Why should you care about your period? What is the point? It is that ridiculous thing that happens once a month that you have to deal with, right? Or perhaps, it isn't just that 'thing' you have to deal with. What if I told you that you could learn oodles from your menstrual cycle? Would you pay attention then?
First of all, you can monitor your health. Changes in the menstrual cycle can sometimes be indicative of underlying health issues. Irregularities or significant changes in cycle patterns could signal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or even certain cancers. Regularly tracking your menstrual cycle can help catch any potential health concerns early. Chances are, if you have any of these conditions, you have been paying attention to your cycle for a while now. But if you don't? You may find that you have times of the month when you are moody or angry and you can't figure out why. And then your period comes. If you just took time to monitor and note these feelings down, you'd start to see a pattern. And so would your loved ones.
Secondly, those mood swings I mentioned? They are another good reason why you should track your cycle, especially as we age and get closer to peri-menopause. There will come a time when you may think you are going crazy because of the emotions you are feeling, the whiplash you are suffering from how quickly they change. Tracking your cycle can help you with identifying patterns making it easier to manage these mood swings.
Thirdly, and by all means, not least (there are SO many other reasons to pay attention to your cycle), data. You need data to bring to your doctor when you need help and support. It helps when you are struggling to remember things, to have the information written down in a notebook (use my free journal guide here), or an app (like Read Your Body or Flo). They can use this data to assess hormone levels, identify any potential issues, and guide you in making informed decisions about your health. It also helps in peri-menopause to notice the changes in your menstrual cycle and then to be able to bring this to your GP.
Remember that every woman's experience during peri-menopause is unique. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can provide you with insights into your body's changes and empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being. If you have concerns or questions, it's always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. We will talk about the colour of your period blood next week!
