Period Calculator - Track Your Menstrual Cycle

Period days
Most Probable Ovulation Days

Please note that this is only an estimation of your menstrual cycle.

Phases of Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of a woman’s fertility. During every cycle, the reproductive system in a woman’s body undergoes many hormonal and functional changes.

The menstrual cycle has 4 phases —

1. Menstrual phase or period (Days 1-5)

This is when the bleeding starts as the uterus sheds its inner lining, leading to menstrual bleeding. This phase starts on the first day of your period and can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days.

2. Follicular phase (Days 1-13)

This phase begins on the first day of your period and ends with ovulation. The body starts to prepare for ovulation, and several follicles in the ovaries begin to mature.

3. Ovulation (Day 14)

This is the third phase, and it occurs on or around the 14th day in a normal menstrual cycle of 28 days. During this phase, the matured egg is released from the ovary. This is the most fertile period and the best time for conception.

4. Luteal phase (Day 15-28)

This occurs a day after ovulation where the body prepares for a potential pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus will be shed, leading to the menstrual phase.

The menstrual cycle causes shifts in the reproductive hormones in a woman’s body and associated symptoms throughout the month. These include mood swings, reduced energy levels, abdominal cramps, headaches, breast tenderness, bowel issues, and more.

How long is my cycle?

A menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your monthly cycle or period and ends on the day before your next period. Although the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, the same varies from woman to woman. Women may experience shorter and longer cycles of 23 to 35 days, and this is considered normal unless one is suffering from underlying health conditions.

What are the signs of your period coming?

A woman may experience different signs and symptoms before her periods due to the changing hormones. The following are some common signs that indicate that your period is coming —

• Mood swings: You may notice minor or major mood swings a few days before your menstrual cycle. Some common mood changes include anger, irritation, anxiety, extreme fatigue and sadness.

• Tender and heavy breasts: Thanks to hormonal changes in the body, your breasts may feel tender, swollen and heavy right after ovulation. This is termed cyclical breast pain. The pain and tenderness go away a few days after you get your periods.

• Abdominal cramps: You may experience cramps or pain in the lower belly a couple of days before your period. The same may last for about 2-3 days.

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Periods can also cause a range of digestive issues, such as bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea.

• Headache: The changes in oestrogen level can cause headaches before periods, especially if you experience migraines often.

• Acne breakouts: High progesterone levels before periods make the skin oilier and cause acne breakouts.

In addition to these, you may experience lower back pain before your periods and crave certain foods, such as chocolates.

Why is my period late?

Pregnancy is a common reason for a late or missed period. Therefore, it is important to take a pregnancy test after 21 days of intercourse. Taking a test sooner may not show correct results.

However, your period may also get delayed due to excessive stress, changes in body weight, strenuous exercises, hormonal imbalances, birth control pills and certain underlying health conditions. Some common signs and symptoms of late periods are pain in the lower abdomen, clear milky white discharge, breast tenderness, nausea and headache.

How to know your period date using the calculator?

The period calculator calculates the menstrual cycle by using the following information:

• The starting date of your last period

• The length of your period (the number of days for which you bleed every month)

• The length of your menstrual cycle or the number of days between one period and the next.

Once you have entered the required information, click or tap on the “Track It” option to know your period date.

Alternatively, you can also calculate your period date using the following information:

• Make a note of your average monthly cycle duration, i.e., the number of days between the beginning dates of two periods.

• Add this monthly cycle duration to the date your last period began. This will give you the tentative date of your next period.

For example:

• Your monthly average cycle duration — 28 days

• Beginning date of your last period – 25th January

• Therefore, the tentative date of your next period will be: 25th January + 28 days = 22nd February

How does the calculator calculate the menstrual cycle?

The period calculator studies your period data history to calculate your menstrual cycle. The calculator’s results are almost accurate for women with regular periods.

Although a typical period cycle is 28 days, the same varies from one woman to another. While some women have a shorter cycle of 21 to 23 days, for others, it may be longer than 35 days. Many women also experience irregular periods, i.e., their menstrual cycle length is different every month.

If you have irregular periods, it can be difficult for the calculator to predict your next period. Therefore, the data shared by a period calculator may not be accurate. However, you can still use the calculator to get an overview of your periods and understand how irregular they are. Studying the history of your period data will help you get a rough idea of your next period date. It can also come in handy during your gynaecologist appointments.

Importance of tracking your period cycle

The nature and duration of menstrual cycles vary from one woman to another. Moreover, a woman may experience certain changes in her menstrual cycle every few months due to hormonal changes, stress levels, and other reasons. Therefore, tracking your menstrual cycle to understand your bleeding pattern is essential.
The following are the benefits of tracking your period cycle —

It helps you understand the average length of your menstrual cycle

The length of your menstrual cycle can vary every month. Therefore, keeping track of it on a period calculator can help you understand the average length of your periods.

It provides insights into your health

Heavy or irregular periods may indicate certain underlying health conditions that may require medical attention. Therefore, tracking your periods and noting the symptoms can help when you consult a doctor or gynaecologist.

It can help you plan pregnancy

When you use a period calculator, you will know the dates you are ovulating or are most fertile. This can help if you are trying to get pregnant. Knowing the ovulation dates can also help you avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

It can help you manage symptoms

A period calculator can help you understand the physical and emotional changes you experience before and during your periods. This will help you manage the symptoms and plan your work and social engagements better.

Factors Affecting the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle, while a natural process, can be influenced by a myriad of factors. Understanding these can help women better manage their cycles and overall reproductive health.

1. Stress

Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can delay or even skip menstrual cycles. The body’s response to stress often involves the release of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the body’s reproductive hormones.

2. Weight Changes

Both rapid weight gain and weight loss can impact the menstrual cycle. Being significantly overweight or underweight can lead to irregular periods or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

3. Medications

Certain medications, especially those that impact hormonal levels, can affect the menstrual cycle. This includes birth control pills, antipsychotics, chemotherapy drugs, and certain antidepressants.

4. Underlying Medical Conditions

Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and endometriosis can lead to irregular or painful periods. It’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis if you suspect an underlying condition.

5. Lifestyle Factors

Excessive exercise, poor nutrition, and smoking can also influence menstrual regularity. It’s essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle for a healthy menstrual cycle.

Tips for Managing Menstrual Discomfort

Many women experience discomfort or pain during their menstrual cycle. Some effective ways to manage this discomfort include:

1. Using warm compress

2. Engaging in light exercise

3. Taking pain relievers

4. Practicing relaxation techniques

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How accurate are period calculators?

A period calculator calculates your next period and ovulation dates based on the data you enter. Therefore, the calculator will show accurate or near-accurate results if your periods are regular and the input data is correct. However, if your menstrual cycle is irregular, the results may not be that accurate.

2. Do periods predict fertility?

Yes, periods can predict fertility. If your periods are normal and regular, you are healthy and fertile. On the other hand, long and irregular periods indicate ovulation problems and other underlying reproductive health issues. These may affect your fertility and pregnancy. However, irregular menstrual cycles do not affect fertility for everyone. A woman with irregular periods can still get pregnant.

3. What age do girls get their first period?

Girls generally get their first period around the age of 10-12, although it can happen as early as 8. A sign that you will begin your periods soon is the growth of underarm and pubic hair, and periods typically start two years after breasts begin to grow and one year after the appearance of white vaginal discharge.

4. Can you get pregnant during your period?

You can get pregnant during your period, just as you can get pregnant at any time of the month if you have unprotected sex. The chances of getting pregnant during your period are increased if your menstrual cycle is less than 28 days, as your ovulation day is closer to your period.

5. What are the benefits of a period tracker?

A period tracker can help you understand the average length of your monthly cycle. It can also predict your most fertile days and help you plan a pregnancy accordingly. Moreover, the tracker may also provide valuable insights into your health, especially if your periods are heavy and irregular.

6. What is a normal period cycle?

The average length of a normal period cycle is 28 days. However, a normal menstrual cycle can range in length from 23 days to 35 days.

7. How much blood is lost during a period?

The amount of blood lost during a period will vary from woman to woman, but, on average, a woman will lose about 6-8 teaspoons (3-40ml) of blood per period. A loss of 80 ml or more, having a period longer than 7 days, or both, is considered heavy. However, most women have a good idea of whether or not their bleeding is within the normal range for them.

Published on 02 February 2024

Last updated: Feb 02, 2024

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Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.