In the part 1 of this blog series, we understood what it means to track your menstrual cycle. In this part 2 of the series, we will dive deeper into the various methods of tracking your menstrual cycle.
The image above is from our ambassador Shivangi, who practises cycle tracking on a regular basis and observe patterns over time!
How to track your Menstrual Cycle?
There are many different ways to track your menstrual cycle – you can reference the moon and note which moon phase your bleeding starts on. There are many trackers available online which allows you to track this in a beautiful and aesthetic manner. Check out these cycle charts by know-your-flow (available for free download). You can take these examples and get inspiration to create your own calendar too!
Or you can keep a creative paper based journal noting your day 1 of bleeding and writing some words about your feelings and body sensations – this can become a creative work of art! You can even create mandalas (circular art) using colours and forms to depict the feeling on each day of the cycle.
And then, what is becoming really popular these days because of simplicity and ease is to use an app!
Menstrual/ Period Cycle Tracking Apps
There are literally hundreds of period tracking apps available for free – the question then becomes how to choose which app would suit you best for your needs? We have looked into this question and will try and help you make sense of the various options by profiling a few that we think work really well.
For Young Adolescent Girls:
If you think of yourself as a young adolescent girl who is super curious with so many period related questions but feels shy or does not dare to ask anybody then this app might be the perfect solution for you: Oky Period Tracker.
- It specifically targets girls aged 10 and above
- It is 3+ rated and is suitable for all age groups.
- It has an encyclopedia which helps girls to ask questions that they may be otherwise shy to ask
- It gives facts and tips for staying healthy and happy which makes it more fun to use.
- It helps to track cycle and predict the next period.
- It also helps to track body symptoms as well as changing moods.
- Available on both Android & iOS for free.
For Women who are Sexually Active:
If you are planning to conceive or wish to avoid unwanted pregnancy Period Tracker would be the best app for you
- It specifically targets women who are sexually active.
- It is one of the highest rated period calendar.
- It can track your chance of pregnancy every day.
- You can also record your cervical mucus, BMI, sexual activity, weight, temperature, symptoms as well as moods.
- You can never lose your data as Google account data backup and restoration is possible.
- Security protection is available.
- It can be used as a personal period diary.
- Available on both Android & iOS for free.
The image above is a menstrual mandala, created by our ambassador Shivangi
For both Women & Girls:
If you are looking for an app suiting you as well as your daughter Clue Period Tracker, Ovulation & Cycle Calendar might be something you are looking for.
- It is designed for all age groups (girls & women)
- It can be used as a period tracker, period calendar, ovulation tracker and fertility tracker.
- It predicts your next three cycles.
- It allows you to log details regarding symptoms, flow, moods and find patterns in the cycle.
- It has a reminder for upcoming periods, ovulation and PMS.
- It forecasts the recurring symptoms like upcoming cramps, pain, and headaches.
- You can log and set birth control pill reminders.
- It analyzes the period lengths to observe trends and irregularities.
- It provides menstrual health tips curated for you that explain your symptoms.
- Available on both Android & iOS for free.
For Indian Young Women:
If you are comfortable with plain English and Indian languages. And are interested to learn about menstruation in the context of Indian culture Meri Body would give you a wider picture.
- This app is designed especially for young Indian women.
- It aims to provide menstrual education by using storytelling illustrations, animated videos and multilingual voice-overs.
- The app is available in several languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi & English.
- It is a basic app that helps you to track your period.
- It guides you to fill in the dates when you start menstruating and the duration of the monthly cycle.
- It helps you recognise the days when you can expect the next menstruation to start.
- It shares basic knowledge about reproductive healthcare.
- Available on Android for free.
To learn about Eco Femme’s organic reusable cloth pads visit our online shop here. And why not have a look at this blog to learn about more period tracking apps.
Hope you enjoy tracking your period and take this wonderful step to gain control of your own body and make friends with your period!