Women's health3 min
A Simple Period Diary to Spot Your Pattern
Writing the start date, flow, mood and sleep in a small notebook. Useful at the doctor's if cycles turn irregular.
A notebook that helps at the clinic
Many women cannot remember the exact dates when the doctor asks. A small notebook in which you write the start date, how heavy the flow is, how you slept and how you felt for a few months quickly shows your own pattern. It does not treat anything, but it makes a doctor's visit far more useful.
Write the first day of bleeding, the number of days, the flow (light, medium, heavy), pain, mood and sleep. See a doctor if cycles are very irregular, shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days, very heavy, very painful, missed for three months without pregnancy, or you bleed between periods.
Ingredients
- A small notebook
- A pen
- A calendar or phone reminder
How to prepare
- Mark the first day of your next period on a calendar.
- Keep the notebook where you will see it.
How to use
- Write start date, days, flow, pain, mood and sleep.
- Review it every three months or before a clinic visit.
Helpful habits
- Note stress, travel or illness in the same month.
- Take the notebook to the doctor.
Precautions
- See a doctor for very irregular, very heavy or very painful periods, bleeding between periods, or no period for three months without pregnancy.
- A record, not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Why keep a diary?
- A few months of notes show your pattern and help the doctor.
What is a normal cycle length?
- Usually 21 to 35 days, but it varies.
Can I use an app?
- Yes, if you prefer, but keep a backup.
