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Most women can relate to the feeling of their moods and their bodies being affected by their menstrual cycle. Whether it is fluctuations in your mood, aches in your body, or changes in your libido, so much depends on your hormones.
It is also not an uncommon experience for a woman to be curled up in pain or feel like the world is ending, only to find out the next day that you are on your period. Unfortunately, education of women’s bodies is still considered taboo, and discussing your period is still done in hushed tones. Because of this, so many women have trouble understanding their bodies.
One of the best ways that you can start to understand these things about yourself is by using a period-tracking app on your phone.
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What Can Period Trackers Do?
Your period tracking app does much more than just recording the days of your cycle. It will also let you record what symptoms you are dealing with throughout the month and recognize these patterns. It will also be able to predict the start and end dates of your next period based on previous data. Some period apps can let you connect with others and share experiences and advice. These apps will also give you tips on how to manage your symptoms better.
How Period Trackers Can Help You
Here are some of the ways these apps can help you stay on track:
- Understanding Unique Patterns
Many women are taught that there is a “right” way for your body to function and for your period to be. Often, women feel shame when they do not meet that standard. Understanding your own, unique cycle is so important. This can help you feel much more confident. It will also help you recognize irregularities that you would have otherwise missed if you did not have a recorded history to compare it to.
- Awareness of Symptoms
Being aware of your symptoms can be an important step in recognizing them. It prepares you for days you might be experiencing more pain or nausea, and you can plan days off work for the worst days. It also allows you to stock any medication or comfort items that you know you will be needing.
- Planning for Your Period
Have you ever found out that you got your period the day before you had to travel? Or that you had an incredible day planned but got your period in the middle of it? Your tracking app will keep you ahead, and predict your period before it even starts. Of course, sometimes it can be unpredictable, but many of these apps are able to be fairly precise with their predictions using complex algorithms. You can use these apps as guidelines when you are planning.
- Mood Management
Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle can have massive impacts on your mood. Not only are there premenstrual symptoms, but also during menstruation, follicular, and ovulation phases. If you can understand how you will feel and react during each of these, you will know how to regulate yourself. For instance, if you know you feel irritable during the menstrual phase, you can more effectively remove yourself from frustrating situations. If you expect to struggle with depression during the luteal phase, you can try to be more active and engage in your hobbies so that you can mitigate the symptoms.
- Pregnancy and Birth Control
If you are trying to conceive, having a good understanding of your cycle will make things much easier. It will tell you when you are most fertile and what the best time to try is. Conversely, a tracking app will help you monitor when to reorder birth control. If you are looking into alternative forms, it can be helpful to know which days you are most likely to become pregnant in case you want to be cautious.
- Health and Wellness
Women’s bodies can be seriously affected by their menstrual health. Knowing your own pattern will also mean knowing when it changes. You will be able to notice anything concerning much quicker and will be able to go to a doctor sooner. You will also have a record of what your regular pattern looks like and when you first started to experience changes. This can be very helpful to keep track of your medical history. You will be able to understand what could have potentially influenced the changes and potentially get diagnosed faster.
Which Period Tracker Should You Use?
There is no shortage of period trackers available on the market today, offering a variety of different features. We’ve picked out some of the best for you.
- Clover
Clover is one of the best period tracking apps. It is user friendly and has an easy-to-use interface. It also has many options for the symptoms you can record, allowing you to be more precise. This app will give you important health insights that can help you out. The biggest downside, however, is that if you delete and restore the app, it will not retain data. It also has a lot of pop-up ads. Overall, this is our top pick for period trackers.
- Ovulation
Ovulation is an efficient, user-friendly app. It does not need too many clicks when you are entering information and is much easier to use on the go. Its predictions for your period are usually quite accurate. It even has helpful tips and tools, like videos of stretches that can help limit cramps. The biggest problem with this app is that it has limited options for symptoms, so you will often have to add notes. It can also be difficult to edit the starting and ending dates for your period if it is irregular. It also has a lot of ads.
- Flo
Flo is a really good application to use if you are willing to pay. Overall, it has the best interface, the most options, and the best health insights. However, the big problem with this application is that it offers nearly no free features and is not worth using unless you pay.
Period tracking apps have proven to be an invaluable tool for women looking to better understand their bodies. From predicting periods to managing mood swings and tracking symptoms, these apps offer a comprehensive way to stay on top of menstrual health.
By providing personalized insights and recommendations, they allow users to make informed decisions about their health, wellness, and reproductive plans. The growing availability of such tools shows a positive shift towards recognizing the importance of menstrual health and empowering women with the knowledge they need.
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FAQs
- Can period tracking apps help with irregular cycles?
Yes, most period tracking apps can help with irregular cycles by recording the days of your period and any symptoms you experience. Over time, the app can learn your unique pattern, helping you predict your cycle more accurately, even if it’s not regular. However, if cycles remain unpredictable, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
- Are period trackers safe to use for teenagers?
Period trackers are generally safe for teenagers to use. They can help young people better understand their bodies, track menstrual cycles, and manage symptoms. However, it’s important to note that teens should be educated about using these tools responsibly and be aware that every individual’s cycle can vary. Consulting a doctor is advised if any concerning symptoms arise.
- Do period tracking apps also track ovulation and fertility?
Many period tracking apps do track ovulation and fertility by analyzing the user’s cycle and predicting fertile windows based on cycle patterns. This feature is helpful for individuals who are trying to conceive or want to understand their fertility better. Keep in mind that predictions can vary, and using multiple methods for fertility tracking is often recommended.
- How accurate are period tracking apps in predicting my period?
Period tracking apps can be fairly accurate, especially after recording several cycles. These apps rely on algorithms that predict the next cycle based on historical data. However, the accuracy can vary depending on the regularity of your cycle, lifestyle changes, or health conditions. It’s always good to track and cross-check with other methods when needed.
- Can I use a period tracker to monitor my menopause symptoms?
Some period tracking apps allow users to log symptoms related to menopause, like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep disturbances. While these apps can help track such changes, they are not a substitute for medical advice. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for a more comprehensive approach to managing menopause symptoms.
