Setting your cycle length and period length

Do not worry if you do not know your exact cycle length. Most people do not. The average is 28 days and that is the number we suggest if you are unsure. You can change it later, any time.

This setting helps MigraineMe predict your next period. That in turn helps the app warn you on the days when migraines are most likely.

Where to find this setting

The cycle settings open from the Menstruation card on the Monitor tab. Not from the main Settings menu.

  1. Open MigraineMe.
  2. Tap the Monitor tab at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Scroll down until you see the Menstruation card.
  4. Tap the card to open it.

You are now on the cycle screen. The Cycle Settings card is on it.

Setting your cycle length

Your cycle length is the number of days between the start of one period and the start of the next.

  1. Under Cycle Settings, find the box labelled Average Cycle Length. Below it is a reminder of the typical range, 21 to 35 days.
  2. Tap the number inside the box. A keyboard with numbers will appear.
  3. Type your usual cycle length. The app suggests 28 by default.
  4. If you really do not know, leave it at 28.
  5. Tap Save Settings (on iPhone, the first time, this button says Enable Tracking).

You will see a small message saying the settings have been saved.

Setting your last period date

So the app knows where you are in your cycle right now, give it the start date of your most recent period.

  1. Tap the date box labelled Last Period Start Date.
  2. A calendar will pop up.
  3. Tap the day your period started.
  4. Confirm the date.
  5. Tap Save Settings.

What changes when you save

Once you have saved a cycle length and a last period date, new information appears at the top of the cycle screen.

The Menstruation card on Monitor also shows your next period, a countdown and your average cycle.

The home screen risk gauge will also start including your cycle in its calculation. You may notice the risk goes up a few days before your predicted period.

About period length

MigraineMe does not currently ask for an exact period length on this screen. Most people bleed for 3 to 7 days, with 5 being typical. The app only needs to know when each cycle starts.

Auto-update average

Below the cycle length there is a switch called Auto-update Average ("Recalculate from logged periods"). Leave this turned on. It means the app will quietly recalculate your average as you log more periods, so the prediction gets better over time.

Changing it later

You can come back to this screen any time. Just go to the Monitor tab and tap the Menstruation card. Change the numbers and tap Save Settings. Nothing is locked in.

If you do not see the Menstruation card

If the Menstruation card is not showing on your Monitor tab, you may need to enable it first. Tap the gear icon in the top-left, tap Data and Notifications, and turn on Menstruation. Then come back to the Monitor tab.

More in this section

Still stuck? Write to us at help@migraineme.app

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