Periods are all new to your little girl. It’s a whole new world for her, and she needs your help to figure it all out. One way to help her feel in control
is through tracking a menstrual cycle with her. It will make her feel comfortable and in control of these new changes.
Over time, this handy history will help her predict her periods, note changes in her body and track possible premenstrual symptoms. It could even help her
stay healthier over the long run.
Starting Her Period Calendar
Keeping track of her monthly cycle is simple. Follow these steps!
- First things first: She’ll write down the first day of her period. The first day of her period is also day one of her menstrual cycle. Encourage her to
note when and if she got cramps, spotting or any other important symptoms, too.
- Make sure she marks the end of her period. How many days did it last?
- Now, she’ll wait until the first day of her next period. From the first day of one period to the first day of the next period is one cycle length. A
normal cycle is 21 to 35 days, but it can be longer or shorter and still be considered “normal.”
Mapping Patterns
Once your daughter has charted a few cycles, she’ll start to see patterns. Pretty soon, she’ll be able to forecast when her period will start and she may
be able to relate certain symptoms to her menstrual cycle. This can help her prepare for them, from stashing medicine for cramps in her purse to stocking
up on pads so she’s ready for her period to start. And that trip to the beach she’s planning? Or prom? She’ll know if they’re on period days!
Tracking Changes
If your daughter has had her period for a while, she knows what her menstrual flow should look like. With this in mind, she’ll want to keep track of light
or heavy bleeding and any changes in color and texture (such as blood clots).
She should report any major changes in the length of her period, amount of flow or the way it looks — to her doctor. She’ll also want to note any unusual
vaginal secretions that occur during the month. This will be so much easier with a history of her last several cycles!
Encourage your daughter to take her period calendar to her next gynaecological exam. She’ll find out for herself just how helpful it is during her
discussion with her doctor!
