Period Calculators - Everything You Need to Know Let’s face it, life can get busy! Between work, a social life, the gym or daily errands, keeping track of the important things in life can be easier said than done. If there is one technological advance that has been an absolute godsend, it's a period calculator. Keeping up to date with our bodies' magical behaviour is a great way to keep our focus on the other things that life brings our way. Exactly how do period calculators work? Period trackers are a way of navigating your menstrual cycle. You start by entering the date your last period began. Then, you input the length of time it lasted and the average length of your cycle. Those who have vaginas and a uterus then have the joy of understanding their four-part, menstrual cycle, not just the bleeding! This is where your body is working around the clock during, before and after your bleed. Tracking your period can help you understand how your body works, and since we all have our own unique patterns, tracking your own personal cycle will help you discover what your ‘normal’ is. Knowing when to expect the first day of your period can help prevent any surprises. If you’re aware of your cycle, then you can also feel more in-control and in sync with the way your body works and what to expect each month. Observing the first day of your period each month can help you build an understanding of how long your cycle is and when you’re likely to get your period again. More than just a period tracker A period tracker isn’t just about knowing when to expect the physical arrival of your bleed, it’s also an innovative way to understand when you will be most fertile. Most of the period trackers on the market will use the data you provide them to work out when you are ovulating which will create the ‘fertile window’, when pregnancy is most likely. This usually occurs during the 5 days leading up to ovulation and 1 day after ovulation. Tracking your basal body temperature (your temperature when you first wake up) is also another way of checking when you’re at your most fertile. Period trackers are a great way to make sure there are no little surprise bundles of joy or, they will help you to start planning for a family. The use of a period calculator helps facilitate a routine, a routine that is most definitely welcomed in today’s busy world. What should we know about period calculators? To get scientific with you, the menstrual cycle occurs in fertile females every 28 days, although your period cycle may vary between 26 and even 36 days. It starts with the menstrual cycle, which is when the lining of the uterus sheds. This is followed by the follicular phase when the follicles in your ovaries mature and get ready for the prime time- ovulation. The next step is ovulation, when the egg is released leading to the final phase which is the luteal phase. The luteal phase is when the egg makes its little way down your fallopian tubes and you welcome the bleeding. Using a period tracker can help you to understand your unique patterns which can help identify any unusual irregularities. Then, you get a good idea of how many days there are until your next period. It can also help you plan month to month and manage your birth control if it's something you use. Your menstrual cycle is an indicator of your overall health and well-being. From hormonal changes, energy levels, to functional bodily health, keeping track of your period is your best friend when it comes to staying in tune with your well-being. Keeping a track of your period isn’t just about being organised and prepared. It’s also great information to have to hand when speaking with a doctor should you need to. Having a record of your cycle can help determine if anything is wrong and can be a great way to stay in control of your own health. It’s time to get with the times, isn’t it? All modern people who experience menstruation will benefit from using a period calculator. It can be used to preempt mood swings, cravings or hormonal changes, but it can also be used to track peak ovulation. Since ovulation occurs on the 14th day of your cycle, with day one being the first day you bleed, you can become more in-tune with your body's inner mechanisms. Using a period calculator or tracker to monitor your menstrual cycle can help you understand the rhythm of your time of the month. It also can help you explain why you may be feeling more irritated, anxious or affectionate than usual. Of course, a period tracker does not offer 100% protection from pregnancy, it’s more of a way of keeping track of your own body. Whether you’re planning a family or not, period trackers can be the best way to start recognising any variabilities in your cycle, your ovulation and fertility options. With just a few clicks, you can have a prediction of your ovulation, fertility and more, right in the palm of your hand. Is there anything us period having people can’t do? Get back in control with your body by using a period calculator. Ready? Let’s go…
