How to Keep a Menstrual Calendar

In a fast-paced world, many women find that their periods can get in the way, especially if they don’t expect them. Tracking your menstrual cycles can help you plan for vacations, special occasions, and even pregnancy. Instead of falling victim to your period by being surprised by it every month, you can take proactive measures to learn when your period will happen right down to the day.^{[1]XResearch source} Using a menstrual calendar can be an easy and effective way to take the surprise out of your period.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Documenting Your Cycle

1
Get a calendar suitable to your needs. There are currently many different calendar options to track your cycle. You can choose to keep a physical calendar or journal or take advantage of any number of online tools or smartphone apps to track your menstrual cycle. Figure out which type best suits your needs and wishes.
- Buy a paper calendar with plenty of space to make notes if you want to document your cycle by hand. You can get options small enough to fit in your purse or keep one in your office or home office. Consider using your smartphone calendar as well, though it may be difficult with these to see overall patterns in your cycle.
- Choose an online tracker or smartphone app if you prefer to track your cycle electronically. Many sites such as Strawberry Pal and LadyTimer have free online tools that track your cycle and are compatible with smartphones. They offer a wide range of services based on your needs including period tracking and prediction, ovulation forecasts, file sharing with your doctor, and birth control pill reminders.^{[2]XResearch source} Because you don’t have to write anything and there are so many different factors you can track, an electronic option may help you save time and more easily call up the necessary information. In addition, online tools can import and export information into other calendars.
2
Keep your calendar handy. You’ll need to remember to update your calendar every day. No matter what format calendar you choose, the paper version, online tool or smartphone app should be easily accessible to you at any time.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Place your calendar somewhere where you won’t forget to make daily notes. If you are easily embarrassed, consider putting your calendar in a place where no one will see it, such as your handbag or home office. Avoid places like your office because you may not be able to update your calendar from there on weekends, holidays and days you are sick.
Advertisement
3
Update the calendar daily. Remember that keeping your calendar can give you and your doctor important information about your cycle such as how long your cycle is, if it is irregular, as well as when, and if, you are ovulating.^{[4]XResearch source} It can also cue you and your doctor factors that may cause irregular cycles. For this reason, it’s important to record anything that happens during your cycle on a daily basis.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Consider updating your calendar at the same time every day so it becomes a routine. Set an alert or alarm on your smartphone or other electronic devices if you find that you forget to update your calendar. Many apps will automatically remind you every day to update your cycle calendar. If you prefer a non-electronic method, consider wearing a bracelet with 30 beads that you can remove. Take off a bead each day that you update your calendar as a reminder.^{[6]XResearch source}
4
Predict your period. You may want to predict your period using your calendar. Most apps and online tools will mark your electronic calendar with predicted days that you’ll have your period based on earlier cycle patterns. You can also manually predict your periods if you’re using a handwritten calendar. Consider marking the calendar with a sign for predicted dates.
- Make sure to save your data every day to get the most accurate predictions for your period and ovulation with online tools and smartphone apps. The more data you have, the better the tool can predict when your next period is.
- Figure out when your next period is by counting 28 days, which is the average between period, from your last period. The more data you write or store, the more accurately you can predict how long your cycle is and when you can expect your next period—or even ovulation. Your cycle may be anywhere from 21 to 35 days.
When you go to the doctor, you’ll often hear the question “when was the first day of your last period?” The first day of your period is considered to be the starting point of your new cycle. Knowing the date can help you and your doctor figure out a lot of different types of information including the length of your cycle or when you are most fertile.^{[7]XResearch source} Make sure to write down the first day of your period as soon as it starts.
6
Keep notes about symptoms. A paper calendar and online or smartphone period calendar generally allow space to write any symptoms you’re experiencing. Your notes can be as in-depth as you like. For example, you could simply mark the first day of your period with a red dot on the date. If you want to be more detailed, you could write, “Period started today. Feeling bloated and lethargic and have terrible back and abdominal cramps.”^{[8]XResearch source}
- Remember that the more detailed your notes are, the more you may be able to discern important patterns in your cycle. If you are embarrassed or pressed for time, use symbols to represent the days you menstruate, if your flow is heavy, or even when you ovulate.
- Note factors that may seem irrelevant to you like how heavy your flow is or if only have vaginal discharge. Even if you are only spotting, make sure to write this on the calendar. Include any other physical or emotional symptoms you have such as food cravings or frequent crying. All of these can help you know what to expect every month and can clue in your doctor about any irregularities you may be experiencing.^{[9]XResearch source}
7
Record each day you menstruate. Just as marking the first day of your period is important, so is keeping track of how long you menstruate. This can cue you or your doctor into whether your cycle is the normal length. It can also help you to take enough supplies with you if you are going away.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Make a note every day you menstruate. For example, if you have your period between the days of the 15th and the 21st in the month of August, you would make some kind of mark on your calendar on the sections the calendar has labelled for August 15th all the way through August 21st.
- Leave the days you miss or skip your menstruation unmarked. For example, if you started your period on the 15th of August and you finished your period on the 21st of August, but had no bleeding on August 18th, leave that date blank on your calendar.
- Remember to record any additional information you want including your mood, and flow rate, and other changes in things like colour and texture.
8
Note cycle changes on non-menstruating days, too. Many women use menstrual calendars to track ovulation and changes in cervical mucous. This can either promote or prevent pregnancy as well as hint at potential problems. But recording your cycle daily can also clue you into when to expect the symptoms of PMS, or when to have sex, as well as other possible changes your body might have.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Record any physical and emotional symptoms you have every day. Remember it doesn’t need to be anything in-depth. You could write, “Thicker discharge today and smells a bit fishy. Feel great otherwise,” or “no physical symptoms but feeling aggressive.”
9
Continue your calendar over time. The only way to figure out patterns in your cycle is to keep track of it over the course of months or years either in your period journal or online tool. This can help you predict everything from PMS to your period and when to use extra birth control.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Keep the calendar for at least six months. This is generally enough time to discern specific patterns in your cycle.
10
Review data. Every three months or so, examine the data you’ve collected on your calendar or upload it to a spreadsheet or word document. This can help you and your healthcare provider more effectively detect patterns and potential problems in your cycle as well as help promote or prevent pregnancy.
- Send any relevant information to your doctor if you’re using a smartphone app or online tool.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Convert a handwritten calendar or journal to a word document or spreadsheet, you can easily search the data and send it to your doctor as well.
11
Watch for patterns. After a few months, you should be able to see distinct patterns in your cycle. Not only can this help you anticipate your period, but may help your doctor figure out if you have any reproductive issues. Let your doctor know about any patterns you notice and make sure to ask questions if you have them.
- Make note of any irregularities in your cycle. If you miss a month, or you skip a lot of days then talk to your doctor at your next visit.
- Consider using an online tool or app such as Clue to help you detect patterns in your cycle. In many cases, you can use detection apps as cycle trackers as well.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Check your calendar if you are planning a big event like your wedding or a vacation. For example, if you get your period between the 15th and 20th of every month, you might want to skip planning anything big these days and even before to avoid ruining something with PMS.
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Predicting Ovulation

1
Observe changes in cervical mucous. The mucous in a woman’s cervix has a different consistency depending on where she is in her cycle. Watching for these changes in your cervical mucous consistency can help you predict at which point in your menstrual cycle you’re ovulating or even give your doctor important clues about your cycle and reproductive health. Make sure to note the changes on your calendar to more effectively predict when you might ovulate so that you can promote or prevent pregnancy.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsProfessional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiativesGo to source}
- Examine any cervical mucous in your underpants or by inserting your fingers in your vagina. Remember that you aren’t doing anything wrong and have nothing about which to be ashamed.
- Look at the colour and consistency of the mucous. You may also want to note if there is any odour, which can signal an infection. If you are about to ovulate, you will have more cervical mucous and it will be thin and slippery. This usually happens about 5 to 8 days after your period. Be aware that you are most fertile during this time and should either have sex or use protection if you’re trying to avoid a pregnancy.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} If you’re done ovulating, you will have less cervical mucous and it will be thicker and less noticeable. This cycle of cervical mucous usually lasts for two weeks^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsProfessional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiativesGo to source}
2
Follow the Standard Days Method. Most women’s menstrual cycles average a standard time of between 26 and 32 days. Using the Standard Days Method by drawing upon the information on your calendar can help you predict when you’ll ovulate.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsProfessional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiativesGo to source}
- Remember that you need to be very diligent in recording your cycle to use this method. Online tools and apps may also predict or figure out the most likely days you’re ovulating as a part of tracking your cycle. You will likely ovulate between day 8 and day 19 of your menstrual cycle. The first day of your period marks the first day of your cycle. If you’re trying to get pregnant, consider having sex more often during these days. If not, use extra protection or avoid sex during your most fertile period.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsProfessional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiativesGo to source}
3
Measure your basal body temperature. A woman’s temperature while resting, or basal body temperature, will generally increase a bit when she ovulates. Taking your temperature every day as a part of your menstrual calendar can alert you to when you are ovulating.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsProfessional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiativesGo to source}
- Record your basal body temperature in your calendar or online app every day. Look for your basal temperature to increase by 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit, a factor to which many apps will alert you. If your temperature seems slightly high, this could mean you’re ovulating. You may want to have intercourse more often when your temperature rises if you’re trying to get pregnant. If you’re trying to prevent pregnancy, consider abstaining or using extra protection.
4
Consult your app. Depending on the type of calendar you are using to track your cycle, you may be able to figure out ovulation simply by looking at an app on your device. In some cases, the app might even alert you to days that you are ovulating.
- Be aware that you can get apps specifically for ovulation in addition to your menstrual calendar. Consider getting an app that integrates both a menstrual and ovulation calendar.
No matter what way you are tracking your ovulation, make sure to record your results every day on your menstrual calendar. This can help you anticipate when you should have sex, abstain from it, or just use more protection. It may also alert you to potential issues you may be having with ovulation. If this is the case, make sure to consult your doctor.
6
Talk to your doctor. Doctors have patients track their cycles for different reasons such as that they’re trying to get pregnant, figure out cycle length and symptoms, or even detect problems. If you have any concerns while tracking your cycle, schedule an appointment with your gynaecologist. He or she may suggest tracking other symptoms or elements of your cycle and then sending them on a regular basis to him or her. These can cue your doctor into potential problems or irregularities and help him or her formulate a treatment plan for them.
- Remember that it’s important to be as honest as possible when keeping your calendar and reporting to your doctor. You don’t have anything about which to be embarrassed and even the most seemingly irrelevant information may be important to your doctor.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
What does a half shaded circle mean on the menstrual calendar?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Expert Answer
Some menstrual calendars have phases of the moon shown. For example, full moon is shown as an empty circle, whereas dark moon is shown as grey circle. First quarter and last quarter of the moon may be shown as half shaded circles.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question
Can you give me signs that my period is near?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Expert Answer
Common signs of approaching menstruation may include: mood swings, irritability, water retention, breast tenderness, bloating, increased food cravings, acne and lower abdominal cramps.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Consider marking sexual activity on your menstrual calendar. This could help you figure out why you might be experiencing irregularities in your cycle.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Birth control methods whether oral contraceptives or IUD devices may affect your periods/menstrual cycle making them either shorter or longer, heavier or lighter as well as more unpredictable (if you have an IUD). Always consult your medical provider for your particular situation.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Warnings

See your doctor about any irregularities you notice or concerns you may have based on your calendar.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Keep in mind that a host of factors such as medications like birth control, life changes such as stress, or even food intake can alter your cycle, your period and its flow, and, in some cases, whether you will even have your period at all.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0
Remember that a menstrual calendar is only an estimate of your cycle and may not always be correct due to possible irregularities in your cycle.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0