Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Count the days between your periods
• Method 2 of 3: Control your cycle
• Method 3 of 3: Track your ovulation by cycle length

Calculating your menstrual cycle is not difficult, but important: this information can tell a lot about your body.The number of days between periods can be used to determine the readiness to conceive and get a general idea of ​​your reproductive health. Track your menstrual flow and symptoms, as well as cycle irregularities, to better understand your body and be on the lookout for potential health problems.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Count the days between your periods

1. 1 Start on the first day of your period. To get an accurate idea of ​​the menstrual cycle, you need to start counting from the first day. Mark the first day of your period on a calendar or cycle tracking app.
   • Phone apps such as Clue, Period Tracker and Flo Period Tracker are designed to help you track your menstrual cycle, ovulation and other important cycle moments. They all provide a simple, data-driven tool for monitoring cycle length.
2. 2 Count all the days until the day of your next period. Counting starts from the first day of your period. This means that the counting of the days of each cycle ends on the day before the day of the next period. Include the last day before your period starts, but do not include the very first day of your next period. Even if your period started in the afternoon.
   • For example: if the cycle began on March 30, and the next period began on April 28, then the cycle will last from March 30 to April 27 and will be 29 days.
3. 3 Monitor your cycle for at least three months. The length of the menstrual cycle can vary from month to month. For an accurate understanding of the average cycle length, monitor it for at least three months. The longer you watch the cycle, the more accurate the average will be.
4. 4 Calculate the average cycle length. To find out, use the values ​​obtained while observing the current cycle length. You can recalculate this value every month to get a more accurate value. However, remember that the average only shows the trend; it may not match the length of your next cycle.
   • The average is calculated as follows: add up all the cycle days of all the months you tracked and divide by the number of months. The resulting figure will be the average cycle length.
   • For example, in April the cycle lasted 28 days, in May - 30 days, in June - 26 days, in July - 27 days. The average cycle length (28 + 30 + 26 + 27) / 4 will be 27.75 days.
5. 5 Continue to track your cycle. Track your cycle every month. Even if you have achieved your goal, for example, have become pregnant, constant monitoring of the cycle will help you understand in time if everything is in order with the body. Gynecologists and other doctors also often ask questions about the cycle. If you keep track of menstruation and cycle length, you can provide them with the most accurate information.
   • If the doctor asks about the date of the last period, then the correct answer is the first day of the last period, not the day it ended.

Method 2 of 3: Control your cycle

1. 1 Pay attention to the intensity of your period. A very heavy period may be a sign of some kind of irregularity. In addition, this intensity can cause other problems, such as anemia and lethargy. As you control your cycle, note which days the discharge is heavy, normal, and light. In most cases, it is not necessary to measure the amount of blood. Instead, judge the intensity through the hygiene products you use (super absorbent tampons, panty liners, etc.) and how often they need to be changed.
   • For example, if you need to change your super absorbent tampons every hour, you may have an unusually heavy period.
   • Remember, most women have high flow days and light flow days. It is normal for menstruation to vary in intensity on different days.
   • The abundance of menstruation differs from woman to woman.A cycle with more or less flow does not necessarily indicate a problem. Instead, look for cycles that are very heavy and for cycles that are lagging, which could be a sign of other problems.
2. 2 Take notes of changes in mood, performance, and body before and during your period. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) can cause anything from mild moodiness to near disability. You can better plan your schedule and adapt to any internal changes if you know the approximate time when these symptoms are most likely to appear. Record any sudden changes in mood, energy and appetite levels, physical symptoms such as headaches, cramping, and breast tenderness in the days before and during your period.
   • If the symptoms are so severe that they interfere with your daily life, see your gynecologist. He will help you find a solution or a suitable treatment plan.
   • You should also see your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms that you have never experienced, such as increased fatigue. In some cases, these symptoms may indicate a health problem.
3. 3 Seek medical attention for unexpected, major changes. Different women have different cycles. Your loop is not necessarily suboptimal just because it doesn't look like someone else's loop. However, unexpected or significant changes in the cycle are often indicative of serious health problems. See your gynecologist if your period is suddenly too heavy or if your period is absent.
   • If you experience severe cramps, migraines, apathy, or depression on the days before or during your period, you should also see your gynecologist.
   • Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and, if necessary, refer you for tests to see if changes in your cycle are related to health problems. Among other things, symptoms can be caused by endometriosis, polycystic ovary disease, thyroid problems, and ovarian dysfunction.

Method 3 of 3: Track your ovulation by cycle length

1. 1 Calculate the middle of your menstrual cycle. Ovulation usually occurs around the middle of your menstrual cycle. Count half of the average length of the cycle so that you can roughly understand when the middle of the next cycle will be.
   • If the average cycle length is 28 days, then the middle will fall on the 14th day. If the average cycle length is 32 days, then the middle would be the 16th day.
2. 2 Add five days to ovulation. If you are trying to conceive, the five days before ovulation is as important as the day of ovulation itself. The chances of conception increase if you have sex on these five days and on the day you are likely to ovulate.
   • The egg is capable of fertilization within 24 hours after release, and the sperm in the fallopian tubes remain viable for up to 5 days. Intimacy 5 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation increases the chances of an egg being fertilized.
3. 3 For irregular cycles, use an ovulation test. If you have an irregular cycle, monitoring ovulation by cycle length may not be the most accurate. An ovulation test may be the most accurate method when your cycle is irregular.
   • Ovulation tests are available at most pharmacies and online.