How to Figure Out Your Menstrual Cycle

Tracking the menstrual cycle is a useful practice for all women, not just those who are trying to get pregnant. A woman with a sound understanding of her cycle will be more prepared for her period and can use her knowledge when planning vacations and other special events. She can predict ovulation, will recognize signs that could indicate pregnancy and is more likely to notice changes in her cycle that could merit examination by a doctor. Tracking your menstrual cycle is a relatively simple process. By taking note of key days in your cycle and observing changes in cervical mucus, you can know what stage of the menstrual cycle you are in.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Decide if you want to use a conventional calendar or an online calendar. There are many websites that offer private menstrual tracking calendars, but a paper calendar is also effective.

• 2

  On the first day that menstrual bleeding is present, write "bleeding, day 1" on the calendar. If desired, you can indicate the time of day that the bleeding appeared. Continue recording your period on the calendar as "bleeding, day 2," "bleeding, day 3," etc. You might also want to make note of the degree of bleeding, such as heavy bleeding, medium bleeding and spotting.

• 3

  Take note of the changes in your cervical discharge as you near ovulation. When bleeding ends, there will be little or no discharge. Generally, during the second week of your cycle, cervical mucus will increase and may appear white or cloudy. This is an indication that ovulation is approaching.

• 4

  Note on your calendar the date of probable ovulation. Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, typically occurs two weeks before the end of the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, cervical mucus usually is very wet, slippery, clear and stretchy. Some women also experience cramps and breast tenderness during ovulation.

• 5

  The time between ovulation and the next menstrual period is known as the luteal phase. During the luteal phase, cervical mucus decreases and dries out. As the next menstrual period approaches, premenstrual syndrome symptoms may appear, such as cramps, moodiness, bloating and headaches. For most women, the luteal phase is between 10 and 16 days long, with a 14-day average. An abnormally short luteal phase can cause infertility problems, so it is important to track your luteal phase on your calendar and see your doctor if you have concerns.

• 6

  When bleeding appears again, you have completed one full menstrual cycle. Cycle length is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the following period. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cycle is 28 days, with menstrual cycles ranging from 21 to 35 days for adults and 21 to 45 days for teens.

• 7

  Continue tracking your menstrual cycle on your calendar. As the months pass and you become more familiar with your cycle, you will know when to expect bleeding and ovulation, and you will be more likely to recognize cycle abnormalities.