The length of a menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. Although the average menstrual cycle length is 28 days, average cycles can range as short as 21 days to as long as 35 days, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Because of this, it is important for every woman to learn how to calculate her own cycle length and not rely on averages. Knowing your cycle length can be very useful, especially for things like monitoring reproductive health or trying to conceive a baby.
Step 1
Count the first day you experience menstruation as day one. Only begin counting if you are sure if it is menstruation, which will normally produce brown or red blood and be heavy enough to require a tampon or sanitary napkins. Cramping or bloating may also be good indicators that the bleeding is your period. Do not begin counting for light spotting that only lasts a few hours or does not require the use of feminine products.
Step 2
Continue counting each day that passes until the bleeding from your next menstrual period begins. The day your next period begins stops the count for that cycle, and will give you the total length in days of that particular cycle.
Step 3
Repeat this process for your next few cycles. If you have regular periods, the length should be approximately the same for each cycle and will give you a good indication of your average cycle length. If your cycles are irregular, you can add up the total number of days for several different cycles and then divide by the number of cycles you added to get an average length of your menstrual cycles.
Tips and Warnings
- Using a calender to count the days of your menstrual cycle can not only make the process easier, but also provides a record of the information as well. This can be handy for future doctor appointments, especially for those with medical conditions or for those trying to conceive a baby.
- The National Women's Health Information Center suggests contacting your doctor or getting a gynecological checkup if you discover the length of your menstrual cycles vary greatly or are significantly outside of the average range.
