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Your menstrual cycle can tell you a lot about your hormonal health. Understanding the importance of tracking your cycle can teach you how to identify what is normal for you and become mindful of notable bodily changes. While there may be irregularities in your cycles this can be a sign that you may be dealing with a hormonal imbalance that needs to be addressed.
A menstrual cycle is a monthly series of changes a woman goes through in preparation for the possibility of becoming pregnant. A process called ovulation happens monthly and this occurs when one of the ovaries releases an egg. At this time, the hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Then, if the egg is not fertilized by a male counterpart, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. And this is what a menstrual cycle is.
The menstrual cycle is tracked by counting the first day of your period to the first day of your next. Every woman is different and cycles can range from every 21 to 35 days and last anywhere between 2-7 days. Normal menstrual cycles will occur at about the same time and length every month, whereas irregular cycles happen inconsistently.
Contraceptives can influence your menstrual cycle and disrupt your natural flow. Menopause can also alter your cycles and result in irregularities.
The best way to track whether or not your cycle is regular is by keeping a record on a calendar. Plus, nowadays there are so many apps to choose from on your smartphone to make it super easy and simple. Here are a few things you should be aware of when tracking your cycle…
How long does your period usually last?
What is the heaviness of your flow? Is it light or heavy? How often do you change your sanitary protection? Do you have blood clots?
Are you bleeding in between your cycles?
Is there any pain associated with your cycle?
Do you experience any mood swings or behavioral changes?
There are many things that can contribute to irregular cycles and tracking your frequency and symptoms it can reveal more than you think. Menstrual cycle irregularities can be due to the following…
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding. A missed period can be a sign that you may be pregnant. And while you are breastfeeding it may delay the return of your menstrual cycle after being pregnant.
Eating Disorders. Eating disorders can cause extreme weight loss and also result in one being overly active. This can disrupt your menstrual cycles drastically and cause irregularities.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder and common symptoms include irregular periods in women.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is an infection of the reproductive organs and can cause unusual menstrual bleeding.
Uterine Fibroids. Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus and can result in heavy and long menstrual flows.
While most people think birth control can help regulate menstrual cycles, it does not truly treat the underlying problems. Finding the root cause of what is going on is the ONLY way you will be able to address your irregular cycles and balance your hormones. I have helped hundreds of women do this exactly with my no-nonsense approach to health. For more information about how to address your hormonal health and identify the root cause of your symptoms, click here!