Period Tracker Apps: Why and Which One?
Everyone’s favorite question in a doctor’s visit, “what is the day of your last period?” might seem like a random inquiry to some, but knowing where you are in your cycle is a very significant diagnosing tool.
So, what cycle day are you on? If you don’t know the answer to that question, then you should consider tracking today.
Why Track Your Period?
Knowing when you’re fertile is the most powerful knowledge of your body you can have. This makes tracking your cycle important. Whether you want to get pregnant or are avoiding it at all costs, you can know the best time for your body through tracking.
Choosing An App
Much like your diary or journal, you will be entering this personal information, ideally, on a daily basis (based on your symptoms) and so it’s a commitment.
You definitely want to like the app you’re using in terms of how easy it is for you to navigate and enter the information you want to monitor. There are a variety of apps out there and depending on what you prefer, it’ll take some time to find the right fit for you. There are period tracking apps that are flowery and full of emojis. And then there are apps that are more subtle and sophisticated.
Before we jump into some of our highly recommended apps, here are some things to take note of before starting:
The Learning Period
You’ll need to track at least three to four complete cycles, before you start to see reliable patterns. The more input you give your tracking app, the better the predictions and information you glean from your cycle. It learns, while you learn.
Many factors contribute to cycle length, but on average a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. Day 1 begins on the first day of your period. Your cycle length begins on that day and ends the day before your next period. If you’re irregular, tracking might take a longer period of time before you can have reliable patterns.
The menstrual phase (phase one) is a lot easier to track for some, while the ovulation phase (phase 3) can be tricky if you are not actively paying attention to the symptoms. Tracking apps offer a variety of symptoms to track, and descriptions of those symptoms, so you can track your phases accordingly.
Things To Consider:
Period tracking is just a metric. Like a speedometer in a car, you don’t stare at it the whole time you’re driving. For more accurate results, you should be supplementing your tracking with paper BBT charting. And don’t worry we have a blog post outlining that process for you as well right here.
If you don’t know what cycle day you are on, consider waiting until your first day of your period to start tracking.
Enable notifications to get reminders of when certain phases of your cycle are expected.
If you experience irregular cycles, you can naturally regulate it by seeing an acupuncturist and incorporating certain herbs into your diet. Otherwise, My Calendar or Cycles could be the right app for you, as it tracks irregular cycles, in addition to its other features.
Here’s the thing about tracking apps. They all complete the goal of tracking your period. The differences I’ve seen are their tracking design, symptoms tracked, and other features. All apps cover menstruation, spotting, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, weight, intercourse information, and more. They all have an analysis feature that breaks down the data you enter. And they’re all learning algorithm based apps, meaning the more you track, the more it learns overtime.
We have two lists, one great for simple tracking, and another great for those TTC, as they go beyond just cycle tracking. Here are some apps you should definitely consider.
If You Are Tracking For Birth Control:
Clue - Unique features include a “Content” feature where you can read scientific articles related to cycle health. They even have a podcast, Hormonal, which is a great listen.
Period Tracker - Very hip to the younger crowd- you can track your symptoms with emojis. Unique features include the ability to add notes/comments and temperature tracking.
Flo - Simple calendar view for tracking. Unique features include an interactive online community, so you can chat with others using the app.
If You Are Trying To Conceive:
Fertility Friend - Great app to accompany the website's ovulation calendar. This is what we recommend the most to our patients, as it generates really good BBT charts. When you sign up for the website you can opt in for a free BBT charting course.
Glow - This is a great app for those who are planning to undergo IVF and other fertility treatments. In addition to basic tracking, this app allows for setting medications and logging other health signals.
Period Plus - BBT tracking available in addition to period and cycle tracking. A unique feature includes daily affirmations.
Cycles (iPhones Only) - A very user friendly option, as all you need to do is click once when you start your period. Sync with your iWatch, as well as your partner. In the upgraded version, the app allows you to share your cycle with your partner, so you can all be up to date and plan accordingly.