Understanding and tracking your period and symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle can be important for your mental health for several reasons:

1. Helps in identifying patterns and triggers: Tracking your cycle and how you feel throughout can help you identify any patterns or triggers that may be contributing to mood changes, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms. For example, you may notice that you experience increased anxiety or irritability during the luteal phase of your cycle (1-2 weeks before your period), which can be helpful in getting appropriate treatment and care.

2. Enables you to plan: You can plan ahead and prioritize self-care activities during times when you may be more vulnerable to mood changes or other symptoms. You can also inform people in your life about where you are in your cycle, set boundaries and inform them that you may need more support during that time of the cycle. For example, you may schedule extra self-care activities or therapy appointments during the luteal phase of your cycle when you are more likely to experience symptoms. You may even want your partner to take on more and help support you.

3. Facilitates communication with healthcare providers: You can provide your healthcare provider with more accurate information about your cycle. This can help in getting a proper assessment and diagnosis, developing an effective treatment plan and identifying any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Tracking your period and symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle can be an important tool for managing your mental health and overall well-being.

It is important to note that the length of each phase of the menstrual cycle can vary between individuals and can also change over time. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle using a period tracking app or a menstrual calendar can be helpful in understanding your cycle and identifying any changes or irregularities. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or experience unusual symptoms, it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare provider.

Some of my favourite period tracking aps Flo, Clue, Eve by Glow, Me v PMDD, Cycles