Get To Know Your Cycle: The Benefits Of Using A Period Tracking App

Written by Tyra Douglas 

Have you ever wished you could predict when your next period will start? Or even how long it lasts? Look no further. Period tracking apps can help you with both of the above…and more!

What Are Period Tracking Apps?

Period tracking apps are an example of Femtech which is technology focusing on women’s health. Period tracking apps rely on the data you feed them to make accurate predictions about when your period will arrive and the duration of your period. The more you use period tracking apps, the more accurate they should become. Some can also be used track your mood, tiredness, hunger levels etc 

What Are The Best Apps To Track Your Menstrual Cycle?

The best app for tracking your menstrual cycle depends on your goals, and what stage of life you are in. 

For those who have just started their period, MagicGirl is a great app. It has a welcoming interface with different characters, a menstrual cycle tracker, period reminders, and tips about your menstrual cycle. There is also a chat function, and the ability to record pregnancy tests. These additional features can be removed using the parental control function. 

Whilst this is not a period tracking app per se, mySysters is worth mentioning. mySysters can be used to track perimenopause and menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes and migraines. mySysters also provides advice and recommends products on how to deal with perimenopause and menopause symptoms. 

For women in sport, FitrWoman is great, as it not only tracks your cycle but also provides nutrition tips based on where you are in your menstrual cycle. If you are part of a team, FitrWoman profiles can be shared with your coach via FitrCoach which can help your coach plan training sessions around you and your team's periods.

Clue is another period app that can track your period, PMS, and over 60 different symptoms. Clue also has a period calculator and an ovulation calculator. The premium version of Clue can be used to track your pregnancy week-by-week, with additional categories including vitamin intake, and pregnancy glow. 

How Can Period Apps Help You Manage Your Period?

Periods can be stressful. But they don’t have to be. Tracking your period can remove some of the stress about your period. Having an idea of when your period is expected to arrive can help you be better prepared. This might include putting a tampon, pad, menstrual cup, Fab Little Bag, or other period product in your bag. Additionally, as the app becomes better at predicting your periods, you can use them to guide you when you plan events, such as going on holiday, to ensure your period does not occur whilst you are on holiday.

Most period-tracking apps also include symptom trackers, and this can help to explain why you might be experiencing cravings suddenly, or wanting to collapse in a heap on the sofa for a Netflix & Chill….

Why Track Your Menstrual Cycle?

Tracking your menstrual cycle can be beneficial throughout life; from your first period to menopause. Benefits include planning for pregnancy, tracking and determining menopause, insights into whether your periods might fall into the “need to get checked out by a Dr “ category as well as taking away some of the stresses.

1. Want A Baby?

Period tracking apps such as Clue track your ovulation cycle. For those hoping to get pregnant, this can help to determine your fertility window, which is where the highest chances of becoming pregnant are.

2. Is That Normal?

Abnormalities in your period can also be highlighted through the use of period-tracking apps. Whilst one late or missed period is not necessarily a cause for concern, multiple irregular periods might be a sign of an underlying issue, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Hence, tracking your period can provide evidence for this that can be discussed and followed up with a medical professional.

The other side….

For those reaching perimenopause, tracking your period can help you identify if it is becoming more irregular, which could indicate perimenopause if this occurs alongside other symptoms such as hot flushes or brain fog.

Knowledge is power, so …

the more data you feed the algorithm, the more accurate it becomes, so start today. If you don’t like the interface of one app, you can easily switch to another as there are so many on the app store.

Whenever you’re on your period, if you use tampons and pads, don’t forget your Fab Little Bag, as you never know where you may end up and importantly, if there will be a bin and if it will be clean! Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself (and the planet) when you are on your period!