The Benefits of Using a Period Tracker: Why Every Woman Should Have One

Some may ask, why track your period instead of going with the flow (literally)? There are numerous benefits to understanding and following your cycle:

• Symptom Management: One of the benefits of a period tracker is that it allows you to log symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and headaches. With this data, you can anticipate and prepare for symptoms, potentially improving comfort and mood during your cycle. Whether you need to pack in pads or tampons, plan your workout routines, or be extra kind to yourself and rest, a period tracker can help you live more comfortably.
• Fertility Awareness: Another benefit of period trackers is that they provide fertility tracking features, which can be helpful if you’re trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. Apps can predict ovulation windows, allowing you to identify the best days for conception.
• Health Monitoring: Changes in your cycle or symptoms may signal underlying health concerns, like PCOS or hormonal imbalances. Tracking these details provides valuable data to discuss with your healthcare provider, potentially leading to an earlier diagnosis and intervention.

There are some disadvantages of period trackers to be aware of as well:

• Privacy Concerns: Some apps might not fully protect your data, so choosing a secure app is crucial.
• Inaccuracy: No app can perfectly predict cycles due to various factors influencing menstrual health.
• Reliance on Technology: Relying solely on an app may deter some users from listening to their body’s signals.

Now that we have established some of the benefits of period trackers, let’s look at exactly what they track: your cycle.

Understanding the menstrual cycle can help you make the most of your period tracker.

Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase marks the beginning of the cycle, characterised by the shedding of the uterine lining.

• Duration: Typically lasts 3-7 days.
• Key Events: Uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual flow; hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest.
• Common Symptoms: Cramping, fatigue, and mood changes.

Follicular Phase

This phase overlaps with the menstrual phase and continues until ovulation.

• Duration: Approximately 13-14 days in a 28-day cycle.
• Key Events: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries; estrogen levels rise, and the uterine lining thickens.
• Common Experiences: Increased energy levels, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function.

Ovulation Phase

The ovulation phase is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, marking the peak of fertility.

• Duration: About 24 hours.
• Key Events: Luteinising hormone (LH) surge triggers egg release; cervical mucus becomes thin and slippery, and body temperature slightly increases.
• Common Experiences: Increased libido, mild pelvic pain in some women, and peak fertility.

Luteal Phase

This final phase prepares the body for a potential pregnancy and includes premenstrual symptoms if pregnancy does not occur.

• Duration: Typically 14 days.
• Key Events: Progesterone levels rise, further thickening the uterine lining. If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop, triggering menstruation.
• Common Symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood changes, and fatigue.

If you’re ready to try period tracking, here are some highly recommended reproductive health apps:

• Clue: A user-friendly app with a scientific approach and helpful educational resources.
• Flo: Popular for period and fertility tracking; it also includes features for symptom tracking and partner sharing.
• Ovia: Great for those trying to conceive, offering fertility insights and pregnancy support.
• Cycles: Known for its intuitive design and customisable tracking options.
• Period Calendar (Pink Pad): A simple, user-friendly app with symptom tracking and cycle predictions.

With concerns about data privacy, choosing a period tracker app that prioritises security is essential. Look for apps with strict data policies, like Clue, that comply with European privacy laws, or opt for anonymous modes in apps like Flo.

Period tracker apps empower women by providing insights into their health, enabling better symptom management, and offering a deeper understanding of their menstrual cycles. Every woman can proactively track her menstrual cycle and reproductive health by choosing the right app and using it consistently.

At SaniPod™, we are committed to supporting women’s menstrual health in New Zealand. Our automatic sanitary bins offer a discreet, hygienic, and convenient solution for disposing of sanitary products, helping women feel supported and respected during their menstrual cycle. By equipping workplaces with sanitary napkin disposal bins that women actually feel safe using, employers demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of female employees, promoting comfort and dignity. This simple addition can make a significant difference in normalising and supporting menstrual health at work.

Contact SaniPod™ about our feminine waste disposal solutions today.