Millions of women admit they are governed by their menstrual cycle – and its pattern determines when they exercise, how they feel, and what they wear. A report of 5,000 women in the UK discovered 51 per cent feel controlled by their periods – to the extent 32 per cent say it dictates when they have sex, and 21 per cent what and when they eat. Socialising (23 per cent), sleep (20 per cent) and even when to commit to an important meeting (11 per cent) are among the things women plan around their time of the month. The study [https://shop.withmonthlies.com/pages/monthly-cycle-report], by natural period pain supplement brand monthlies, found 54 per cent of those who experience period pain can pinpoint the exact days in the month it will occur. While 91 per cent experience ovulation pain mid-month – with discomfort when the ovaries release the egg felt around days 14 and 15 – with 63 per cent feeling this for more than two days. The average sufferer will also experience bloating for just over seven days of the month. And just seven per cent of lucky women claim to feel balanced and ‘normal’ for their entire monthly cycle. A spokeswoman for monthlies, which is designed to help with menstrual symptoms and cycle throughout the month, said: “Every woman needs to learn about their own period journey and work out what works best for them in terms of how to manage their period pain, as well as when to get the best out of themselves personally, professionally and socially.”