Chart your cycle
Manage your fertility
The effectiveness of fertility awareness to help couples avoid or achieve pregnancy or monitor gynecological and reproductive health, relies on the fact that all females can be taught to observe, chart and interpret the three primary signs of fertility: cervical mucus secretions, basal body temperature and cervical position. Fertility signs are influenced by the primary hormones of the menstrual cycle: estradiol and progesterone. Our practitioners are deeply knowledgeable about the hormones and their fluctuations in the menstrual cycle, and will teach you how to build a savvy, intimate relationship with your body.
The benefits of menstrual cycle charting
The health of your menstrual cycle is a reflection of your whole body health, and an important diagnostic tool according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who stated in their committee opinion “Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign” (ACOG, 2015) that the menstrual cycle constitutes the 5th vital sign – along with heartbeat, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure. Regular, healthy ovulation during our reproductive years is vital to our long term health, regardless of whether or not we choose to have children. A robust menstrual cycle provides the hormones that ensure strong bones, healthy breasts, healthy heart, sharp mind, healthy sex drive, and vitality well into older age.
Troubling menstrual cycle symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe cramps, irregular periods, acne, cysts, fibroids and other menstrual cycle difficulties may indicate a number of health concerns requiring skilled attention. Lifestyle factors such as sleep patterns, nutritional deficiencies, various drugs, allergies, alcohol, thyroid issues, autoimmunity, leaky gut, SIBO, environmental toxins and more can play a part in menstrual cycle symptoms, affecting your reproductive and overall health. Consultations with a Justisse Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner (HRHP) can help you to monitor and address your menstrual cycle concerns and understand which root cause they point to, letting your menstrual cycle serve as a mirror for your general health. Your HRHP can assist you in gathering the information and support to make lifestyle and health care choices that support your menstrual cycle health, or refer you to the appropriate caregiver.
Regardless of your goals for charting your cycle, be it avoiding or achieving pregnancy, mapping your perimenopausal symptoms or using your own hormones to excel in sports, having fertility awareness is key to optimizing your hormonal health and general wellbeing. Having Body Literacy also facilitates reproductive freedom and informed choice. Above everything else, gaining fertility awareness fosters a relationship with your body that few women are taught in neither schools nor the healthcare system.
References:
Menstruation in girls and adolescents: using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Committee Opinion No. 651. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2015;126:e143–6.
Prior, C Jerilynn (2020) Women’s reproductive system as balanced estradiol and progesterone actions—A revolutionary, paradigm-shifting concept in women’s health. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Models, Volume 32, Part B, p. 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ddmod.2020.11.005.
Rubinstein, E., Kissling, E., Hillard, P., Harlow, S.a., Warren, M., Prior, J. C., et al. (2004, September 21). 1. Vaginal bleeding what’s normal what’s not? 2. What does the menstrual cycle tell us? 3. The power of the period: What the case studies tell us. Paper presented at the Menstrual cycle is a vital sign, New York at the New York Academy of Sciences.
Vigil P, Blackwell LF, Cortés ME. The Importance of Fertility Awareness in the Assessment of a Woman’s Health: A Review. Linacre Q. 2012 Nov;79(4):426-450. doi: 10.1179/002436312804827109. Epub 2012 Nov 1. PMID: 30082987; PMCID: PMC6027096.
Scientific basis and efficacy
Learn how to chart
Today, social media as well as the tech market is overflowing with information on fertility and charting your cycle, but true fertility awareness is unfortunately hard to gain from an instagram reel. At Justisse, we are overjoyed at the spread of fertility awareness, yet at the same time concerned about the often poor quality and misleading nature of the information available on this topic. Your cycle and your situation is unique, something most blog posts do not consider. An algorithm can never replace awareness, just as an app can’t substitute an experienced teacher who will listen to you.
Whether you’re looking to chart your cycle for natural birth control, conception support, insemination timing, or health monitoring, our practitioners are trained to teach you how to chart, and interpret your data according to your intentions. Working with a Justisse practitioner improves your success with the Justisse Method, which is especially important if you are charting for purposes of avoiding or spacing pregnancies. Your HRHP will guide you through an introductory session followed by follow-up sessions, and check your progress and confidence along the way.
Our Justisse Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioners (HRHPs) can be found all around the world, and most work online as well. Costs may vary between practitioners, as they all have specialized skills and backgrounds. You can locate an HRHP by visiting our directory.