Whether you print out the GHGP Period Tracker or use an app, keeping up with your menstrual cycle can help in many ways. Sure, the bleeding days are the ones we focus on the most, but understanding the entire menstrual cycle (even the times of the month when there is no blood) can offer a lot of insight and help create a much clearer picture of overall health and wellness.
Here are just a few ways a period tracker can do that:
- A period tracker can help you understand your menstrual cycle better and recognize patterns or irregularities.
- It can help you plan for upcoming period days, so you can make sure you have the necessary supplies.
- It can help you identify potential health issues, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other reproductive disorders.
- It can also help you determine when is the best time to conceive, if that’s something you’re considering.
- It can highlight days when your physical and emotional condition are at their peak, or needing a little extra TLC.
Here are some tips for using your period tracker:
- Keep track of your menstrual cycle. This is the most important part! Knowing your cycle can help you understand your body better and help you plan ahead. You can make notes simply about the days you are bleeding, but creating a “key” that indicates when days are heavy or light can, in time, be revealing.
- Be consistent with your tracking. Set a reminder to enter data into your tracker every day. This helps you to keep an accurate and up-to-date record.
- Track more than just your period. You can also track your mood, energy levels, and other symptoms to help you better understand your body. If you love to journal, this is a great way to use your skill and creativity. Some people who keep careful trackers say it helps them feel more in control.
- Look for patterns. If you are just starting to use a period tracker it may take a few months to see patterns, or you may discover there really aren’t any. That information is helpful for planning, and for discussions with your health professionals.
- Make sure to keep your data secure. Only use period tracking apps from sources you trust, that will never sell your personal health data. If you print our tracker, be sure to keep it in a safe place where only you have easy access.
Do you have an experience with tracking your period that you’d like to share. Submit your PS-PERIOD STORY and we may feature your story on our blog.