Period Tracking: Why You Should Do It?

If you were to start looking, you would mainly find two categories of women in this world – one who track their periods to stay one step ahead of the game, and manage to always sense Aunt Flo’s impending arrival, like a psychic predicting the future. The second category doesn’t track their periods and can be usually found stranded without any period supplies when Aunt Flo comes knocking at their door.

But there’s more merit to period tracking than just predicting when your period is about to begin. Let’s take a look at the many benefits of period tracking.

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a month-long process that prepares your body for pregnancy. It starts with the release of an egg from the ovary and is followed by the thickening of the uterine lining for a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining sheds, resulting in menstruation/periods. This entire cycle is controlled by hormones, and its length and symptoms may vary from person to person.

Importance and benefits of tracking your periods

Find Your Normal

Just like how everyone is unique, everyone’s menstrual cycle timeline is unique too. While 28-days cycle is the global average, only about 13% of women fall under this length that’s considered normal. Therefore, most women’s cycles fall somewhere between 21 to 35 days. Tracking your periods can help you determine what’s your healthy period cycle.

Detect Menstrual Disorders

If you track your periods over several months, you will immediately notice if your period flow or cycle length changes significantly. Periods are your body’s way of telling you that everything is working as it should be, and often, an irregular period is an indicator of an existing underlying condition or menstrual disorder such as PCOD.

Track Menstrual Symptoms

Keeping track of your menstrual symptoms such as cramping intensity, bloating, lower back or abdominal pain, and blood clots can help you identify patterns and changes in your menstrual cycle. This info can be very helpful in identifying potential underlying conditions or menstrual health disorders.

Planning Pregnancy

You are most likely to conceive during the five days before you ovulate and on the days you ovulate. Menstrual cycle tracking can also help you track your ovulation because ovulation typically occurs approximately halfway through a woman’s menstrual cycle. This helps you plan a pregnancy accordingly and increases your chances of getting pregnant.

Avoid Unwanted Pregnancy

By determining when you’re ovulating, you can avoid having sex during that time or use additional contraception methods such as condoms or hormonal birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Understand the Emotional Changes Associated with Menstrual Cycle

Many women experience emotional changes influenced by the hormonal activities in their body throughout their menstrual cycle, and tracking your periods can help you identify when these changes are likely to occur.

Most women experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression in days leading up to their periods due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) a week or days before their periods; similarly, most women experience feelings of increased energy and positivity when they are ovulating due to increase in hormone levels. And period tracking can help you keep track of these emotional changes too.

Managing PMS

By tracking your menstrual cycle and knowing when your period is coming, you can plan ahead for your PMS symptoms. For example, you can stock up on healthy foods, schedule some self-care activities, and plan your exercise routine accordingly which can greatly reduce stress and anxiety and improve your PMS symptoms.

Keeps You Prepared

The reason we all track our period cycles: To plan ahead knowing THE days and to make sure you’re not caught without necessary supplies, such as tampons or pads, on hand.

Some Tips Before You Go

• Use a period tracking app for best experience. Apart from predicting when your next period is likely to occur, these apps can even remind you when your period is due, allow you to input information about your cycle length and symptoms, and provide health insights into your overall health based on your menstrual cycle.
• Be sure to track your period consistently, ideally every month, so that you can accurately predict when your next period will occur. Mark down the first day of your period, as well as the length of your cycle.
• Take note of any symptoms you experience during your period, such as cramps, headaches, or mood swings. This can help you prepare for your next period and anticipate any discomfort.
• Factors such as stress, illness, and changes in weight can all affect your menstrual cycle. Be aware of these factors and how they might impact your cycle.
• If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or experience any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

In a nutshell, tracking your periods can help you manage your life in a much better manner. So, what’re you waiting for?

What is the best way to track period?

The best way to track your period is by keeping a period calendar or using a period tracking app. These apps have the necessary tools to help you keep track of the start and end dates of your period, as well as the length of your cycle and any symptoms or changes you may experience.

How can I track my period naturally?

You can track your period naturally by paying attention to your body and any changes or symptoms you may experience throughout your cycle. This can include monitoring your basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other signs of ovulation. You can also keep track of your period using a period tracker app or a menstrual calendar.

How effective is period tracking?

Period tracking can be highly effective in helping you understand and predict your menstrual cycle. By keeping track of your period and other symptoms, you can gain valuable insights into your hormonal changes and ovulation cycle, which can help you plan for pregnancy or avoid it. However, it is important to note that period tracking is not a foolproof method of birth control and should be used in combination with other forms of contraception.

Can your period date change every month?

Yes, it is normal for your period date to vary from month to month. Factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and medication can all affect the timing and length of your menstrual cycle. Additionally, some women may experience irregular periods due to hormonal imbalances or other underlying health conditions. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.