand your emotional and physical fluctuations.
Step 1: On the first day of your period, you should have a note.
The day that you start to bleed is the first day of your period.The first day of your period is when your menstrual cycle begins.A typical cycle for women is between 21 and 35 days.Bleeding can last for two to seven days.Take the number of days between periods and bleed them.Your cycle may be longer if you started your period within the last two years.Your cycle should become shorter as you get older.When you are in perimenopause or close to menopause, the length will change.The length of your menstrual cycle may be altered by taking contraceptives.Birth control pills can be extended.You usually ovulate between day 11 and day 21 of your cycle.If you have sex at this time of your cycle, you are more likely to become pregnant.
Step 2: Track your physical symptoms.
If you experience any pain, record it.It's important to be as detailed as possible.You should note the day of your cycle that you are experiencing physical symptoms.Do you experience pain a few days before your period starts?How many pads did you use?Are you having trouble with your body?Are you having abdominal or lower back pain?Did you experience any breast pain?How does your vaginal discharge change?Do you have loose stools during your period?This is a common symptom.
Step 3: Pay attention to how you are feeling.
Women experience emotional changes as their hormones change.You can experience anxiety, a depressed mood, mood swings, appetite changes, and crying spells.The symptoms occur before your period starts.If you experience any of these symptoms, write them down on a piece of paper.Take into account any other sources of stress that may be affecting your mood.This can help you determine if you are anxious because your period is on the way or if it's because of a project at work.The symptoms are related to your cycle if they appear at the same time each month.
Step 4: Every month, repeat this process.
Track your cycle for a few months in a row to find out what is normal.Trends and similar physical and emotional symptoms should be noticed each month.There are changes from month to month.Some variation is normal.You can bleed for five days one month and three days the next.For someone else, what is normal may not be normal.Do not worry if you have a different cycle than other women.Consistency can be found within your own cycle.If you are taking birth control pills, using a hormonal IUD, an implant, patch, or shots, you will probably have a lighter period than if you didn't, but this is normal.
Step 5: The days are marked on a calendar.
The old-fashioned way to track your period is to get a calendar and mark the days with a pencil, pen, marker, or highlighter.You can mark the beginning and end of your cycle with different colors, symbols, or stickers.A clear system works for you.If you don't want to overload your calendar with too much information, you can keep a separate journal for your physical and emotional symptoms and only use the calendar to mark the beginning and end of your cycle and period.If you don't use a calendar often, keep it in a place where you can remember it.If you don't want the world to see your period info, hang the calendar in your bathroom or place it next to a mirror.The event is represented by an "x," circle, or color.
Step 6: There is an app on your phone.
You can use an app to track your period instead of using pen and paper.Predicting when your period will occur is possible with these apps.In addition to having a calendar, many of these apps allow you to record physical and emotional changes.Clue is a free app that is recommended by a lot of people.It allows you to record physical and emotional symptoms, the days you have sex, and create reminders to take your birth control pills.When your next period starts and when you are expected to ovulate are predicted by the app after entering a few months of data.Another free period tracking app is Period Tracker lite.The app allows you to use icons to describe your moods.It's available for both phones.
Step 7: An online calendar can be used.
You can use an online tracker if paper and pen don't appeal to you.These websites allow you to enter all of your cycle information and often have tools such as calendars, history reports, and reminders.Information about menstrual cycles can be found on some websites.You may not want to rely on an online period tracker if internet access is an issue for you.There are many sanitary product makers.Always, etc.Online tackers can be found on their websites.
Step 8: You can make adjustments based on your tracking information.
When you experience symptoms, you can use the information you have been tracking to make your life easier.You can adjust your life if you know when your period is coming and when you have periods.If you know that you become bloated three days before your period, you can make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.If you know that you are prone to being upset during certain times of your cycle, it's a good idea to get enough sleep and practice some relaxation techniques so you don't get upset.
Step 9: There is an irregular period.
Some women have irregular menstrual cycles.If your period arrives early or late, you may have an irregular period.If you have been following your cycle, you should be able to identify an irregular period.Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the reasons your period may be irregular.Treatments are available for irregular periods.
Step 10: Know when you can see a doctor.
Menstrual problems are common.You should see your health care provider if you notice any changes.Take all of the information that you have been following.This can help your health care provider understand what's going on with your body.If you bleed for more than seven days, you should see a professional.Between your periods, you are bleeding.Your periods are shorter than 21 days or more than 35 days.Your periods went from being regular to irregular.Every hour or two, you soak through more than one pad.Your periods can become very heavy or painful.