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
Period length may also vary from 3–8 days. On average, a person loses
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.
- Best period tracking app for athletes: FitrWoman
- Most comprehensive period tracking app: Flo
- Most inclusive period tracking app: Clue
- Best period tracking app for customization: My Calendar
- Best period tracking app for fertility: Glow
- Best period app for tracking sexual activity: Eve
- Best period app for symptom tracking: Period Tracker Lite
- Best period tracking app for iPhone users: Period Plus
- Best period tracking app for teens: MagicGirl
- Best period tracking app for sharing with a partner: Cycles
Period tracking apps are resources that allow people with smart devices to log data related to their period. Such data may include:
- period start and end dates
- menstrual flow rate
- period symptoms
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.
Best for athletes: FitrWoman
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:
- input information about their menstrual cycle
- update symptoms
- log physical activity
FitrWoman also provides a FitrCoach app. This feature allows a coach to access their athlete’s information to manage them accordingly.
Pros
- allows for tracking of both the menstrual cycle and physical activity
- provides nutrition tips for each stage of the menstrual cycle
- compatibility with an app for coaches
Cons
- nutrition and fitness information may be the same every month
- app is only suitable for those with a typical menstrual cycle
Most comprehensive: Flo
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.
Pros
- wide range of symptoms to choose from
- wide range of features available
- provides alerts for late periods
Cons
- no way to record physical activity
- personalized health insights and support network are for premium members only
Best for inclusivity: Clue
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:
- a period tracker
- multiple mood trackers
- exercise trackers
- health logs
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.
Pros
- widely publicized, so is tried and tested
- inclusive of all ages and genders
- allows users to add their partner to the account
Cons
- users may have to pay for some features
- no pregnancy tracker
- no pill or contraception reminders
Best for customization: My Calendar
Android: Free
iPhone: Free
My Calendar is a period tracking app with various customizable features, including:
- tracker start date
- reminder style
- units of measurement
- color scheme
A person can password-protect their account and choose discreet period reminders.
My Calendar allows users to record and track the following:
- regular and irregular periods
- menstrual flow
- symptoms
- temperature
- weight
- moods
- sexual activity
- medication
A person can access all their essential information on the calendar home page.
Pros
- customizable
- discreet reminders available
- a home page that provides access to all necessary information
Cons
- does not track pregnancy
- cannot log physical activity
Best for fertility tracking: Glow
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:
- record physical and mental period symptoms
- log more than 40 different health signals
- log sexual activity
- make charts of their menstrual and fertility data
- set medication, birth control, and ovulation reminders
Glow also offers a subscription to unlock the following features:
- comparative insights
- premium articles
- private messaging
- premium support
Pros
- can help people undergoing fertility treatments
- provides daily statistics on the likelihood of conceiving that day
- compares statistics with those of other users
Cons
- best suited for fertility rather than period tracking
- need to pay for premium features
Best for tracking sexual activity: Eve
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:
- daily insights
- quizzes
- information about women’s health
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.
Pros
- ability to log sexual activity
- access to a community of other users
- new information and interactivity on a daily basis
Cons
- currently only available in the English language
- no option for a partner to view data
- users cannot log exercise
Best for symptom tracking: Period Tracker Lite
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:
- menstrual flow
- menstrual cramps
- bloating
- backache
- breast tenderness
- headache
People can also enter data on the following:
- weight
- temperature
- mood
Period Tracker Lite displays period dates, fertility days, and ovulation in a month-view calendar. The app provides comprehensive charts to illustrate the following:
- period length
- cycle length
- symptoms
- weight changes
- temperature changes
Pros
- can log symptom severity
- can predict optimum fertility
- app displays as “P Tracker” for discretion
Cons
- premium membership required to unlock bonus features
- features may be considered basic
Best for iPhone users: Period Plus
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:
- period duration and intensity
- cramp intensity
- breast tenderness
- breakouts
- migraine
- basal body temperature
- sleep patterns
- cervical mucus
- sexual activity
- exercise
- pregnancy test results
Pros
- can track various factors
- reminders available for periods and fertility
- benefits such as daily affirmations and a video game
Cons
- only available on Apple devices
- app may be fairly basic
Best for teens: MagicGirl
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.
Pros
- users can enable a passcode
- pregnancy mode available
- provides education for teenagers
- free to use
Cons
- not designed for adults
- may share information with third parties
- not gender-neutral
Best for sharing with a partner: Cycles
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:
- pill reminders
- body and mood tracking
- period and ovulation tracking
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.
Pros
- allows partners to view information
- appears to be completely free to use
- has an insights feature that predicts symptoms
- has a compatible watch app
Cons
- only suitable for Apple users
- users cannot log physical activity
- may not benefit people who frequently change partners
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:
- menstrual flow
- physical symptoms
- mood
- any irregularities
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.