How tracking your menstrual cycle can build your confidence

This article was updated February 2025

Many of us women know the basics about our menstrual cycle. We know that we get periods about once a month, we ovulate, and there’s the potential to get pregnant each month. But you might be asking, “How do I understand my period cycle?” Even if you understand the basics, many of us don’t really know the details of our individual cycles. If you’re not yet familiar with tracking your cycle, don’t feel overwhelmed! It’s really not that difficult to get started. There are tons of perks to understanding your cycle, and it can be really helpful to know what to expect. Who doesn’t want to experience a more predictable life?

When you get clued into modern fertility tools and start really paying attention to your cycle, you’re setting yourself up to make more informed, healthier decisions. And really, it’s not only about predicting when your period is due (although, major bonus, right?). It’s a way to feel more confident in your body!

Know your cycle

First of all, what IS menstruation?

It’s a monthly cycle that the female body goes through, and it involves reproductive organs like the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries. 

Every month, a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes that prepare for a possible pregnancy. This lasts from around the time of puberty until menopause. During a process called ovulation, one ovary will release an egg from a follicle. Hormonal changes get the uterus ready for pregnancy. After the mature egg is released, a man’s sperm can either fertilize the egg (and the woman becomes pregnant), or the lining of the uterus comes out through the vagina as a period.

We count the cycle time from the first day of one period (when the uterus sheds its lining) to day one of the next period. Your period may not be exactly the same as another woman’s cycle. It may be longer, shorter, heavier or lighter and still be “normal.” A normal menstrual cycle is between 21 to 35 days (the average is 28 days) and usually lasts 2 to 7 days.¹ Ovulation usually happens around day 14 in a typical cycle.² 

What’s the Benefit of Understanding Your Cycle?

First off, when you know what’s up with your cycle, you’re not just reacting to things like cramps or bloating — you’re actually getting ahead of the game. Apps like Clue or Flo can help you understand  your body. These apps help you track everything from ovulation to mood swings. That way, you can know what to expect and what’s normal for YOU. Tracking your cycle can also help you notice when something’s off — from irregular bleeding to crazy cramps that just aren’t normal. Identifying issues early means you can get the help and support you need sooner. Being an expert on your body helps you to:

• Spot issues early: If something’s off, like irregular bleeding or intense uterine cramps, you’ll catch it sooner. Your health is worth it.
• Stay on top of your health: You can make sure you’re doing all the right things — whether that’s taking a no-cost pregnancy test at ThriVe or getting an STI screening. These are big factors in your health and future. You have goals for your life. Taking care of yourself enables you to keep working towards the future you want.
• Better conversations: When you know your body, it’s way less awkward to talk about things like birth control, pregnancy, or periods with your friends and doctor. You’re the best person qualified for the job. Be the expert on your body!

If your period is late and you think you might be pregnant, ThriVe has your back with no-cost pregnancy tests and STI screenings. That’s modern fertility support! 

How Do I Understand My Period Cycle? Ditching the Awkwardness

Let’s be real, talking about reproductive health can still feel a little weird sometimes. But why is it awkward to talk about something half the planet deals with? Well, it isn’t awkward here at ThriVe! But when you’re educated and comfortable with your own body, that uncomfortable feeling starts to fade away. You might find it easier to talk to your friends about periods, understanding your hormones, and taking charge of your health, without it feeling like some hush-hush secret. Many women are choosing to embrace their natural femininity, and are proud of it! 

ThriVe is all about giving you a no-judgment zone for those tough convos — whether you’re worried about a potential pregnancy or need to get tested for STIs.

• Open up the convo: You’ll feel more confident chatting about periods, birth control, or even pregnancy.
• No shame, just facts: ThriVe is all about keeping it real and providing no-judgment, no-cost services like pregnancy tests and STI screenings — so you always have a safe space to talk. Our women’s advocates are here to do just that. Give us a call if you need someone to talk to.
  

Health flex: Asking the Right Health Questions

Once you’ve know the answer to “how do I understand my period cycle,” you’ll be more in tune with your body. With this information you can start asking deeper questions about your health. Questions like, “Do I know the risks of birth control?” Or, “Can I just decide to delay sex for now?” These are all super valid questions, nothing to be ashamed of. When you have the facts, you’re more empowered to make decisions that fit your life, not someone else’s idea of what you should do. Being an expert on your cycle helps you walk into doctor appointments informed, instead of feeling like you’re just going along with whatever’s recommended. That’s next-level confidence, and we love to see it. That’s a flex.

Instead of feeling like you’re going with the flow (no pun intended), you can take control of your choices. Are you considering these questions?

• “Do I really need to be on birth control?”
• “Can I choose to delay sex until I’m in a long-term, committed, monogamous relationship?”
• “Is this symptom in my body normal, or should I see a doctor?”

Having these questions on your mind means you’re thinking about your health in a proactive way. That’s the first step toward getting the personalized care you need. Good on you for caring about your health!

Living Confident and Healthy

In the end, when you have a modern, empowered view of your cycle, you’re not just surviving — you’re thriving. Knowing how do I understand my period cycle empowers you to understand what’s happening with your body. It gives you the power to make decisions that lead to healthier living, both mentally and physically. You deserve to have your glow, even during difficult times. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Modern fertility support involves walking beside you through it all. Maybe you’re thinking about taking charge of your future by delaying sex for now, or just want to be sure your cycle is on track. ThriVe is here to offer no-cost pregnancy tests and consultations to help you.

A modern, empowered view of your cycle doesn’t just make you healthier — it makes you more confident. When you know your body, you’re ready to tackle anything. Here’s how it helps:

• Healthier decisions: You can make informed choices about birth control, delaying sex, or testing.
• Confidence boost: You’ll feel empowered, knowing you’re in control of your reproductive health.
• ThriVe has your back: With no-cost pregnancy tests, STI screenings, ultrasounds, pre-abortion screenings and emotional support, you can walk into any situation with confidence.

So, go on girl, take charge of your health! You’ll feel more confident, more informed, and trust me — there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve got yourself covered. Make your appointment at ThriVe to get started on your path to confidence.