What does Cycle Day 1 actually even mean

ferlanna · February 2016

Hello, TMI ahead, sorry---nothing I can do about it.

So, I don't know how to discern the first day of the new cycle. This month, the beginning of my period presented me with (ahem) minor brown spotting/smudging for one day, some bright pink CM the next, and real blood--red, black--the following day. This is the general pattern, usually without the bright pink business though (usually there is either blood the next day after spotting or a blank day in between spotting and blood).

I did not count the brown spotting as CD1, instead I counted the next day when I got the pink. The brown spots were Saturday (Feb 20). The pink CM was Sunday (Feb 21). The real bloodbath started very early Monday (Feb 22). Today is Tuesday Feb 23. Does that make me CD3? CD2 or 4? I am confused. Any guidance would be super helpful.

thank you!

rspalding001 · February 2016

Typically CD1 does not count spotting. If the pink cervical mucus was unusual I'd be inclined not to count it as well but it's a grey area. I'd say the 22nd was your CD1 in my opinion.

thistle8677 · February 2016

@ferlanna do you use fertility friend to track your cycles? It's really helpful for keep track of your cycle days, including when you ovulate (if you're temping) or even an estimate if you use ovulation predictor kits.
As @rspalding001 said, spotting does not count as cd1.

try downloading fertility friend! I've been using it for years.

jennh75b · February 2016

I have a similar pattern with mine. I used to count the spotting day as the CD1, but realized it's not counted when I log it into my phone app, so I now understand it's the first day where there's legit blood.

ferlanna · February 2016

Hi again! Thanks so much for your answers, this is very helpful. Now I can say that...if Monday was CD1 and this is Wednesday, I am at CD3. Thank you!

The weird/stupid part is that the period is now totally over. Ever since Tuesday night, in fact. Less than 2 days of real bleeding. I hope this does not mean I am about to stop menstruating forever! I feel like this new cycle is going to be a total wash with the bonkers non-period period. wtf girls.

Okay, hope you are all having a good day.

happyktmom · February 2016

I think all have answered, but my doc calls CD1 the first day of bright red blood. I remember way back when I would get some pink discharge with wiping when I was on the pill and the OB called it 'break through bleeding'.
The dark brown is old blood from last period.

PoeMasque · February 2016

I have always counted CD1 as the day my cramping and bleeding start. I have always had horrific cramps which start about an hour before I bleed bright red. For the last two years I have brown or pink spotting in heavy discharge 3-5 days before CD1. I never count that as part of my period

I wouldn't stress about the short duration of your period. I typically "bleed" for 2 days (have been a s short as one day!) then have spotting for 2 days after. For me the first day is pretty heavy; I go through two instead cups in a 12 hour period (you are supposed to be able to wear it for 12 hours with no leaking), the second day is light bleeding. However, I will occasionally have a 4 day period, or have even had the bleeding stop for a whole day only to start again (for a total of 2 days).

I think the biggest thing is just having a period once per month. As long as that's happening I think you are fine. If you bleed more often or less often than once per month that can be a sign of menopause, a change in duration isn't usually seen as a sign of that.

ferlanna · February 2016

fantastic insight. Thank you so much! I was getting nervvvvous!

jennh75b · February 2016

Agreed with @PoeMasque - I've always been two days with some residual stuff thereafter, and sometimes spotting before. When I used to take the pill it made my period at least a day longer which annoyed me.

However, I don't blame you for being concerned, though, @ferlanna, as it hasn't been the norm for you personally, so it would cause a little "hmmm, is something wrong/different" thoughts swirling through your head, so I totally get it. Not that you should be worried, but if you're used to it being one way and it changes, it would make you wonder if something is changing for you or if it's just a fluke.

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