Choosing the best cycle tracking app
Choosing the best cycle tracking app
*Disclaimer: things are changing very very fast and we are trying out best to keep this blog up to date as fast as possible, always double-check apps privacy policies**
Knowing where you are in your cycle is super useful information for many reasons:
- Our energy level, ability to focus, emotions, immune system (and more) fluctuate throughout the month along with our hormones
- We are more fertile during specific days during our cycle, the “fertile window” so whether you’re trying to get pregnant or avoiding pregnancy, this is useful information to have
- Figuring out which seeds to take when you’re seed cycling is so much easier when you know where you are in your cycle
Apps are the easiest way to track because you always have your phone handy to track symptoms, your temperature, and when you start your period. Plus, they can help you see when you’re predicted to ovulate which can be interesting but do not rely on the app’s predictions as birth control!
Why are people worried about their period tracking apps after the overturn of Roe v Wade?
- Period tracking apps are collecting data on your cycle and health and some of these apps are selling your data to third-party companies (check out the class-action lawsuit that Flo is currently in).
- There is concern that the data collected in these apps could be used against women/ people with periods in states that have criminalized abortion and endanger the safety of the users.
- There is a concern that even if companies don’t willingly give this information up that it could still be obtained by other parties.
There are lots of cycle tracking apps out there, and here are a few of our favorites!
Clue - Clue is an ovulation + period tracker based out of Europe. This app is a great opinion if you are looking for a general neutral app with a lot of education. Clue also has an encyclopedia that has information on periods, sexual health, fertility, birth control, and more. Clue has both a free and premium option and is launching a birth control method that is FDA-cleared.
Read their privacy and data sharing statement
Natural Cycles - FDA-approved non-hormonal birth control. You must use their connected thermometer and all plans are paid subscriptions starting at $9.99/month plus the $14 thermometer. There is no a free option. Natural Cycles has gone through the process of getting its app approved by the FDA and touts a 93% effectiveness rate with typical use. https://www.naturalcycles.com/
Natural Cycles is a regulated medical device that follows GDPR and we also have our own very heavy data security measures in place that include encryption. Protecting user’s information has always been a top priority for Natural Cycles and as sensitive data becomes more sensitive, we’ll continue to make sure your data is safe with us
More to come! We are working on examining all the privacy policies and talking to the apps to make sure we are giving you accurate info.
Knowing more about your cycle and tracking it with advanced tools is definitely helpful for becoming more familiar with your symptoms throughout the month and even whether or not your cycle is regular. A word of caution about using a period tracking app as birth control (even if it’s FDA approved). Don’t do it! All the machine learning and AI in the world can’t crack the code 100% on your unique cycle. There’s no substitute for confirming your ovulation after it happened, so always be extra careful if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy - especially as you’re getting to know your cycle and the signs our bodies use to communicate with us.