Ways To Track Your Monthly Cycle Without Using Apps

You’ve come to the right place if you’ve always wanted to know how to track and understand your monthly cycle but aren’t exactly sure where to start. In this technologically advanced world, it’s easy to believe that period tracking apps are the solution to every problem.

These apps make it seem really easy to keep track of your period; just enter the necessary information, and it will take care of the rest. The problem is that you can’t always rely on these apps to be accurate. They occasionally make wrong predictions.  Let’s say the software predicts a certain day, but your period arrives a little early. You run the risk of wiping out every piece of recorded data from your app and having to start over. Therefore, depending only on these apps might not be the wisest choice.

It makes sense that a lot of women have difficulty keeping track of their cycles manually because it has been viewed as outdated to use a pen and calendar. However, if you’re interested and want to take control of your period knowledge without relying on apps, we’ll walk you through every step of the process in this comprehensive guide.

The monthly menstrual cycle typically consists of several phases, each with its own characteristics and hormonal changes. Here are the main phases of the menstrual cycle:

1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5):
   • The menstrual phase marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
   • Menstruation occurs as the uterine lining sheds, resulting in vaginal bleeding.
   • Hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, are low during this phase.
2. Follicular Phase (Day 1-13):
   • The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation.
   • During this phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries.
   • As follicles develop, they produce estrogen, which stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for potential pregnancy.
   • One dominant follicle continues to mature while others regress.
3. Ovulation (Day 14):
   • Ovulation typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, approximately 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period.
   • The mature follicle releases an egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube in response to a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).
   • Ovulation marks the most fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, during which conception is most likely to occur.
4. Luteal Phase (Day 15-28):
   • The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual period.
   • After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone and some estrogen.
   • Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining, preparing it for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.
   • If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels decline, signaling the onset of menstruation and the start of a new cycle.

Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations regulate various physiological processes, including the growth and release of eggs, changes in the uterine lining, and preparation for potential pregnancy. Understanding these phases can help individuals track their fertility, plan contraception, and monitor reproductive health.

Here’s how to manually track your menstruation using easy techniques:

Using a calendar: Mark the first day of your menstruation as “Day 1” in a calendar or journal. Note any changes in your menstrual flow, symptoms, or mood throughout your cycle. Count the days until your next menstruation begins. This will help you estimate how long your cycle will be.

Keep an eye on any physical changes in your body: Observe all the signals your body is sending you. Cervical mucus changes during ovulation, becoming brighter and more elastic; you may also experience cramping and bigger breasts. Changes in cervical mucus can help you identify fertile days and track ovulation.

Period Products: Count the number of tampons, pads, or menstruation cups you use every day. This might assist you in knowing how your period is going and spotting any irregularities. 

To build an effective tracking system, follow these steps:

• Mark each period’s beginning and ending dates on your calendar.
• Subtract the start date of your previous period from the start date of your current period in order to find the length of your cycle.
• You can predict when ovulation is most likely to happen based on the duration of your cycle. Usually, this occurs in the middle of your cycle.
• If you notice any symptoms or changes during this time, such as mood swings, bloating, or cravings, you may choose to write them down.

Source – Tru News Report