According to the medical textbook "Williams Gynecology," the typical menstrual cycle length ranges from 21 to 35 days, with menstrual flow lasting 2 to 6 days. Menstrual cycle length is defined as the time between the first day of menstrual bleeding for a particular month to the subsequent commencement of menstrual bleeding. Calculating the length of your cycle is useful for determining whether your menstrual cycle falls within the normal range.
Step 1
Mark "Cycle Day 1" on your calendar on the first day of menstrual bleeding.
Step 2
Mark "Final Day of Menstrual Period" on your calendar on the final day of menstrual bleeding.
Step 3
Mark the subsequent first day of menstrual bleeding again as "Cycle Day 1" on your calendar.
Step 4
Count the number of days on the calendar from the first "Cycle Day 1" marking to the last day before the second "Cycle Day 1" marking to determine the length of your menstrual cycle. The typical menstrual cycle is anywhere from 21 to 35 days in length.
Step 5
Count the number of days on the calendar from the first "Cycle Day 1" marking to the "Final Day of Menstrual Period" marking to determine the length of your menstrual bleeding period. The typical menstrual bleeding period lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 days.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep in mind that the menstrual cycle length is different among women, and it can also vary throughout an individual woman's reproductive life. Menstrual cycles are most variable in the years right after the beginning of menstruation and in the years right before menopause.
- If your cycle is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, it is advisable to visit a doctor for further evaluation.
Things You'll Need
- Monthly calendar
- Pen or pencil
References
- "Williams Gynecology"; John O. Schorge MD, Joseph I. Schaffer MD, Lisa M. Halvorson MD, Barbara L. Hoffman MD, Karen D. Bradshaw MD, F. Gary Cunningham MD; 2008
- "Cecil Medicine, 23rd ed, Chapter 256"; Robert W. Rebar MD, Gregory F. Erickson PhD; 2008
