No woman likes to be caught off guard by her period. While some women have a cycle that can vary wildly from month to month, most women's menstrual cycles are at least slightly consistent. By tracking your period from month to month, you can get an idea of when your next cycle will start. Being in tune with your menstrual cycle will also help you track your fertility, if you are trying to become pregnant---or trying to not get pregnant.
Step 1
Make a mark on the calendar when you period begins. Some women may experience light spotting for the first day of their period before the heavy flow begins. The very fist sign of any blood, including spotting, counts as Day 1 of your cycle.
Step 2
Count forward 28 days. Make a note on the calendar. Most women have an average cycle length of 28 days, so this is when you can expect your next period to start.
Step 3
Make a note on the calendar when your period actually starts. Some women may have a cycle that is as short as 24 or 25 days, while other women may have a cycle that is as long as 32 days.
Step 4
Continue tracking your period for six months. At the end of six months, count up how many days each menstrual cycle was, then add those numbers together and divide by six. This is the average length of your personal cycle. Use this number to calculate future menstrual cycles.
Tips and Warnings
- A woman's menstrual cycle will likely fluctuate throughout her lifetime, and a woman who had a 30-day cycle when she was 20 may have a 27-day cycle by the time she reaches 35, or vice versa. This is normal, but don't be afraid to discuss any concerns you have about your menstrual cycle with your doctor or gynecologist.
- Talk to your doctor or gynecologist if your cycle is consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days or if you are bleeding for more than seven days, bleeding heavily, or are experiencing intense cramps. Your doctor should also be informed about any sudden changes in your menstrual cycle. If you "skip" a menstrual cycle, you may be pregnant or may have nutritional deficiencies or other health problems. Stress can also effect your cycle. You doctor can help pinpoint the cause of any menstrual difficulties and offer some options for treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Calendar
