Having your period itself is a hassle without the added stress of a surprise visit. While there is no scientific method for determining exactly when your period will come, the methods below will help you estimate the length of your menstrual cycle and prepare for the next one. Carrying sanitary napkins in your bag at all times is a simple but effective strategy so that you are never caught off guard.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Track Your Period
Step 1. Know what is normal
The menstrual flow itself can last from two days to a week, with the average being four days. Dripping that occurs before your period generally does not count as part of your menstrual flow. Only actual bleeding counts.
It is normal for women in their teens and 20s to have slightly longer cycles, for women in their 30s to have shorter cycles, and for women in their 40s to 50s to have even shorter cycles. If yours varies extremely from month to month and you have had your period for more than two or three years, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor to make sure you are not suffering from hormonal imbalances
Step 2. Count the days
Count the number of days between the first day of your period and the first day of the next period. This number is the length of your cycle. For most women, it is 28 days, but a normal cycle can range from 25 to 35 days.
Step 3. Keep a record
Write down the first and last days of your period on a calendar. This way, you can have an estimate of when your next period might come. Most women's periods come every 28 days, but if you monitor your periods, you can determine the length of your own cycle.
Step 4. Use an app
Consider using an online application, such as MyMonthlyCycles or MyMenstrualCalendar, or an application on your mobile phone such as Period Tracker. This type of technology is very good to help you monitor your period from the comfort of your mobile phone.
Step 5. Use an online calendar or planning tool
Set an event on the Google calendar and send yourself a reminder around the date your next period is scheduled. This way, you can write down on the calendar when your period actually came and compare the two dates. This will help you learn the normal variations in the cycle that your body goes through, as well as remind you to be alert to your period when it is scheduled to come.
Part 2 of 2: Know Your Body
Step 1. Know the symptoms
Learn what symptoms it is normal for women to experience during and just before their period starts. The following symptoms are experienced by many women during their menstrual cycle:
- Irritability
- Humor changes
- Mild headaches
- Stomach aches
- Stomach cramps and leg and back cramps
- Changes in appetite
- Cravings for particular flavors or foods
- Breakouts
- Tender breasts
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Back or shoulder pain
Step 2. Record your own symptoms
Each woman's cycle is unique. Record the symptoms you experience during and before each period to help you predict an impending period. Recognize the warning symptoms that often precede your period. Write down the symptoms you experience and their severity each day.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about any irregularities in your menstrual cycle
Irregular periods can be a symptom of many problems that need medical attention. Some of the more common problems that cause irregular periods are:
- Pelvic organ problems, such as imperforate hymen or polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
- The obesity
- The tuberculosis
Step 4. Take steps to regulate your period
You should go to the doctor if your period is irregular. You should find one that you feel comfortable with, as this can be a touchy subject for some. Sometimes an irregular period could be due to an underlying health problem. IN other cases, this can be controlled with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or changing the type of contraceptive you take.
Advice
- If your period takes you by surprise, put some folded toilet paper in your underwear or even discreetly ask someone else if they have any extra pads or tampons.
- Keep a few sanitary pads, tampons, or other items of your choice in your room, purse, backpack, and anywhere else that you can easily access.
- Once you have your first period, ask your mom, older sister or grandmother, or any other woman close to you for advice. Do not be embarrased!
- Don't panic. This is something that is part of life, so you should act normally. However, if you experience sudden changes in your mood, try to stay positive and laugh.
- There is no problem asking a trusted adult you know (male or female) for help. You can talk to your mom, dad, uncle, aunt, grandpa, babysitter, etc. The important thing will be to tell your family members that you are going to start your period.
- You can create a makeshift insulated bag by heating rice and placing it in an empty stuffed animal.
- If your period takes you by surprise and one of your friends already has it, they could come up with a code that allows them to help each other (like code red or red dot).
- Make up a code if there are people around and you are afraid to tell your mother, father or guardian if your period returns. You could say something like "Japan is attacking us", since the flag of this country is white and has a red dot.
Warnings
- If you have severe stomach pain that extends from your belly button to the left side of your body, contact a doctor immediately. These will not be your common period cramps, but rather a sign of appendicitis.
- If you don't notice a consistent pattern in your menstrual cycle after recording it for several months, consider consulting a doctor to make sure you don't have any hormonal imbalance.