The Problem with Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps

I constantly talk about the importance of tracking your menstrual cycle. It’s something that’s seemingly easier than ever to do thanks to the abundance of cycle tracking apps out there. And while these apps can be very useful for recording your period and getting predictions, there’s so much more to understanding your cycle than what an app alone can offer.

My Personal Experience with the Flo App

I'll admit, I do use the Flo app. I use it to record my period dates and receive predictions about my future periods. It helps me plan my life, including work commitments and social events. I even sync those predictions to my Google calendar for added convenience. I also love being able to easily see the average duration of my cycles, particularly as I’ve been focusing on making my cycles more regular.

However, I want to emphasise that using these apps for this purpose alone is quite different from relying on them as your sole source of knowledge about your menstrual cycle.

The Problem with Solely Depending on Apps

The issue with depending solely on tracking apps is that they can make it far too easy to tap a few "symptoms" and forget about the rest. You might find yourself not truly looking inward or learning about your own unique cycle. The deep connection to your cycle comes from a more personal approach: tracking it with pen and paper.

Pen and Paper: A Daily Self-Care Ritual

Tracking your menstrual cycle with pen and paper can become a daily self-care ritual that takes only a few minutes of your time. This hands-on approach allows you to truly engage with your body and your cycle. It's an intimate journey of self-discovery that can be immensely rewarding.

The Power of Personal Review

As part of my 1:1 coaching services, I review my clients' cycle trackers. It's amazing what you can uncover when you take the time to document your cycle manually. This information becomes the foundation for understanding your cycle and yourself on a deep level. From there, you can identify patterns, trends and areas for you to focus on.

The Downside of App Reliance

One of the major downsides of relying solely on apps is the potential for overreliance on their predictions. These predictions can create unrealistic expectations, leading to anxiety, confusion, concern, stress, and even disappointment if your body doesn't align with the app's forecasts.

Individualized Understanding

Apps provide highly generalised information and make predictions that don't take into account each individual's unique cycle. What one person needs and what works for them can be entirely different from someone else. It's essential to remember that your menstrual cycle is as unique as you are, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not serve your best interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while menstrual cycle tracking apps can be valuable tools for recording your period and planning ahead, they should complement, not replace, a more personalised approach. To truly understand your cycle and harness its power, consider embracing a combination of digital tracking and the timeless practice of documenting your journey with pen and paper. This holistic approach can lead to a deeper connection with your body and empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Click here to download your free copy of my paper cycle tracker & guide