Charting the Cycle

Changing hormone levels in the menstrual cycle bring a variety of bodily changes each month. There are changes in vaginal discharge, increases and decreases in body temperature, abdominal twinges and pain. Charting the menstrual cycle over time will allow a woman to predict her menstrual periods, note changes in her body, and track possible premenstrual symptoms. Charting the cycle also gives a woman more control over her reproductive health and allows her to appreciate her own unique bodily rhythms.

Keeping track of the monthly cycle is simple, but it does require diligence. Be sure to note the first day of your period. Also consider charting episodes of cramps, spotting, or any other important symptoms. Pretty soon, a cyclical pattern may emerge and you may be able to relate certain symptoms to your menstrual function.

To further identify times when symptoms occur, you may want to consider charting your basal body temperature. Most gynecologists have a graph that can be used to record changes in temperature. A digital thermometer is easy to use and the temperature should be taken first thing in the morning, after a good night's sleep and before getting out of bed. You will notice an increase in basal body temperature once ovulation has occurred. This increase ranges from one half to one degree Fahrenheit. If pregnancy does not occur, your body temperature will return to its pre-ovulatory level as estrogen and progesterone levels drop and you approach your next period. If, however, you are pregnant, basal body temperature will remain elevated. If your temperature remains elevated longer than 16 days from ovulation, you may be pregnant.

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