How to Keep Track of Your Menstrual Cycle

Some women want to understand their menstrual cycles so that they can predict when ovulation will occur, to increase or reduce their chances of getting pregnant. Other women may want to plan trips or other activities for times when their cycle will best accommodate them. Getting to know your cycle helps you understand your body and make smart decisions about your fertility and your life.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Pen
• Calendar

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Instructions

• 1

  On the day you start your period, jot down the date in your journal.

• 2

  Wait until your next period starts. Note that date in your journal. Use a calendar to count the number of days between the first days of your periods, and write that number down in your journal. (You don't have to count from the first days of your period; just be sure you do it the same way each month.)

• 3

  Continue to keep track of your period start dates and the number of days between periods. Once you have more than two months, count the number of days between periods to get your average cycle length. (Find your average cycle length by adding up all the numbers of days between periods you've calculated and dividing that total by the number of months you've been tracking your cycle.)

• 4

  Record your period start date, number of days between periods and average cycle length each month.

• 5

  Use your average cycle to determine the start date of your next period.