Your Best Tool For Menstrual Cycle Health

 

 
 
Your menstrual period is an important sign of physical health.  The menstrual cycle is a natural process that comes from the interaction of many different parts of the body.  It is like a meter which gives you information on the proper working of the parts.  It is easily measurable unlike other signs of good health.  You can’t tell how high your blood pressure is without measuring it.  You generally cannot feel just what level your blood sugar is unless it is very high or very low..  Your regular menstrual cycles however are easy to see, feel and measure.  Heavy Bleeding or bleeding that lasts too long can be the first signs of problems in this process.

With that said, many women don’t keep track of their periods.  They can’t tell you when the last one was, how long it lasted or even if it came on time.  Yet this can be a valuable piece of information to  keep track of.  It is critical if you periods are not normal.  Your doctor will need to understand exactly what your period problem is to be able to help you.  If you keep track you will be able to provide her with that information.  Keeping track is even important if you have periods that run like clockwork.  It can be used as a reference to return to if the periods ever do become abnormal.  It takes a little time and effort to develop the habit however.
 

 
 

A Menstrual Tracker

A menstrual calendar is a tool to track your periods and other bleeding episodes on a monthly basis.  There are many pre-made calendars that you can use.  These range from little one page calendar cards to pocket size date books.  There are computer programs, spreadsheets, and smart-phone apps.  Which is the best to use? whichever one gets you into the monthly habit of keeping track!
 

What Should I Track

• Every day that you have some type of bleeding
• Every day that you have some type of symptoms related to your period – breast tenderness, bloating, cramps, pain, nausea, mood swings, etc.
• A description of the bleeding with regards to amount – light, spotting, moderate, heavy, etc
• Other symptoms present

 

Trends are Very Important

When you’ve kept track of your menstrual bleeding for a few months you will be able to see some trends.  You will readily see the number of days which you bled.  Normal periods last from 2-7 days.  You will see a general trend of the amount.  A normal amount is about 1/3 of a cup for the entire duration of the period.  You can see the cycle frequency as well.  A normal cycle occurs every 24 to 35 days.

Seeing an accurate picture of what is happening with your periods can be very reassuring.  When they fall into the category of normal with regards to amount, duration and frequency it can give you the peace of mind to know that all is well.  And even if they fall outside the confines of normal , you can have a record which you and your doctor can use to find an appropriate solution.

So take action.