%% # Update - add info re BBT & CM etc %% # How to Figure Out Where You Are in Your Menstrual Cycle Although the best way to know where you are in your menstrual cycle is to use advanced tracking, here's a quick way to figure out where you are in your cycle. ![[Inner Seasons of the menstrual cycle.excalidraw.svg]] Have a look back in your diary and find when your last period started. Remember that the first day of your period does not include spotting. The first day of your period is when you need to use ‘something’ such as a towel, tampon or menstrual cup. This is the first day of your menstrual cycle. Day 1. Count forward from there and you’ll figure out today’s cycle day. The next time you have a period, you will start counting again from day one. If you have a 28-day cycle, each phase season will be about 7 ish days, and ovulation will happen somewhere around day 14. BUT remember that this will vary. If you have cycle that is shorter than 28 days, chances are, you’ll ovulate earlier. If your cycle is longer than 28 days then you will be ovulating later in the cycle. Note that the luteal phase (the days between ovulation and your next period) is actually quite consistent (around 14 days). Whereas the days leading up to ovulation (the follicular phase) can vary. There is a reason for this and something that I look into [[§ menstrual cycle science article|here]]. ### In Summary - **Inner Winter:** When you have your period - **Inner Spring:** Your period has ended but you haven’t yet ovulated - **Inner Summer:** Ovulation is about to happen or is happening - **Inner Autumn:** You have ovulated but haven’t started your period