It is important to understand your menstrual cycle so that you can effectively communicate with your doctor and know when you are most likely to get pregnant. If your period causes you pain or discomfort, you also might want to know how long your menstrual cycle is so you can avoid planning activities for times when you are likely to be menstruating. While the average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, many women have shorter or longer cycles. Normal cycles can range from 21 to 35 days in adult women, while young teens might have cycles as long as 45 days, according to womenshealth.gov.
Step 1
Mark on a calendar the date that your most recent period started. The first day you experience menstrual bleeding is Day One of your cycle.
Step 2
Wait for your next period to start, and mark the first day of menstrual bleeding on the calendar.
Step 3
Count the days from the start of one period to the start of the next. Begin counting at Day One, or the day you recorded as the start date of your first period, and continue counting all the days up to and including the first day of your next period. The total is the length of your cycle.
Step 4
Count the days of your cycle for several months to determine what is normal for you. You might find that your cycles are almost always the same length. If your cycles vary slightly, you can still use the information to get a range of days when your period is likely to start.
Step 5
Continue to mark the first day of your period on a calendar every time you menstruate if you find that you have irregular cycles. This information can help your doctor assess your situation if necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- To get a range of days when you might be most fertile during your cycle, count back 12 to 16 days from the date you expect to start your next menstrual period. Ovulation might occur in this window, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and you should talk to your doctor if you intend to rely on this information for birth control.
Things You'll Need
- Calendar
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