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Some people (like Jess here) experience a cycle of changing progesterone and estrogen that lasts 20-30(ish) days. This process can be a bear on your body.

The good thing is that this happens in a cycle. It doesn't matter if your hormones are self-produced or prescribed, tracking your menstrual cycle can help you keep control of your life.

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Choose Your Calendar

Paper

Pros

  • Private from outside eyes

  • Customizable

  • Easily destroyed

Cons

  • Easily destroyed

  • Yet another thing to carry

App

Pros

  • Portable - in your phone

  • Can be backed up

  • Can do cycle calculations and predictions for you

Cons

  • Your private health information is technically not protected

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Doctor Who Television GIF by BBC America

What Should I Track?

Track any of the following as appropriate for you.

  • bloating

  • cramps

  • increased or decreased libido

  • increased irritability or other "over-emotional" feelings

  • constipation

  • migraines and headaches

  • uterine shedding ("bleeding")

  • vaginal secretions

First World Problems

Did you know?

Not everyone experiences all effects of all phases. Some people don't have cramps, some don't "bleed" (shed their uterine lining), and others don't experience PMS at all.

Make Sense Of Your Observations

Everyone's cycle is unique. Yours will be different from your roommate's. It might even vary from your previous cycle. This is not unusual.

You will still notice patterns, keeping you in control of your body.

Quiz

You have a monthly cycle that often seems irregular, but you have noticed that you bloat, get cramps, and feel low energy. Would tracking this help you?

Did you know?

If you understand your cycle, you can be prepared for it and make better choices like: stocking up on a favorite comfort snack, going on a camping trip, wearing white pants, "down" days, days not to plan an exciting food-adventure, packing period supplies for a weekend away, and days where you can tolerate significantly less of others' foolishness.

Align Observations With Cycle Phases

If applicable to you, aligning your observations with common phases of the cycle can give you even more predictive power!

menstruation GIFPhysical changes to a face (bloating, bloodflow) due to menstrual hormones

  • Menstrual/Menses - Progesterone production/dosage stops; cramps; a uterus, if present and able to, will shed its lining.

  • Follicular - Estrogen production/dosage starts; preparation to ovulate and ovulation for a person with ovaries, sometimes accompanied by cramping.

  • Luteal - Progesterone production/dosage starts and increases; bloating ; discomfort; and other PMS symptoms.

Did you know?

Unless your cycle is regulated by hormonal supplements, your cycle length will vary. Tracking your body daily is a great way to help you figure out where in the cycle you are.

Take Action

awkward old school GIF by absurdnoiseDon't let your menstrual cycle bring you down! Instead:

laverne cox happy dance GIF by ABC NetworkThe more information you have about your body the more in control you are!

License:

This Byte has been authored by

EC

Elizabeth Cahill

she/her/hers | Curriculum & Instructional Designer

This Byte has been reviewed by

LD

Lana Do

MD, MPH, BCMAS

English

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