Effective Methods for Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

Effective Methods for Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a key indicator of overall health for women of reproductive age. Navigating our menstrual cycles can feel like deciphering a cryptic code, one month it’s smooth sailing, the next, a turbulent sea. But fear not, for understanding and tracking, your menstrual cycle can empower you to reclaim control over your reproductive health. Today, we will explore effective methods for tracking your menstrual cycle, equipping you with the knowledge to embrace your body’s natural rhythm. 

Traditional Calendar Tracking: 

Marking your period’s start and end dates on a traditional calendar is the simplest method. The patterns may emerge over time, allowing you to predict your next cycle. 

Menstrual Tracking Apps:

In our tech-savvy era, numerous apps cater to menstrual tracking. Mobile applications can be valuable tools to help women track their periods, as they offer effective features for self-care and symptom management. These features include reminders, graphic analysis, feedback, medications, health education, interactive questions, and connectivity to social media or their social network (Karasneh, R. A et al., 2020).

In addition, they offer guidance on the use of contraceptives and information about their side effects, available services, and reminders of routine activities that enhance medication adherence. According to research, apps like Flo, Maya-Period, Clue, (Li, K et al., 2020)  and Period Tracker had the highest rating scores and provide personalized analyses based on your inputted data, empowering you to better understand your cycle (Worsfold, L et al., 2021), (Epstein, D. A et al., 2017).

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting:

Basal body temperature (BBT) is defined as the lowest natural, non-pathologic body temperature recorded after a period of rest. Women have used charting average basal body temperatures over the length of a menstrual period as a tool to determine if ovulation has occurred or not. A rise in BBT typically indicates ovulation, aiding in fertility awareness. Women use this seemingly simple tool for planning purposes. (Steward, K., & Raja, A. 2019)

Cervical Mucus Observations:

Cervical Mucus (CM) is a viscous fluid produced by the secretory cells of the cervical crypts. The CM undergoes modifications throughout the cycle that make it have different biochemical and biophysical characteristics, becoming a crucial element for the identification of ovulation (Fernandez-Hermida, Y et al., 2018). By monitoring these variations, you can identify fertile windows and track ovulation more accurately.

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs):

OPKs detect surges in luteinizing hormone (LH), signaling impending ovulation. These kits provide a valuable tool for pinpointing fertile days, particularly for individuals seeking to conceive. A small evidence base, suggests that home-based use of OPKs may improve fertility management when attempting to become pregnant with no meaningful increase in stress/anxiety and with high user acceptability. (Yeh, P. T et al., 2019)

Symptom Tracking:

From mood swings to cravings, our bodies often provide subtle cues indicative of hormonal fluctuations. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a physiologic process in women where mood swings are one of the symptoms influencing the psycho-emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions exhibited by women during menstruation.  (Ojezele, M. O et al., 2022)

By logging symptoms throughout your cycle, you can gain insights into recurring patterns and better manage menstrual discomfort. 

Mindful Self-Reflection:

Beyond data points and charts lies the importance of mindful self-reflection. Take time to tune into your body’s signals, fostering a holistic understanding of your menstrual cycle and its intricacies.