How to Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

Many months may pass before we've even realised how our moods have swung back and forth. Our thoughts can range from confident and strong to tormented and self-deprecating. These intense feelings are quite overwhelming, unless you keep them in check. Having knowledge about your Menstrual Cycle gives you awareness about you. This in turn gives you greater personal freedom. Here are a few tips for keeping on top of your Menstrual Cycle before it rides all over you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Notebook

1. Buy a small notebook in which you will record your cycle, your moods, and your feelings. Although we don't realise it our moods are usually in tune with our cycle.
2. Recording Process: Day one begins on the first day of menstruation. Write in your book the date and next to it day 1.
   
   I.e: 16th November - day 1.
3. Record feelings: Underneath the date, record your feelings and thoughts for that day. If you felt fat and ugly. Write that down. If you were worried. Write that down. If you were weepy. Write that down.
4. Keep up the good work: For the first few months, at least, you need to write in your notebook everyday as you will begin to see a pattern form. You may notice that between day 20 - 30 you are quite negative or think negative thoughts. And then from day 10-20 you are confident and happy.
5. Responsibility: Once you are aware of your pattern you can begin to take responsibility for your moods. This enables you to feel more confident and in control because you understand what your body is doing. If need be, take supplements between the peak days building up to menstruation.
6. Supplements: Evening Primrose Oil is great. St Johns wort. PMT Support is good as it has both Evening Primrose and Vitamin B6, which is an essential mood balancer.