Tracking your cycle: Tips for conception, avoiding surprises, and taking control
Let’s take a moment to raise our glasses and acknowledge that being a woman is bloody hard work! (yes, this pun is intended). The business of being female is tough – it’s like constantly trying to put a puzzle with missing pieces together and sometimes you don’t even know what the final image should look like!
On top of endless nappy changes, navigating our way around a crazy toddler, managing housework, and keeping track of finances, getting through Shark Week aka your period can be overwhelming! I know, I know, no one wants to think about that time of the month, but when it’s like a great white shark attacking you out of nowhere, it can be just as terrifying.
Whether you’re trying to dodge the cramps or you’re just wanting to plan ahead for the future, knowing when your period is coming can be a huge help in staying on top of your health and life. Think about it like having a map and compass; it helps you navigate the unknowns and make everything just a little less scary.
Staying on top of your game
Tracking your menstrual cycle allows you to identify patterns and predict when your next period is due. This gives you time to stock up on those supplies (and lots of chocolate), plan for important events, and even manage any symptoms better. Imagine never having to run to the store in a panic for tampons or pads again – it’s like winning the period lottery!
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Trying to conceive
If you’re trying to conceive, tracking your period is even more important. Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before the start of your next period, but this can be totally different from one person to another. Being aware of how your cycle works can help you identify when you’re most fertile and thus increase the chances of pregnancy. I see it like a treasure map, guiding you to the pot of gold (aka a baby). With accurate tracking, you’ll know when it’s the best time to throw on some Marvin Gaye and get down to business.
Identifying irregularities
Tracking your period can help you identify any irregularities in your cycle, such as unusually long or short cycles, or changes in the duration of your period. If it suddenly disappears or goes on a vacation, by being your own “period detective”, you will have a higher chance of figuring out the mystery of where your period went.
Planning for important events
If you’re the forgetful type like me, then tracking your period can be a great way to give yourself (and everyone else around you – especially your partner ) a heads-up when it’s about to start, so you don’t have to get caught with your undies down! No more “sorry, I couldn’t make it” calls because you’ve been surprised by Shark Week. It’s like being the captain of your own ship and keeping it on course. Knowing when your period is coming can also help you plan for important events, such as parties, work conferences, and vacations. You can stay on top of it all and plan accordingly, so you don’t have to worry about it, (because who has time to add more onto our “worry-list”?).
Managing symptoms (AKA warning alert for those around you)
Knowing where your cycle is at can really help you manage those nasty cramps, mood swings, sore boobs, and an endless list of grievances. You can plan ahead and take necessary steps to alleviate the symptoms, whether it be taking medication or making lifestyle changes. And let’s not forget to give your loved ones a heads up, so they can be prepared for any potential changes in behaviour or mood so that they can be better prepared to support you! Think of this like a friendly weather forecast for PMS!
Keeping your reproductive health in check
Your period is an indicator of your reproductive health, and tracking it can alert you to potential issues early on, such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or thyroid issues. If anything feels off, you should make a trip to see your doctor just to make sure.
Ladies, I cannot stress enough how important it is to track your cycle. It can save you from surprises, help you plan for important events, increase your chances of pregnancy, and keep your reproductive health in check.
So let’s raise our glasses one more time and cheers to not being caught off guard by Shark Week again! To master the art of tracking our periods; to being the boss of our bodies, and all the craziness it brings.
Finally, cheers to being a woman!
Bella Heim Follow +
Bella is a mummy of three, writer, and photographer. She's not afraid to admit that she relies on a little red wine to keep the chaos of motherhood at bay. When she's not dodging toys and dirty diapers, you'll find her documenting the wild and wonderful ride of parenthood, and adding a splash of inspiration, creativity, and a healthy dose of mum humour along the way.
