Engage with the Power of Your Cycle: An Introduction to the Justisse Method of Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness is a practice that connects you to your body’s innate rhythms. Whether you're trying to conceive, avoiding pregnancy, or simply want to understand your hormones, the Justisse Method of Fertility Awareness offers an empowering pathway.
What Is Fertility Awareness Charting?
At its core, cycle charting involves making daily observations of fertility biomarkers—such as menstruation, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and cervical position—and recording those observations every day throughout your cycle. The benefits of charting are numerous, including real-time and individualized insight into your fertility status and reproductive health.
Beyond fertility, cycle charting is also a tool for self-awareness. The practice invites you to see your cycle as a mirror into your endocrine system, stress levels, nutrition, and more. You can even track workouts, supplements, and other lifestyle factors to monitor how your efforts manifest in your menstrual cycle.
Why Chart Your Cycle?
Many people are surprised to learn that the menstrual cycle is considered a “fifth vital sign” by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Just like your pulse or blood pressure, your cycle can be an indicator of overall health.
Cycle charting can help you:
Pinpoint ovulation with accuracy to support conception or contraception.
Identify hormonal disharmonies associated with irregular cycles, symptomatic periods, and difficulties becoming or staying pregnant.
Monitor your body’s response to diet/lifestyle changes. The cycle communicates via fertility biomarkers and symptoms. Over time, meaningful patterns emerge.
Strengthen your mind-body connection, fostering a deeper sense of embodiment and self-trust.
Whether you're on a healing journey or simply curious about your body’s unique rhythms, the act of charting invites you to know your cycle and interpret your observations according to your intentions.
Introducing the Justisse Method
Developed by Geraldine Matus, Ph.D., the Justisse Method of Fertility Awareness is a secular, inclusive, and science-based system that teaches people how to monitor and interpret their fertility with precision. The Justisse Method stands apart in its commitment to body literacy—the belief that we all deserve to understand and work with our reproductive physiology.
Key Features of the Justisse Method:
Daily observations and charting. At the heart of the method is the daily practice of observing and charting fertility biomarkers and identifying fertile and infertile days of the cycle using a standardized system. The Justisse Method places particular emphasis on cervical mucus, which offers an immediate and reliable indication of fertility.
A non-hormonal and holistic approach to avoiding pregnancy. The method does not rely on synthetic hormones or predictive devices to prevent pregnancy, but it can be as effective as other forms of birth control.
Instructor-guided learning. One of the key strengths of the Justisse Method is the training and support offered by Justisse Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioners (HRHPs). These educators are trained to help you interpret your charts, address health concerns, and customize the practice to your goals—be it avoiding pregnancy, achieving pregnancy, or addressing cycle-related health issues.
Empowerment through body literacy. Unlike many fertility apps that reduce your body to algorithms, the Justisse Method is a personalized approach to monitoring your cycle. As a result, users often report feeling more in tune with their body, more in control of their reproductive choices, and more confident in conversations with healthcare providers.
Cycle Charting as a Wellness Practice
You might find that fertility awareness fits beautifully into your lifestyle if you make efforts to improve your health on a regular basis (or want to start!) It’s the ultimate biofeedback tool, offering you real-time data about your hormonal shifts and the opportunity to plan your life with your cycle. It’s also a systematic approach to healing your cycle in the event that symptomatic periods are prohibiting you from living cyclically with a “normal” menstrual cycle.
Who Is It For?
If you have a cycle, then you can learn how to chart! The Justisse Method is ideal for:
Those looking for a natural birth control option without side effects.
Partners or singles trying to conceive with more precision and ensure conditions are optimal for becoming and staying pregnant.
Anyone curious about hormonal health or managing cycle-related issues like PMS, PCOS, or endometriosis.
Teens and young adults beginning their menstrual health journey.
Those seeking hormonal clarity during postpartum and perimenopause.
It’s important to note that while self-study is possible, working with a trained HRHP is highly recommended, especially during the initial learning phase, using the method as birth control, and navigating irregular cycles. This ensures you're interpreting your chart correctly and using the method effectively.
Getting Started
If you're curious to begin:
Track your cycle with a dedicated charting system (paper or digital). Justisse offers beautifully designed tools to get you started.
Observe cervical mucus daily, noting sensation and appearance.
Work with a Justisse-trained educator to learn accurate interpretation. Visit the Justisse directory to find an educator or reach out locally (Milwaukee area) to Sara Beaumont, FAE, HRHP at Reverence Fertility.
Give yourself grace—cycle charting is a skill, and cycle knowledge builds over time!
Final Thoughts: You’re Worthy of Charting!
Your fertility is worthy of attention and care from menarche to menopause. If you're seeking a deeper relationship with your body or simply crave more clarity and peace around your health and hormones, cycle tracking with the Justisse Method offers a grounded, holistic starting point that can serve you through the entire course of your reproductive lifespan.
About Pelvic Health & Wellness
Pelvic Health & Wellness was built with you in mind. We practice whole-person, individualized pelvic floor physical therapy in a caring and safe environment. Our physical therapists specialize in treating pelvic health concerns such as pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel and gut health, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, incontinence, fertility, and various pregnancy and postpartum-related conditions.
We understand that being ready to talk about and address your pelvic floor wellness concerns comes from a place of strength. We are here to support and encourage you on your journey back to health so you can return to doing what you love! If you are ready to take the first step in reclaiming your pelvic health and wellness, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.