Problem: Why Menstrual Health Gets Ignored
I used to think my period was just something to deal with once a month. I didn’t realize it was a window into my overall health. Like many women, I ignored signs like irregular cycles, mood swings, and fatigue. I didn’t know that my menstrual cycle could tell me if my hormones were balanced, if my diet was working, or if stress was messing with my body.
Ignoring your cycle can lead to bigger problems—like PCOS, painful periods, or early menopause. And if you’re over 40, changes in your cycle might be your body’s way of asking for help.
Agitate: What Happens When You Don’t Track Your Cycle
When I didn’t track my cycle, I missed patterns. I didn’t realize that my energy dropped before my period or that cravings were heightened during ovulation. I blamed my mood swings on stress, not hormones. I skipped workouts, ate junk, and felt off—but I didn’t know why.
Here’s what can happen when you don’t track your cycle:
- You miss signs of hormone imbalance
- You struggle with weight gain or fatigue
- You feel anxious or depressed without knowing the cause
- You don’t know when to adjust your workouts or diet
- You ignore symptoms of PCOS or menopause
A study published in The Journal of Women’s Health found that women who tracked their cycles were more likely to report improved mood, better sleep, and fewer PMS symptoms.
Solution: How Tracking Your Cycle Can Boost Your Health
Tracking your menstrual cycle is simple—and powerful. It helps you understand your body, plan your life, and improve your health. There are some examples of how I Track my Period that help me if you follow these steps you will get some help from these.
📅 How to Track Your Period for Health
You don’t need fancy apps or gadgets. I use a basic calendar and jot down:
- Start and end dates of my period
- Mood changes
- Energy levels
- Cravings
- Sleep quality
- Exercise performance
Apps like Flo, Clue, and MyFLO can help too. They show your cycle phases and suggest what to eat or how to move based on your hormones.
🌿 How to Improve Menstrual Cycle Health
Here’s what worked for me:
1. Eat Hormone Balancing Foods
I added flaxseeds, leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s to my meals. These foods help balance estrogen and reduce inflammation.
2. Follow a PCOS Diet Plan (Even If You Don’t Have PCOS)
I cut sugar, refined carbs, and dairy. I focused on whole foods, lean protein, and fiber. This helped regulate my cycle and reduce bloating.
3. Try Natural Remedies for Menopause
I’m not there yet, but I’ve seen friends use black cohosh, red clover, and magnesium to ease hot flashes and mood swings. These remedies support hormone health even before menopause hits.
4. Do Pelvic Floor Exercises
I started with 5 minutes a day. These exercises improved my core strength, reduced cramps, and helped with bladder control. They’re great for women over 40 too.
5. Focus on Fitness for Women Over 40
I switched to strength training and yoga. These workouts support bone health, reduce stress, and balance hormones. I also walk daily—it’s simple but effective.
💡 What Are the Benefits of Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle?
Tracking your cycle helps you:
- Understand your body’s signals
- Plan workouts and meals around your energy levels
- Spot early signs of health issues
- Improve sleep, mood, and focus
- Feel more in control of your health
It’s like having a roadmap for your body.It is important to know when to push yourself to work and when to focus on resting for your best performance and health.
🧠 Why a Regular Cycle Means Good Health
A regular cycle indicates healthy hormone function. It means your body is ovulating, your stress is under control, and your diet supports your needs.
Irregular cycles can signal:
- PCOS
- Thyroid issues
- Nutrient deficiencies
- High stress
- Perimenopause
If your cycle is regular, it’s a sign that your body is in balance.
🔗 Internal Link: Build Healthy Habits That Support Your Cycle
Want to build habits that support your cycle? Check out my blog on Daily Habits of Highly Fit People. It shows how small steps—like waking up early, eating protein, and staying active—can improve your health and support your hormones.
🔬 External Study Link: Case Study on Cycle Tracking
A case study from the Fit Father Project showed how a 44-year-old man improved his health by tracking habits and adjusting workouts. While it’s focused on men, the same principles apply to women. You can read the full story on Fit Father Project’s site.
📝 Final Thoughts: Your Cycle Is Your Superpower
I used to dread my period. Now I see it as a tool. Tracking my cycle helped me eat better, move smarter, and feel more in control. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
Start small. Track your next period. Notice how you feel. Adjust your food, workouts, and sleep. Your body will thank you.
