Menstrual Calendar

• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Increases and decreases in body temperature
• Cramps
• Pain
• Mood swings

To better understand symptoms such as pain and cramping, it is best to record your menstrual cycle and its symptoms in a calendar. This way, you can estimate the time of your next period, discover your physical changes, and track symptoms before and during your period. In addition, when you visit your doctor, she will probably ask you the date of your last period, so you will be prepared to answer her questions. Another good reason to record your period is that you certainly do not like to go to the doctor for a visit when you are on your period. Some tests, such as a Pap smear, can be done when there is no bleeding. That is why it is important to know when your period is. In general, recording your period helps you to monitor the health of your reproductive system and discover your body’s rhythm.

Useful Tips

Tracking your menstrual cycle is easy, just make sure you don’t forget to record your symptoms. Record the first day of your period. Also, remember to note any cramping, mood swings, changes in vaginal discharge, irregular pain, or any other unusual changes. You’ll soon develop a pattern and be able to associate some of your symptoms with your period. If you want to know exactly when your period is starting, record your body temperature.
Most gynecologists have a chart that you can use for this purpose. Having a digital thermometer can be a great help. Take your temperature when you wake up after a good night’s sleep and before you get out of bed. Your temperature will rise by 0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius when you ovulate. If you don’t get pregnant during this time, your temperature will return to normal as your next period approaches, as your estrogen and progesterone levels drop. But if you get pregnant, your body temperature will remain elevated for 16 days after ovulation.
As you track your menstrual cycle, keep the following questions in mind, as your doctor may ask you:

How long does your period last?

Record the number of days of your period on a calendar. The first day of your period is actually the first day of your menstrual cycle. Once you start tracking your cycle, you will notice a pattern. A normal cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days.

How heavy is your bleeding?

If you’ve been menstruating for a while, you probably know how much and how often you bleed. So look for anything unusual, such as very light bleeding, very heavy bleeding, or changes in the color or texture of your discharge, such as blood clots. If the length of your bleeding, the amount of bleeding, or the type of bleeding seems unusual to you, be sure to let your doctor know.

Other symptoms

Pay attention to abnormal vaginal discharge throughout the month. You may notice a thick, sticky discharge in the middle of your cycle, which is completely normal and indicates when you’re ovulating. Other symptoms that can provide important information to you and your doctor include:

• Changes in the length of your menstrual cycle
• The amount and duration of bleeding, such as spotting between periods.
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Any changes in the amount or color of your vaginal discharge, especially if it is accompanied by itching or an unusual odor.
• Vaginal dryness
• Any pain in your pelvic area that may or may not be related to your period.
• Depression, mood swings, and irritability

Contact your doctor as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms.