In fact, calculating the length of the menstrual cycle can be easily done by anyone. After all, doing it can also help you to get to know your body better, you know! By knowing the average length of your menstrual cycle, you can identify your fertile period more accurately and your reproductive health more comprehensively. In addition, monitoring menstrual blood flow, menstrual symptoms experienced, and menstrual regularity will make it easier for you to identify various health problems that occur.
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Method 1 of 3: Counting Days Between Two Menstrual Periods
Step 1. Start counting from the first day of your period
To get an accurate calculation, start counting from the first day of your period. Try jotting down your period in a phone app or calendar.
Smartphone apps like Clue, Glow, Eve, and Period Tracker are designed to help monitor your period, ovulation, and other important elements of your cycle. Try using it so that your period information can be more easily monitored and accessed if necessary
Step 2. Count the number of days before your next period
Your calculations should always be updated on the first day of your next menstrual period. In other words, the previous menstrual cycle stops one day before the date of your next period. As a result, you do not need to include the date of the first period in the next period, even if the menstrual blood just comes out during the day or even at night.
If your last menstrual period started on March 30 and your next period starts on April 28, then your cycle is 29 days long (from March 30 to April 27)
Step 3. Monitor your menstrual cycle for at least 3 months
Since the length of a woman's menstrual cycle can vary from month to month, the monitoring process needs to be carried out for at least 3 months to get a more accurate average. The longer the monitoring process is carried out, the more accurate the resulting average will be.
Step 4. Calculate the average length of your menstrual cycle
Find the average length of your menstrual cycle using the information you gathered earlier. You can do this method every month to get more accurate results. Remember, the average will only represent a general pattern, not determine the duration of your next period.
- To find an accurate average, add the number of days for the multiple cycles you've monitored, then divide by the number of months you've monitored.
- For example, your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days in April, 30 days in May, 26 days in June, and 27 days in July. Thus, your average menstrual cycle is (28+30+26+27)/4, which is 27.75 days.
Step 5. Continue to monitor your menstrual cycle every month
Even if you have achieved certain goals, such as getting pregnant, try to keep track of your menstrual cycle to see if you have any health problems. After all, doctors will usually ask for this information during a general health check, so you need to do this in order to provide accurate information.
If the doctor asks the day of your last menstrual period (LMP), the correct answer is the first day (not the last day) of your last menstrual period
Method 2 of 3: Monitoring the Menstrual Cycle
Step 1. Observe menstrual blood flow
Indeed, menstrual blood flow that is too heavy can indicate other health problems in your body, you know! The situation can also give rise to new health problems, such as anemia or extreme fatigue. When monitoring the menstrual cycle, observe when menstrual blood flow looks heavy, normal, and light. In most cases, you don't even need to measure the volume of blood that comes out. Instead, take measurements by observing the types of feminine products you use (tampons, regular pads, etc.), and how often you need to change them.
- If you need to change your tampon every hour, chances are your period is too heavy.
- Remember, the volume of menstrual blood will generally decrease over time. In other words, unstable menstrual blood volume for several days is common.
- However, always remember that the volume of menstrual blood in each woman varies greatly. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much if your menstrual blood volume increases or decreases slightly than usual. Instead, you should worry if you suddenly experience a very drastic increase in menstrual blood volume or even stop your period for a full cycle. Both may indicate other health problems that should be wary of.
Step 2. Be aware of changes in your physical, mood, and energy levels before and during your menstrual cycle
Premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder can cause a variety of negative side effects, ranging from making you a little upset to making it difficult for you to function normally. To make it easier to deal with, try to understand when these side effects hit you. In other words, be aware of any extreme mood swings, changes in appetite and energy levels, and breast pain in the days leading up to and during your period.
- If the side effects that appear are too extreme to make it difficult for you to move, contact your doctor immediately to find the right solution or treatment method.
- If you've never experienced side effects before, such as extreme fatigue, check with your doctor too. In some cases, these conditions indicate a larger medical disorder in your body.
Step 3. Check with your doctor if your menstrual cycle suddenly changes drastically
Every woman has a different menstrual cycle. In other words, a cycle that is different from the cyclical pattern of most people is not necessarily a problem. However, if your cycle suddenly changes drastically, you are most likely experiencing a bigger health problem and should be checked by a doctor immediately. Immediately see a doctor or gynecologist if the menstrual blood is suddenly very large in volume or does not come out at all.
- Also call your doctor if you experience cramps, migraines, excessive fatigue, or depression before and in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
- Doctors can detect the cause of the symptoms experienced and perform medical examinations, to analyze the relevance of the cycle changes to medical disorders such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (POCS), thyroid disorders, ovarian failure, etc.
Method 3 of 3: Detecting Ovulation Time Based on Menstrual Cycle Length
Step 1. Determine the middle of your menstrual cycle
Generally, ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the time of ovulation can be detected by knowing the date that is in the middle of the length of your menstrual cycle.
If the length of your menstrual cycle is 28 days, it means that the middle of your menstrual cycle will be on day 14. If your menstrual cycle is 32 days long, it means that the middle of your cycle will be on day 16
Step 2. Add 5 days before ovulation
If you are planning to get pregnant, the 5 days before ovulation is just as important as the day of ovulation! In fact, the chances of getting pregnant will increase if you have sexual intercourse during the 5 days leading up to ovulation, and on the day of ovulation.
The egg can be fertilized up to 24 hours after it is released. Meanwhile, sperm can live in the oviduct (fallopian tube) up to 5 days after you and your partner have sex. That is why, having sex during the 5 days leading up to ovulation, and on the day of ovulation, will increase the chances of the egg being fertilized
Step 3. Use a special tool to predict ovulation if your menstrual cycle is irregular
If your menstrual cycle is irregular, this method won't work for you to detect when you ovulate. Instead, try using a special ovulation predictor kit for more accurate results.
