How Do You Calculate A Menstrual Cycle And Menstrual Period?

Many women get confused between the terms, “menstrual period” and “menstrual cycle”. The difference between these two is, that the menstrual period is the days you bleed. This usually lasts for 3 to 7 days and may vary for a few women.

The menstrual cycle is the time between the first day of your period and the first day of your next period. The menstrual cycle may vary for every woman.

Understanding The Phases Of The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle has four main phases:

Menstrual Phase: The uterus sheds its lining, leading to menstrual bleeding.
Follicular Phase: This phase begins alongside menstruation. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps the ovaries develop follicles, each containing an egg.
Ovulation Phase: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the ovary to release a mature egg.
Luteal Phase: The empty follicle forms the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy.

Signs Of Menstrual Period

As your period approaches, you may notice some changes in your body. These signs can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

Abdominal cramps: Mild to intense cramps in the lower abdomen.
Bloating: Feeling swollen or heavier due to water retention.
Breast tenderness: Soreness or swelling in the breasts.
Mood swings: Irritability or sadness from hormonal shifts.
Fatigue: Increased tiredness, even with enough sleep.
Headaches: Hormonal changes may cause headaches.
Lower back pain: A dull ache in the lower back.

Causes Of Delayed Or Missed Periods

Pregnancy: A missed period is a common early sign of pregnancy.
Stress: High-stress levels can interfere with hormone production and delay periods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular periods.
Thyroid disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroids can impact menstruation.
Medications: Certain medications, like birth control or antidepressants, can affect the cycle.
Perimenopause: Hormonal changes leading to menopause can cause irregular or missed periods

Why Is Menstrual Period Important To Track?

Tracking your menstrual period helps identify patterns in your cycle, making it easier to spot irregularities. It can also help with:

Understanding health: It helps identify underlying health issues, such as hormonal imbalances or reproductive disorders.
Fertility awareness: Tracking your cycle can help with family planning and identifying your most fertile days.
Managing symptoms: Knowing when your period is due helps manage symptoms like cramps or mood swings.
Pregnancy Planning: Regular tracking can help pinpoint the best time to conceive.
Medical insights: It provides useful information for doctors if fertility or menstrual issues arise.