Period & Ovulation Cycle Calculator
If you menstruate, it can be a good idea to track your period. Not only does this help you know when to expect it so you can plan around it, it can also help to calculate ovulation if you’re trying to conceive and give you an idea of which stage of the menstrual cycle you are currently in.
Use our ovulation cycle calculator to work out when you can expect your next period.
How the calculator works
Our period calculator works by asking you three questions:
- Which date did your last period start?
- How many days do your periods usually last?
- How long is your cycle?
Although the average length of a cycle is 28 days , don’t worry if yours isn’t. It’s completely normal to have variation and so cycles tend to vary between 21 and 35 days . Also Period length generally ranges from two to seven days. Our calculator takes all of this into account and gives you a personalised calendar highlighting which days you’re likely to be on your period and when ovulation will likely occur.
If you have an irregular cycle, it can be harder to track and you may not have the answers to the questions above. In this case, you can look for symptoms of the various phases of the menstrual cycle and if you’re tracking ovulation, there are other methods such as an ovulation predictor kit you can use. If you have any concerns about your period, make sure to get in touch with your GP.
Why you should track your period
You are probably familiar with the hormonal changes you experience during your menstrual cycle, which can have both a mental and physical impact. You may experience mood swings, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cramps or bloating.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or just want to understand your body better, calculating period patterns can be very beneficial. It can help you to:
- Know roughly when your period starts each month
- Estimate when ovulation occurs
- Understand fluctuations in your mood
- Have more control over symptoms you typically experience
- Navigate changes in your sex drive
- Maximise exercise during menstruation.
When tracking your menstrual cycle, you can make note of the different symptoms you experience. This will help you to gain a better understanding of how your menstrual cycle affects you personally. You could record:
- Changes to your body, e.g. bloating, cramps, headaches
- Sleep quality
- Mood fluctuations
- Energy levels
- Basal body temperature (BBT)
- Changes in amount, type and consistency of cervical fluid
- Exercise and recovery time.
If you track what changes you usually notice and when you typically experience them, you can take steps to help minimise negative symptoms. For example, if you struggle with sleeping, you can focus on building a regular sleep routine and practice mindfulness to calm yourself before bed.
Or, if you suffer with period pain, you may want to take medication such as tablets to relieve discomfort. These are available to buy online or in store from a pharmacy and can provide effective relief from period pain for up to 12 hours . Your pharmacist will be able to help you find the most suitable treatment option for you. If, however, you notice that your periods are or have changed in any way or you’re having frequent headaches then we recommend that you speak to a pharmacist or your GP.