On this page 5 sections
Quick answer
- Logging period start dates is the foundation.
- Symptoms, flow, mood and discharge add helpful detail for you and your doctor.
- Tracking is for understanding, not contraception.
Tracking is not about being perfect. It is about collecting clues so you understand your body, and can show a doctor real information if you ever need to. The NHS suggests using an app or diary to keep track of your periods and spot irregularity.
The essentials
- Period start and end dates. This alone powers your predictions.
- Flow: spotting, light, medium or heavy. Note how often you change products on heavy days.
- Pain and symptoms: cramps, headaches, bloating, tender breasts.
- Mood and energy.
Optional extras
- Discharge: changes in texture can hint at where you are in your cycle.
- Basal body temperature: a small rise after ovulation.
- LH tests: detect the surge before ovulation.
- Sleep, sex, pills, medicines and notes.
Make it useful for a doctor
Several cycles of start dates, flow, bleeding between periods and pain make an appointment quicker and more precise. For PMS, the NHS suggests a symptom diary for at least 2 cycles. NICE says heavy periods should be judged by their impact on your life, so note what the bleeding or pain stopped you doing.
- Your mood
- The first day of each period
- What you ate
Show the answer
B. The first day of each period
Period start dates are what cycle length and predictions are built on.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.