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How Is a Woman's Last Menstrual Period Measured?

B. Miller
B. Miller

In many cases it will be necessary to determine the date of a woman's last menstrual period, generally for medical purposes or when a woman is attempting to get pregnant or, in some cases, to avoid getting pregnant. The first day of the last menstrual period is referred to as "day one," and represents the start of the menstrual cycle. This is because it is easier to measure than the last day of menstruation, which can be more difficult to determine. Also for fertility purposes, the last day of menstruation is not as significant as the first day.

Most women have a menstrual cycle that lasts 28 days. By determining the date of her last menstrual period, a woman can count the days in her menstrual cycle, starting over again at day one, when menstruation begins again. This allows women who know the average length of their cycles to predict when the period will start again. This can also help to indicate abnormal cycles, for example, which can be very important to calculate when trying to get pregnant. Generally, actual menstruation lasts for three to seven days after the start of the menstrual period, and ovulation occurs about fourteen days after the start of the last menstrual period. This is the time of the month when a woman is capable of becoming pregnant if she has unprotected sex, since an egg has been released.

Doctors can predict a conception date based on a woman's last menstrual period and knowledge of the menstruation cycle.
Doctors can predict a conception date based on a woman's last menstrual period and knowledge of the menstruation cycle.

For this reason, the date of a last menstrual period is also often used to calculate the approximate date of conception if it is not known. Doctors will generally take the date of the last menstrual period, add two weeks, and consider that to be an estimated date of conception on which to base the age of the fetus. This way, the doctor can then predict the approximate due date of the baby, and allow for better planning, though this can also change for various reasons.

The date of the last menstrual period is often used by doctors to calculate the age of a fetus.
The date of the last menstrual period is often used by doctors to calculate the age of a fetus.

Some women with irregular periods find that they skip a period entirely one month, or that it will be very light. This can make it difficult to calculate the date of the last menstrual period, but it is best to try be as accurate as possible with estimations for the doctor. Some doctors will recommend keeping a chart to make the process easier, and also to notice changes or patterns over time that may indicate changes in fertility, or even certain health issues.

Discussion Comments

Scrbblchick

It's often a good idea to keep a running calendar of one's menstrual period so a woman can get an accurate picture of what's normal for her. Every woman is different.

Before I started taking birth control pills, which regulated my cycle to 28 days, I had a 32 to 38 day cycle, and an eight-day period. Fun, huh? You better believe it. Seems like all I did was feel like complete crap the whole time I was in high school. Wish I had known how birth control would change my life, and I'd have started taking it when I was 12.

Anyway, knowing your cycle can help you determine the date of your last period, even if you don't really remember the exact day.

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    • Doctors can predict a conception date based on a woman's last menstrual period and knowledge of the menstruation cycle.
      By: designua
      Doctors can predict a conception date based on a woman's last menstrual period and knowledge of the menstruation cycle.
    • The date of the last menstrual period is often used by doctors to calculate the age of a fetus.
      By: reineg
      The date of the last menstrual period is often used by doctors to calculate the age of a fetus.
    • Most women have a menstrual cycle that lasts 28 days.
      By: picsfive
      Most women have a menstrual cycle that lasts 28 days.
    • Most girls start to menstruate between the age of 10 and 15 years old.
      By: Maya Kruchancova
      Most girls start to menstruate between the age of 10 and 15 years old.
    • Women with irregular periods may skip a period during some months.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Women with irregular periods may skip a period during some months.