How to Track Your Period When You Don’t Have One: Moon Cycling

With all the recent buzz around tracking your period, cycle syncing, and regulating hormones, you might wonder: what do you do if you don’t have a regular period?

Irregular or missed periods can happen for many reasons. Common causes include coming off hormonal birth control, pregnancy and breastfeeding, perimenopause, menopause, or times of high stress or low body fat. If none of these apply to you, and you're not experiencing a cycle, it could be because you're not ovulating. In this case, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to investigate the underlying reasons, such as hormonal imbalances like PCOS, which may need further attention.

But even without a regular menstrual cycle, your body still mirrors the rhythms of nature. One way to stay connected is by aligning your personal cycle with the phases of the moon, which follows a 29.5-day orbit around Earth—similar to the average length of a menstrual cycle.

The Menstrual Cycle and the Moon

While there’s ongoing scientific debate about the moon’s impact on human biology, ancient wisdoms, such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, have long observed a connection between the two. The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days, divided into four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. The moon also follows a 29.5-day cycle, with four phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

Studies have shown that some women’s cycles align with the moon's rhythms. Many women naturally ovulate around the full moon and menstruate during the new moon, or vice versa. There are several variations of how menstrual cycles can sync with the moon, as we've discussed in a previous blog post, How your cycle aligns with the moon.

How to Start Moon Cycling

Now that we know menstrual cycles can align with the moon, let’s talk about how you can incorporate this practice into your life. It’s quite simple! Here's a breakdown of how the moon phases match with the menstrual cycle phases:

• New Moon = Menstrual Phase
• First Quarter = Follicular Phase
• Full Moon = Ovulatory Phase
• Last Quarter = Luteal Phase

How to Track:

1. Pick a tracking method: Choose an app, journal, or calendar that you can easily update.
2. Set Day 1: Mark the date of the most recent new moon as the first day of your cycle.
3. Align your practices: Sync your habits or routines with each lunar phase to reflect its corresponding menstrual cycle phase. For instance, use the new moon (menstrual phase) for rest and reflection, and the full moon (ovulation phase) for high-energy activities.
4. Track daily changes: Note any physical sensations, emotional shifts, or activities that made you feel good.
5. Review monthly: At the end of each lunar cycle, review your notes and see if any patterns have emerged.

Moon cycling is a great way to introduce practices like cycle syncing, especially nutritional habits like seed cycling, to support your body when not having a regular cycle. Emotionally, it also offers a comforting sense of routine and connection to the natural world.

Nature always has an answer, and by following the moon's guidance, you can create balance and consistency in your life—even when your body’s cycle is taking a break.