3 free menstrual/period apps that should be your best friend, here’s why!
Its a little embarrassing as to how little I knew about the existence of Period Apps. ÄŸŸ™ˆ I stumbled upon these by accident and boy was I surprised! I have been brought up in a community where even mentioning anything about menstruation in public is still pretty taboo . ÄŸŸ ¤ ¦”â™€ï ¸
Research conducted in India last year found that 3.5 million girls/women skip school or work during their period and that is indeed alarming data! ÄŸŸ˜ ³ As a single woman (or if you’re in a relationship), you may not need apps to track fertility cycles – So why do we need it? Here’s your answer.
As someone who has been diagnosed with PCOS, irregular cycles are nothing new. ÄŸŸ ¤ · Having lived with it all these years made me ignorant towards the delay or sometimes even the high tides in my moods – as often observed by my peers. I know most of you are aware of the importance of using clean cotton sanitary pads australia or tampoons, but did you know apps can keep a track of your period? So convenient! Period apps not only help you track your periods but also help you realize irregularities in your system such as weight gain, unknown bloating, sudden cramps, loss of appetite, etc., which might be warning signals for another issue. Moreover, period tracking apps can also help people who are trying to conceive. They can track the ovulation cycle and get information on the fertility span during the month and later consult a professional for pregnancy testing (for instance, Your Loving Choices offers Free Pregnancy testing).
Have you wondered why you feel moody or low on some days – you may be ovulating. Having that extra sugar/salt craving – you may be close to your period. Can’t remember when you last got your period – your app may be able to help you there ÄŸŸ” ±
Here’s a fact! While there has been a widespread discussion about Data leaks, ELLE! mentions that the CLUE apps actually use the data for good! ÄŸŸ˜€ They share these data anonymously with research centers that work on studies in Menstrual Health across the globe because otherwise, they wouldn’t get people to share such personal data due to the existing silence around the topic, even in 2018. It’s kind of amazing that the data is being put to good use, with your permission of course!
Here are some free apps (may have in-app purchases), that have gained popularity over the years:
1. Clue
This one is quite the best of the lot! It makes your life a lot easier and I have been loving it since I’ve gotten my hands on it. It’s THAT convenient! ÄŸŸ˜
You need to be honest and share even the minutest of details in regard to your health with this app. You can share details like what meds you are on, how heavy your bleeding was, how bloated you feel, etc. This app can actually help you get through the most uncomfortable week of the month much easier. ÄŸŸ™Œ
This app also comes with an inbuilt tracker for your Ovulation Cycle – helps to log your birth control, or plan for pregnancy. It helps to understand what causes irregular bleeding and if it requires attention. ÄŸŸ ¥
Clue is available on Android and iOS.
2. Maya
Also known as an all-round health assistant for women, Maya is an app developed by Plackal Tech. It tracks menstrual health and has over 3M downloads on the App Store. It helps users track their mood and irregularities such as weight gain, bloating, swelling, etc. ÄŸŸ ¤’
There is also an option to sync the app with your calendar, just so that you don’t plan your beach holiday during your period (a major bummer, I know! ÄŸŸ˜ ). Maya also recommends products and services related to women’s health and hygiene in partnership with personal care companies around the globe. It is also offered in several Indian languages as well.
The Ovulation Tracker also acts as your personal assistant with its Pill Reminder feature: a nudge so that you remember to take your hormone/contraceptive pills. ÄŸŸ˜”
Maya is available on Android and iOS.
3. Period Tracker Period Calendar
This is the app I use and I LOVE IT! I can track almost anything under the sun
– Naomi D’Souza
Period Calendar tracks and predicts your period, ovulation, and fertile window, shows your Pregnancy Chance every day. The other things it can record are intimacy, BBT (Basal Body Temperature), symptoms, moods, cervical mucus, intercourse, weight, temperature, and more. It even has a pill reminder won’t let you miss any medication, drugs, supplements, or contraceptives like pills, ring, patch, even injection. Just like your own pharmacy, your own pill tracker.
It is a simple period tracker and helpful for irregular or regular periods. You can put a password to the app, or switch accounts if necessary to track another person.
Period Tracker Period Calendar is available on iOS.
Written and Researched by Sweta Swaminathan
