Periods can vary in frequency, time, amount of flow, etc. Tracking when it starts and stops, PMS symptoms, and other data points can help to understand if/when something is wrong and give a better upstanding of our cycles. It also helps as we get older and move into the perimenopause and menopause parts of life.

I’ve been tracking my period in a paper planner for a few years now. This tracking helped me link my migraines to the birth control I was on. It has also helped me recognize PMS symptoms to the point where I usually know within a few hours of when my flow will start.

Not everyone gets a period on a consistent basis either. My cycle used to vary drastically from 2-3 times per year to multiple weeks of flow. Menstrual cycles are weird and can be confusing, tracking takes away some of that mystery.