my talk: Fun Ways to Track Your Period
Keeping tabs on your menstrual cycle is super important. It helps you understand your body, predict your period, manage symptoms, and even plan for/or prevent pregnancy. Thanks to technology, tracking your period has never been easier or more accurate.
Let’s dive into some fun and effective ways to keep track of your cycle, from cool apps to traditional methods. And always remember, your period is a science that YOU understand better than anyone else!
Traditional Methods
Whilst technology continues to advance, sometimes choosing the simplest options is actually the easiest and most effective. They're incredibly convenient and effective, taking out all the analytics and subscriptions. Not to mention they can be used in conjunction with the plethora of apps and devices available today.
Calendar Method
This involves marking the first day of your period on a calendar each month. Over time, you can observe patterns in your cycle. This method is simple and doesn’t require any technology, making it accessible to everyone.
Cycle Charting
Using a cycle chart or graph paper, you can track your basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other symptoms daily. This method is particularly useful if you are trying to conceive, as it helps identify your fertile window.
Period Journals
Keeping a period journal allows you to note down symptoms, moods, and any other relevant information about your cycle. This method is customisable and can be as detailed as you want, offering a personal way to understand your menstrual health.
Remember - just because they're traditional doesn't mean you can't still do it on your phone or computer!
Period Tracking Apps
If you're looking for a way to track your period digitally, apps have revolutionised how we can monitor our menstrual cycles and can even be of help when you're looking to grow your family, with a bunch of different fertility options to boot!
Here are some of the most popular ones on the market today:
Clue
Clue is a user-friendly app that provides a comprehensive way to track your menstrual cycle, PMS, ovulation, and other symptoms. It uses scientific data to help predict your periods and offers insights into your cycle. The app’s clean design and gender-neutral approach make it appealing to a wide audience.
Clue offers both a free version and a premium version called Clue Plus. The free version provides basic period tracking features, while Clue Plus offers advanced cycle predictions, detailed analysis, and additional tracking categories for a fee.
Flo
Flo is another highly popular period tracker app. It not only tracks your menstrual cycle but also offers health insights, reminders, and a community feature where you can discuss topics with other users. Flo uses machine learning to improve the accuracy of its predictions over time.
Flo provides a free version with essential period tracking and symptom logging features. There is an option to upgrade to Flo Premium, which includes more detailed health insights and extra functionalities.
Period Tracker by GP Apps
This app is straightforward and easy to use. It allows you to log your period dates, symptoms, moods, and more. The calendar view makes it simple to see your cycle at a glance, and it can provide reminders for upcoming periods and fertile days.
MyFLO
MyFLO goes beyond simple period tracking by providing insights into how your hormonal changes affect your productivity, exercise, and diet. It suggests lifestyle adjustments based on where you are in your cycle, aiming to help you balance your hormones naturally. This app offers a free version with fundamental period tracking and calendar features.
Wearable Technology
Looking for something completely different? Now there's devices available, just like your Apple Watch, such as the Ava Bracelet and the Tempdrop. These modern feats of technology contain sensors that track your physiology, focusing on body temperature, heart rate, and sleep patterns giving insights into your menstrual cycle and are super useful for those focusing on fertility in the near future.
So, what's our recommendation?
Honestly, it comes down to preference at the end of the day. Personally, I find it most helpful to use my phones calendar, maybe because I'm old school? But having tried several of the apps above, I can honestly say.... it's dealer's choice. Annoying I know, I found them very useful to track the times my partner and I were trying for a baby and they were much more effective for me at that stage of my life. But today, a mum of two beautiful boys, I stick to what's tried and true to me.
But regardless of what you use the key is consistency and attentiveness, even exploring different options to find what works best for you, because at the end of the day you know yourself better than anyone else.