Complete Guide to Period Tracking

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

Your menstrual cycle is more than just your period—it's a complex hormonal process that affects your body in many ways. A typical cycle runs from the first day of one period to the first day of the next and averages 28 days, though cycles between 21-35 days are considered normal.

Tracking your cycle helps you understand your body's patterns, predict future periods, identify your fertile window, and notice any changes that might indicate health issues. Our tracker makes this process simple and informative.

Step 1: Enter Your Last Period Date

The first step is to enter the first day of your most recent period. This is the day when bleeding began, even if it started late in the day. Accurate tracking of this date is crucial for all other predictions.

Step 2: Specify Your Cycle Length

Your cycle length is the number of days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. If you're not sure about your cycle length, the global average is 28 days, but it's normal to have cycles between 21-35 days. The more you track, the better you'll understand your personal pattern.

Step 3: Enter Your Period Length

Your period length is the number of days your menstrual bleeding typically lasts. Most periods last between 3-7 days. This information helps create a more complete picture of your cycle and can help identify any changes in your pattern.

Step 4: Understand Your Results

After entering your information, our calculator will generate predictions for your next period, ovulation day, and fertility window. The results page provides a clear timeline and detailed explanation of each prediction.

Step 5: Track Consistently

For the most accurate predictions, make tracking a regular habit. Update your information each cycle, especially if you notice changes in your cycle length or period duration. The more data you provide, the more personalized and accurate our predictions become.

Example Calculation

Let's walk through a sample calculation to help you understand how our tracker works:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions to some common questions and issues users encounter:

My Cycles Are Irregular

If your cycles vary by more than 7-10 days, our predictions may be less accurate. In this case, the tracker can still help you identify patterns and ranges, but you might want to combine it with other fertility awareness methods like basal body temperature tracking for more precision.

My Period Came Earlier/Later Than Predicted

Many factors can affect your cycle timing, including stress, travel, significant weight changes, intense exercise, or illness. If your period occasionally varies from the prediction, this is normal. However, if you notice consistent significant changes in your cycle, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

I'm Not Sure If I'm Ovulating

Our tracker predicts ovulation based on the typical pattern of ovulation occurring 14 days before your next period. However, without physical symptoms or testing, it's difficult to confirm exactly when ovulation occurs. If you're trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy, consider additional methods like ovulation predictor kits or basal body temperature tracking.