Determine your cycle type

Old textbooks still claim that the female cycle lasts 28 days and that ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle. But every woman has her own unique cycle, and very few fit this outdated model. Every cycle has its own unique characteristics. However, we can broadly distinguish between 9 types of cycles. Want to find out which cycle type you are? This will help you get to know yourself and your rhythm even better. Here you’ll find all the information you need.

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You're unique—and so is your cycle!

The female cycle is more diverse than people usually think. Individual cycles can vary greatly from woman to woman. This is evident, for example, in fluctuations in cycle length or the day of ovulation. The frequency of fertile days or how often a cycle occurs without ovulation is also highly individual. To better understand your cycle, you should determine your cycle type. Knowing which cycle type you are brings you even closer to your individual cycle. Your cycle is also always a reflection of your cycle health.

Many women can identify with each of the 9 different cycle types. And in some cases, you may find yourself in more than one cycle type. This classification is intended as a basic guide.

If you’d like to learn more about women’s health in general: Understanding and Improving Menstrual Health

How cycle types are classified

The different types of cycles are classified based on various characteristics:

Length of the cycle

Regularity of cycle length and ovulation

The impact of external factors

Presence of fertile days

Medical symptoms

Determine your personal cycle type now

Determine the cycle type based on the cycle length

The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days. Although few women have a cycle that is exactly 28 days long, this is still the most common length, accounting for about 11% of cases. The length of the menstrual cycle is classified as follows:

  • up to a maximum cycle length of 24 days – short cycle
  • 25 to 35 days cycle length – regular cycle
  • cycle length of more than 35 days – long cycle

Classify your cycle based on its regularity

Fluctuations in your cycles are completely normal. So if your cycle length or ovulation varies by only a few days from cycle to cycle, your cycle is considered regular. Larger fluctuations can generally be classified as irregular or rhythm-related if there are external factors involved:

  • The cycle length and/or ovulation date vary by less than 8 days – regular cycle
  • Cycle length and/or ovulation day vary by more than 8 days – irregular cycle
  • Irregular menstrual cycle caused by external factors – rhythm-influenced cycle

Determine the cycle type based on external factors

Your individual cycle reflects your hormonal processes. However, in addition to these, your cycle can also be influenced by many external factors. For example, a diet tailored to your cycle can help stabilize it. If your cycle changes significantly due to external influences, this is referred to as rhythm-related influence.

Another example is taking the birth control pill. Taking hormones can significantly affect your cycle. In the case of the pill, therefore, it is no longer accurate to speak of a natural cycle:

  • significant external factors with negative consequences – rhythm-influenced cycle
  • Taking the pill (artificial menstrual cycle) – birth control pill-induced cycle

Determine the cycle type based on whether ovulation occurs

It is perfectly normal not to ovulate every cycle. Therefore, a cycle without ovulation is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if this happens frequently, it may affect your ability to conceive. A doctor or naturopath is best suited to determine at what frequency this becomes a concern, as your individual medical situation must be taken into account. In addition to cycles in which there is no rise in temperature at all, cycles with luteal phase deficiency are also considered cycles without fertile days:

  • no significant rise in temperature during the cycle – Cycle without ovulation
  • an insufficient rise in temperature or a luteal phase that is too short – Cycle with luteal phase deficiency

Identify your cycle based on medical symptoms

In addition to the characteristics of the menstrual cycle—which can be determined based on cycle length, the day of ovulation, and the rise in temperature—there are a large number of medically recognized Menstrual irregularities. The two most common and most important factors for those hoping to conceive are:

  • Diagnosis: Progesterone deficiency – Cycle with luteal phase deficiency
  • Diagnosis: Polycystic ovary syndrome – Menstrual cycle with PCOS

Getting Pregnant with Certain Types of Menstrual Cycles

How effective are the different types of cycles for getting pregnant?

If you’re trying to get pregnant, the following cycle types are suitable without restrictions:

  • regular cycle
  • long cycle

For the following cycle types, the Limited ability to predict the next fertile days:

  • irregular cycle
  • irregular cycle
  • PCOS

If you have one of the following cycle types, you should Measure the length of the luteal phase. This may require medical treatment if it is too short:

  • short cycle
  • Cycle with luteal phase deficiency

For one of the following cycle types, you should determine how often you actually ovulate. Especially after you stop taking the pill, you’ll need to get used to your natural cycle again:

  • Birth control pill-induced cycle
  • Cycle without ovulation

Natural contraception is effective for certain types of menstrual cycles

How effective are the various cycle types for natural contraception?

No restrictions for natural family planning:

  • regular cycle
  • short cycle
  • Cycle with luteal phase deficiency

For the following cycle types, the Limited ability to predict the next fertile days:

  • long cycle
  • irregular cycle
  • irregular cycle
  • PCOS

For one of the following cycle types, you should determine how often you actually ovulateto know when you need to use additional birth control. Especially after stopping the pill, you need to get used to your natural cycle again and figure out how it works:

  • Birth control pill-induced cycle
  • Cycle without ovulation

An Overview of the 9 Cycle Types