Periods typically occur once a month, but the exact timing, flow, and accompanying symptoms are not always consistent. Period tracker apps are interactive devices that can help a person track their monthly cycle.
Most people who menstruate experience bleeding approximately every 28 days. However, it is common for the menstrual cycle to be shorter or longer and for bleeding to start anywhere from day 21 to day 40.
Period length may also vary from 3–8 days. On average, a person loses 2–3 tablespoons of blood during a period, but some may lose more or less.
This article examines period tracking apps and lists 10 available options, including key features and advantages and disadvantages. We also discuss alternative methods for period tracking.
Period tracking apps are resources that allow people with smart devices to log data related to their period. Such data may include:
Period tracking can help people get to know their body and cycle and observe any symptoms that occur during a particular phase of their cycle. They can also help identify any changes to the menstrual cycle that may indicate potential health issues.
Another feature of period tracking apps is that they can usually predict when a person is ovulating and fertile. This means they are helpful for people who are avoiding pregnancy or trying to conceive.
Some period tracking apps are free, while others may offer or require a one-off payment or ongoing subscription. A few apps may offer a free trial period before requiring payment.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
The FitrWoman app is suitable for those who are physically active. The app provides period tracking in addition to nutrition and fitness tips for each stage of a person’s cycle.
Users can:
FitrWoman also provides a FitrCoach app. This feature allows a coach to access their athlete’s information to manage them accordingly.
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
Flo period tracker allows a person to track their periods and record their symptoms. Users can also log the following:
Flo Period Tracker uses artificial intelligence-based technology to provide period and ovulation predictions. It also tracks and detects trends within a person’s cycle. The app may be useful for users who are trying to become pregnant.
Premium members can access daily personalized health insights. They can also access a support network where they can discuss topics with other Flo users and access a variety of courses.
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
Clue is a popular period tracking app that has featured in various magazines. Its developers promise to be inclusive of all ages and genders.
Clue uses science to help its users identify unique patterns in their menstrual cycle. The app provides the following:
The app’s unique algorithm learns from the data its user provides. The longer a person uses the app, the more in tune with their menstrual cycle the app becomes.
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
My Calendar is a period tracking app with various customizable features, including:
A person can password-protect their account and choose discreet period reminders.
My Calendar allows users to record and track the following:
A person can access all their essential information on the calendar home page.
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
Glow uses a data-driven menstrual and ovulation calculator to forecast periods and ovulation. Once the app detects a person’s cycle, its predictions become smarter over time.
Glow can help people who are either avoiding or attempting pregnancy. It can also help those who are undergoing fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Users can:
Glow also offers a subscription to unlock the following features:
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
The Eve app by Glow allows a person to track their menstrual cycle, symptoms, and sexual activity. The app generates charts to help people identify patterns.
The app also provides the following:
Users can also access a community where they can discuss periods, sex, and health. This feature enables people to learn from those who have had similar experiences.
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
The Period Tracker Lite app allows users to press a button at the start of each period. Period Tracker Lite will record this data and use the average of 3 months’ data to calculate a person’s next period.
People can take notes each day about symptoms and symptom severity. Examples include:
People can also enter data on the following:
Period Tracker Lite displays period dates, fertility days, and ovulation in a month-view calendar. The app provides comprehensive charts to illustrate the following:
iPhone: Free
Period Plus can help predict when a person’s next period will begin. The app helps a person plan ahead by sending reminders for the next period and fertility window. It also features daily affirmations and a video game.
Period Plus tracks the following:
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
MagicGirl is a period tracker app for “teens and tweens.” People can track their period and the app will predict when the next one is due.
This app also provides menstrual education videos for young people. For example, the app can help users determine which sanitary product is right for them.
Users can connect with others to share tips and advice.
iPhone: Free
The Cycles app allows a person to invite their partner to share data. This enables couples to plan pregnancy and sexual activity together.
The app provides the following:
The Cycles app displays a person’s menstrual cycle as a dial, so users can easily view and monitor where they are in their cycle. It also has an Insights feature, allowing people to view predictions.
As an alternative to period tracking apps, a person can mark their period start and end days on a diary or calendar. They can then use this information to predict when their period is due and when they are likely to be most fertile.
A person should ensure that they also track the following:
Period tracking apps are a useful tool for monitoring a person’s menstrual cycle and helping to predict periods and fertility windows. Many of these apps also allow a person to record additional information, such as menstrual symptoms and sexual activity.
Period trackers are useful to help detect patterns and any abnormalities within the menstrual cycle. They are also useful for people wanting to plan or avoid pregnancy.
There are many period tracking apps available. The type a person chooses will depend on multiple factors, including the type of smart device they own and the reason they want to use the app.
Last medically reviewed on April 4, 2022
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