As women, we have a lot to worry about when it comes to these complex bodies of ours. I know, “reproductive health” can sound like a big, scary phrase, something you hear in the doctor’s office while awkwardly clutching that crinkly paper gown. But simply put, taking care of your reproductive health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or clinical. In fact, the sooner you start educating your young women, the easier and less scary it becomes. It starts with one simple thing:

Get to know your body—and listen to it.

It really is that simple. Almost too simple.

As women, we spend so much of our lives being told what we should feel, look like, or do with our bodies, that we sometimes forget to tune in and really listen to ourselves.

If most of us were being honest, we would admit that our early 20s, we run on caffeine, stress, and late night pizza, totally ignoring the signs our body was trying to send us. Painful periods? “Normal.” Constant fatigue? “Eh, probably just stress.” Random mood swings? Welcome to being a girl! “Just being hormonal, I guess!”

It’s important for young women to slow down.

One easy way to start listening to your body, is began tracking your cycle—not just when your period starts, but how you felt throughout the month. Notice the little patterns. How does your energy spiked mid-cycle, or how cranky you became if you weren’t sleeping enough around your period. Start asking questions at your check-ups, even the ones that feel like “too much.” And most importantly, stop brushing off your instincts when something is off.

That’s the take away message here.

Your body is always talking to you. Cramps, irregular cycles, odd discharge (yes, we’re going there), mood changes, pain during sex, none of these things should be ignored or dismissed. They’re signals, not nuisances.

Once you get in the habit of listening, it gets easier to spot what’s normal for you—and what isn’t. It also makes conversations with your doctor way less intimidating because you can walk in knowing your body’s story.

Here are a few little ways to start:

• Keep a simple period or symptom tracker (there are apps for this, but old-school notebooks work too!)
• Take mental notes of how you feel physically and emotionally throughout the month.
• Don’t ignore changes, even small ones—write them down.
• Ask questions without shame—no concern is “too small.”
• Honor your body’s needs—whether it’s more sleep, movement, or a break from hormonal birth control to discuss alternatives.

Remember, your reproductive health isn’t just about periods or pregnancy, it’s about how you feel in your body every day.

So here’s your gentle reminder: Start today. Get curious. Listen closely. Love yourself enough to pay attention.

Your body will thank you.