Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not(2/4)
Whether you call it your monthly visitor, your period, or one of many other creative euphemisms, menstruation is a mainstay in most women's lives from early adolescence until menopause in their 40s and 50s. Because of the routine nature of this biological process, it's easy to become complacent about tracking it.
Keeping track of your period is important for many reasons, primarily health-related. Thanks to technology, it's now easier than ever to keep track of not just your menstrual cycle, but your moods, physical symptoms, and even food cravings at specific times of the month.
How can I track my menstrual cycle?
To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods.
If you're concerned about your periods, then also make note of the following every month:
- End date. How long does your period typically last? Is it longer or shorter than usual?
- Record the heaviness of your flow. Does it seem lighter or heavier than usual? How often do you need to change your sanitary protection? Have you passed any blood clots?
- Abnormal bleeding. Are you bleeding in between periods?
- Describe any pain associated with your period. Does the pain feel worse than usual?
- Other changes.Have you experienced any changes in mood or behavior? Did anything new happen around the time of change in your periods?
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