Menstrual Cycle Tracking and the Menstrual Equity Movement

The Menstrual Equity Movement and Why Menstrual Cycle Tracking is Important

Menstruation has been a taboo topic for centuries, causing women and girls to feel ashamed and embarrassed about a natural bodily function. But in recent years, there has been a shift towards breaking the stigma and advocating for menstrual equity. This movement aims to ensure that everyone who menstruates has access to safe and affordable menstrual products, as well as education about their menstrual cycle and reproductive health. One important aspect of this movement is menstrual cycle tracking, which allows individuals to better understand their bodies and advocate for their own health and well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of menstrual cycle tracking and its role in the menstrual equity movement.

What is Menstrual Cycle Tracking?

Menstrual cycle tracking is the practice of recording and monitoring the patterns of one’s menstrual cycle. This can include tracking the start and end dates of each period, the duration and flow of the period, as well as any symptoms or changes experienced throughout the cycle. This information can be recorded in a journal, on a calendar, or through various period tracking apps that are available.

Why is Menstrual Cycle Tracking Important?

There are several reasons why menstrual cycle tracking is important, both on an individual level and in the larger context of the menstrual equity movement. Here are some of them:

1. Understanding Your Body and Health

By tracking your menstrual cycle, you become more aware of the changes and patterns in your body. This can help you identify any irregularities or potential health issues, such as hormonal imbalances or changes in your menstrual flow. Additionally, tracking can help you anticipate and prepare for symptoms and changes that occur during different phases of your cycle, such as mood swings, cravings, or bloating.

2. Improving Reproductive Health

Regularly tracking your menstrual cycle can also be a useful tool for monitoring your reproductive health. Changes in the length, flow, or regularity of your period can indicate potential issues with fertility or other reproductive concerns. By tracking these changes, you can bring them to the attention of your healthcare provider and address them early on.

3. Advocating for Menstrual Equity

In the larger context of the menstrual equity movement, menstrual cycle tracking plays a crucial role in advocating for equal access to menstrual products and education about reproductive health. By tracking your cycle, you become more informed and empowered about your own body and can advocate for your needs and rights. Additionally, the data collected from menstrual tracking can also be used to support policy changes and initiatives that aim to promote menstrual equity.

How to Track Your Menstrual Cycle

There are several ways to track your menstrual cycle, depending on personal preference and availability of resources. Here are some options:

Menstrual Cycle Tracking and the Menstrual Equity Movement

1. Traditional Methods

Some people prefer to use traditional methods such as a journal or calendar to track their cycle. This involves manually recording the start and end dates of each period, as well as any symptoms or changes experienced. While this method may be simple and low-cost, it may not be as accurate or convenient as digital tracking methods.

2. Period Tracking Apps

In recent years, there has been a rise in the availability of period tracking apps, which allow individuals to record and monitor their menstrual cycle digitally. These apps often have features such as reminders for upcoming periods, symptom tracking, and fertility predictions. They also provide a convenient way to visualize and analyze your menstrual cycle data.

3. Wearable Devices

Another option for menstrual cycle tracking is using wearable devices, such as smartwatches or period trackers. These devices can track your menstrual cycle automatically and provide more detailed data, such as heart rate and sleep patterns, that can also impact your cycle. However, they tend to be more expensive and may not be accessible to everyone.

The Menstrual Equity Movement and Its Impact

The menstrual equity movement has gained momentum in recent years, with individuals and organizations advocating for menstrual products to be treated as essential items rather than luxury goods. Here are some ways in which the movement has made an impact:

1. Policy Changes

Thanks to the efforts of activists and organizations, several states and countries have implemented policies to provide free menstrual products in schools, prisons, and shelters. In 2018, Scotland became the first country to offer free menstrual products to students in all schools and universities. These policy changes not only increase access to menstrual products but also reduce the financial burden on individuals who menstruate.

2. Education and Awareness

The menstrual equity movement has also brought attention to the lack of education and awareness about menstrual health. Many organizations and initiatives now focus on providing education and resources about menstrual health, including menstrual cycle tracking, to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. This has helped break the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote a more open and informed conversation about reproductive health.

3. Accessibility of Menstrual Products

The menstrual equity movement also advocates for the accessibility and affordability of menstrual products. This includes pushing for the removal of sales tax on menstrual products, as well as promoting the use of eco-friendly and reusable products. These efforts not only make menstrual products more accessible but also reduce the environmental impact of disposable products.

In conclusion, menstrual cycle tracking is an important practice that not only helps individuals better understand their bodies and reproductive health but also plays a crucial role in the larger context of the menstrual equity movement. By tracking our cycles and advocating for menstrual equity, we can break the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote equal access to menstrual products and education.