Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Tracking the Cycle
• Part 2 of 2: Understanding Your Body
• Tips
• Warnings

An unexpected start to your menstrual cycle can be frustrating.While there is no scientific method for determining the exact timing of a cycle, the following methods will help you determine the length of your cycle and be ready for the next. Always carry pads or tampons in your bag so that your period doesn't catch you off guard.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Tracking the Cycle

1. 1 Find out the length of your period. Menstruation usually lasts from two days to a week, or an average of four days. Normal discharge before menstruation begins is usually not considered part of the menstrual cycle, only spotting.
   • Typically, menstrual periods shorten as you get older.If within two to three years after your period starts, you still have not established a consistent cycle and its duration varies greatly from month to month, you need to see your doctor and check if you have hormonal imbalances. ...
2. 2 Count the days. Count the number of days between the first day of your period and the start of your next period. This number is the length of your cycle. For most women, this is 28 days, but a normal cycle can range from 25 to 35 days.
3. 3 Write it down. Mark the first and last days of your period on a calendar. This way you will know when your period starts next time. Typically, your period starts every 28 days, but if you record the beginning and end of your period, you can accurately determine the length of your cycle.
4. 4 Use online apps like MyMonthlyCycles, MyMenstrualCalendar or an app on your phone like PeriodTracker. Apps like this will make tracking your cycle a lot easier.
5. 5 Use an online calendar. Install the Google calendar and turn on a reminder to start your next period. Thus, you can fix the duration of your cycles in the calendar, then compare them. This will help you find out if there are deviations from the norm, and also be ready for the onset of the next period.

Part 2 of 2: Understanding Your Body

1. 1 Find out the symptoms. Find out what symptoms are normal for women before and during menstruation. The following symptoms are experienced by most women during their menstrual cycle:
   • Irritability
   • Mood swings
   • Minor headaches
   • Stomach ache
   • Cramps in the abdomen, legs, or back
   • Appetite changes
   • Cravings for specific foods
   • Acne
   • Breast sensitivity
   • Feeling tired or sleepy
   • Back or shoulder pain
2. 2 Write down your own symptoms. Every woman's cycle is unique. Write down the symptoms you experience before and during each menstrual cycle to help determine the start of the next cycle. Recognize warning symptoms that often precede the start of a cycle. Write down the symptoms of each day of your period.
3. 3 Talk to your doctor about any irregularities in your menstrual cycle. Irregular cycles can be a symptom of many conditions that need treatment. Some of the most common health problems that contribute to irregular periods are:
   • Pelvic problems such as a non-perforated hymen or polycystic ovary syndrome.
   • Irritable bowel syndrome
   • Liver disease
   • Diabetes
   • Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
   • Obesity
   • Tuberculosis
4. 4 Take steps to regulate your menstrual cycle. If you have an irregular cycle, you need to see your doctor. Try to find a doctor you trust, as some people find it difficult to talk about such a delicate issue. In some cases, the irregular cycle is caused by some health problem, in other cases the problem can be solved by changing the lifestyle. Losing weight or changing your contraceptive method may help you fix this problem.

Tips

• If your menstrual cycle takes you by surprise, put a piece of toilet paper in your underwear or ask someone for a pad or tampon.
• Always carry pads or tampons with you if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
• If you are menstruating for the first time, seek advice from your mom, older sister, or grandmother. No need to be ashamed!

Warnings

• If you notice that your menstrual cycle is irregular while taking notes on your calendar, see your doctor. It is important to make sure that cycle disturbances are not related to hormonal imbalances.
• If you have severe abdominal pain that spreads from your belly button to your left side, see your doctor. These are not common symptoms and may be a sign of inflamed appendicitis.