My Monthly Period & Symptom Tracker
My Monthly Period & Symptom Tracker is an easy way to keep track of your menstrual flow, and its also a way to keep track of cramps, and/or PMS and period symptoms each month There are other ways of tracking your periods and symptoms including apps available for iPhones and Android phones talk to your HCP to determine what method will best work for you.
- Review the sample Monthly Period & Symptom Tracker.
- Print out copies of My Monthly Period & Symptom Tracker.
- Put a check mark in the appropriate box for each day of the month. If you dont have any flow or any symptoms on any given day, leave the box empty. Refer to the Blood Flow Key at the bottom for Flow definitions.
- The dates at the top are the same as the dates in one month. Each month has 30 or 31 days .
- Remember to bring My Monthly Period & Symptom Tracker with you to your medical appointments.
When Do Most Girls Get Their Period
Most girls get their first period when they’re around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl’s body has its own schedule.
There isn’t one right age for a girl to get her period. But there are some clues that it will start soon:
- Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop.
- Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Treat My Pms Symptoms
Nutrition and lifestyle changes are a first step. The following suggestions are healthy recommendations for everyone and are particularly helpful for young women with PMS symptoms, according to research.
Nutrition Changes:
Lifestyle Changes:
- Fit in exercise. Do aerobic exercise for 30-60 minutes a day, 4 to 6 times a week.
- Catch your ZZZs. If youre a teen, you need about 9 hours of sleep each night.
- Try to maintain a regular schedule. This includes meals, exercise, and bedtime.
- Keep stress to a minimum. If possible, try to schedule events that you think could be stressful during the week after your period.
- Avoid alcohol.Drinking alcohol before your period can make you feel more depressed.
Read Also: How Do You Know Your Period Cycle Length
Thinking About Going Hormone
We hope you learned to look out for some of the key signs your period is coming! Besides learning about period symptoms, there are many advantages to choosing a non-hormonal birth control option. From wanting to avoid side-effects to wanting to get to know your bodys natural cycle, what motivates you to go hormone-free is highly individual. Natural Cycles is designed to be with you every step of your fertility journey and can also be used to plan pregnancy if and when you want to start a family. Ready to get started?
Youre Crying At Cat Videos
This is the big one: premenstrual syndrome, or PMS for short. Normally you experience PMS one or two weeks before your period begins so this is a sign that your period is right around the corner! Recognizing the symptoms of PMS can be a bit tricky some people dont get it at all, other people really do.
You may experience some of the following symptoms: acne, tender breasts, tiredness, bloating, an upset tummy, or strange food cravings, not to mention you may feel super emotional. Even period veterans sometimes get their periods, then look back on the past week and think oh, thats why I was crying over that cat video two days ago! Pesky hormones can catch us all by surprise, so dont worry if you dont recognize the symptoms straight away.
Mood swings happen throughout puberty, so knowing if its just a mood swing or your period knocking on the door can be pretty tricky!
Though its easier said than done, try not to compare yourself to your friends. Your period will come when your body is ready if you hit 16 and you still have no sign of it, go and speak to a doctor, they will be able to run tests and give you some clear answers.
A big step towards handling your first period smoothly is being prepared.
Carry a spare pair of undies in your bag and a panty liner, just in case you get your period when youre not at home. Do a bit of research into some of the period protection products out there. You can try out everything to find out what works best for you and your body.
Read Also: Can I Get Pregnant 6 Days After My Period
What Complementary Or Alternative Medicines May Help Relieve Pms Symptoms
Some women report relief from their PMS symptoms with yoga or meditation. Others say herbal supplements help relieve symptoms. Talk with your doctor or nurse before taking any of these supplements. They may interact with other medicines you take, making your other medicine not work or cause dangerous side effects. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements at the same level that it regulates medicines.
Some research studies show relief from PMS symptoms with these herbal supplements, but other studies do not. Many herbal supplements should not be used with other medicines. Some herbal supplements women use to ease PMS symptoms include:
- Black cohosh. The underground stems and root of black cohosh are used fresh or dried to make tea, capsules, pills, or liquid extracts. Black cohosh is most often used to help treat menopausal symptoms, and some women use it to help relieve PMS symptoms.
- Chasteberry. Dried ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or pills that some women take to relieve PMS symptoms. Women taking hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause symptoms should not take chasteberry.
- Evening primrose oil. The oil is taken from the plants seeds and put into capsules. Some women report that the pill helps relieve PMS symptoms, but the research results are mixed.
Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat PMS. Learn more about current PMS treatment studies at clinicaltrials.gov.
How Do I Know If I Have Pms Symptoms
PMS symptoms usually occur 5-7 days before a girl/womans menstrual period. There are actually a total of 150 known symptoms of PMS. The most common symptoms include: mood swings, breast soreness, bloating, acne, cravings for certain foods, increased hunger and thirst, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea, irritability, and feeling blue or down in the dumps. If you have any of these symptoms and they happen during the week before your period starts and go away when your period arrives or a few days later, you may have PMS. If you feel blue or down in the dumps and these feelings last longer than the week before your period, its probably not related to PMS. In this situation, its particularly important to ask your primary care provider if you should talk to a counselor or therapist.
Since there are so many possible symptoms of PMS, its a good idea to keep track of them. Remember to note if the symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Use a period and symptom tracker for 2-3 months and then bring it to your next medical appointment. A record of your symptoms can help your health care provider figure out the best treatment choices for you.
Read Also: Is It Okay To Masturbate On Your Period
Tender Breasts Before Periods
Women usually feel discomfort and pain in their breasts just before their period. This pain can increase as one gets closer to their period date. Some also notice swelling and a change in breast size. These changes occur due to the fluctuation of hormones in the body. Before your period, progesterone levels and estrogen levels increase, and this causes breast tenderness. This is one of the most common signs of your period coming.
What About Birth Control Pills
Your doctor may talk to you about taking birth control pills to help ease some of your PMS symptoms. Birth control pills help by evening out your hormone levels throughout your cycle. Some womens PMS symptoms get a lot better when they take birth control pills. However, the pill can also cause side effects of its own, and it doesnt help all women.
Read Also: What Can Make Your Period Stop
What Are The Complications Of Pmdd
Untreated PMDD can lead to depression and, in severe cases, suicide. The disorder can cause severe emotional distress and negatively affect relationships and careers.
If youre experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. This national network of local crisis centers provides 24/7 free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
What Is The Average Age For Menarche
According to statistics, the average age the menarche symptoms starting is between 12-14 years.
However, it is perfectly normal if your daughter gets her first period anywhere between 9-15 years of age.
In most cases, the age may differ as per the various factors including geographical region, race, ethnicity, and other characteristics.
But, always consult a doctor if your daughter is over 15 years and has still not started her period. In rare cases, puberty has set in around age 5.
Many girls in our society still didnt know about menstruation before their first period. They felt like something is wrong with them why because mothers felt shy to guide their daughters earlier.Lets stay #periodpositive to provide a healthier future for the next generation.
Go Girl Foundation
Also Check: What To Do When Your Stomach Hurts On Period
Are There Medications That Might Help
If your symptoms dont improve with a few nutrition and lifestyle changes, talk with your health care provider . They may be able to prescribe medicine that will help lessen or get rid of your discomforts. There are many different medicines that are currently used to treat PMS symptoms. The most commonly prescribed are oral contraceptives which prevent ovulation and keep hormone levels even. Most pills can improve symptoms. Sometimes symptoms can improve even more if the pill is taken continuously . Other medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help to relieve lower back discomfort and headaches. A mild diuretic such as Spironolactone can lessen bloating and mood changes. If depression is a significant issue, your health care provider may prescribe antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, Sertraline, or other SSRI medicines either for the 7 days before your period or daily.
Mood Changes Before And During Periods
Many people will experience mood changes just before or during the first few days of their periods. These changes can include being a bit irritable or more sensitive, or feeling angry, anxious or even depressed.
This can be hard for your child and the rest of the family to cope with. Giving your child a bit more privacy and space around this time can make it easier for everyone, without making a big deal about it.
If your childs mood changes are upsetting or disrupting their everyday life, they might like to see a health professional, like the GP.
You May Like: Can You Have Regular Periods And Not Ovulate
What To Expect With Your Child’s First Period
Some kids may experience typical premenstrual symptoms like bloating, cramping, fatigue, breast soreness, back pain, or constipation or diarrhea in the days leading up to their first period. Others may not have any PMS symptoms at all. First periods and menstrual cycles can also vary wildly from person to person. Your child may have moderate amounts of bright red blood with their first period, or they may have light spotting that more closely resembles reddish-brown discharge. It may last for several days, or only last for 1-2 days and then return a week or two later. Their periods may also be very irregular for the first year or two after they start their period, before their cycle regulates and is easier to track.
If your child experiences severe premenstrual symptoms or heavy sustained bleeding with their first few menstrual cycles, talk to your pediatrician or schedule an appointment with a gynecologist to talk about some options and solutions that may be available to them.
Vaginal Discharge Is A Sign That Their First Period Is Imminent
Whereas the development of breast buds and pubic hair can give you a sort of heads up that puberty is definitely underway, vaginal discharge is more like a bullhorn telling you to get ready. This is sort of the final frontier before menstruation, and is a great time to start making preparations and talking to your child about what the next few months may bring.
Many kids experience small to moderate amounts of vaginal discharge starting approximately 6-12 months before their first period. It may be clear, white, or yellowish in color, and is a sign that their body is producing more estrogen. It’s nothing to be alarmed about, although it may be a bit of a shock to some kids. If they’re experiencing more moderate amounts of discharge, panty liners can help.
Recommended Reading: How To Calculate Due Date With Irregular Periods
When Do Periods Start
Most young people will have their first periods when theyre between 11 and 14½, but anywhere from 9-16 years is considered normal.
Periods are likely to start soon if your child has:
- had a major growth spurt
- grown some underarm and pubic hair
- developed breasts.
If your child hasnt started their period by the time they turn 16, its a good idea to talk with your childs GP. There can be many reasons why periods havent started by then, and the GP can help to rule out any serious problems.
Youre Getting A Pimple Or Two
Have you noticed a link between your skin and hormones? If you regularly notice a change in your complexion, it may be one of the signs your period is coming. High progesterone is responsible for making our skin oilier in the days leading up to menstruation, and you might notice your hair is a little bit greasier too.
Sticking to a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can help reduce breakouts when your period is about to arrive. Everyone’s skin is different and has different needs, so our best advice is to listen to your body and build a routine that works for you.
Also Check: How To Make Period Cramps Go Away