Why using a period tracker is a flex

Hello ladies, let’s get real for a sec — when was the last time you paid close attention to your period? I’m not talking about just knowing when it’s coming up, but really keeping tabs on what’s happening with your body each month. If your answer is somewhere between “never” and “umm… I think last year?” don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. 

I’m a nurse at ThriVe. ThriVe is a center that specializes in women’s holistic health. Here’s the thing: using a period tracker can be a total game-changer for your menstrual health and overall well-being. So why does it matter? How can you become an expert on your body? Let’s talk about it so you can get your glow back.

Why using a period tracker is a flex

Does it really matter if you track your period? Periods can tell us a lot about our health.¹ But ladies, it’s easy to ignore the signs if we’re not actively paying attention. Life is busy! I get it.

A period tracker is like your personal health assistant. How? It helps you track things — like when to expect your next period! You can keep tabs on when your menstrual cycle starts and ends, how heavy or light the flow is, any symptoms like cramps or headaches, and even your mood swings. Over time, this shows you patterns that you might not have noticed otherwise. Is your cycle length consistent? Do you tend to feel more irritable the week before your period? Is the twinge you feel in your side probably ovulation pain? Tracking your period can help you be the expert on your body. And this is important information that you can share with a medical professional if something doesn’t seem right . 

You don’t have to know everything about women’s health. But it’s definitely helpful to know about your own health.

Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, bad cramps, missed periods, and major mood swings aren’t just annoying. It could be your body trying to tell you something. Sometimes, these symptoms might be tied to pregnancy. But could they also be signs of other conditions? It’s possible. Other conditions could be polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS — a condition related to ovulation), fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even stress-related issues.² By tracking your cycle, you can catch these red flags early! You’ll be able to take action before things get more complicated. You can always come to ThriVe to get a no-cost pregnancy test, if you want answers ASAP.

So how do period trackers work?

Are you thinking, “Okay, that sounds great, but how do I actually do this?” Girl, I got you. There’s an app for that! Actually, there are tons of apps! There’s Flo, Clue, and Period Tracker, really a whole world of period tracking apps. And most of them are super simple to use. You just download one, set up your profile with some basic info, and then start logging your data each month.

These apps don’t just keep track of your period. They can help you monitor things like ovulation, and symptoms throughout your whole cycle. Some of them offer insights and predictions based on your data. That’s so you’ll know when your period is likely to start and end, when you’re likely to ovulate and other fertility info, and what symptoms to expect. It’s like having a crystal ball for your body.

Plus, some of these apps come with extra features like health articles and even mood trackers. This makes it easy to keep all your health info in one place and stay on top of things. You don’t have to be a tech genius to use them. They’re designed to be user-friendly, even if you’re not exactly a pro at tracking stuff. And it’s totally your choice how much info you want to track. Some women take notes of daily symptoms, others just track their periods. Any and all of this info is helpful.

Don’t like the idea of using a period tracker app? That’s totally fine! To do it more old school, you can use a calendar or your phone’s calendar app. Just jot down how you’re feeling everyday. If you have any symptoms, or start your period, take that down too. Got it? It’s easy! You could even choose a fun emoji to represent your period or ovulation, like a red heart. Or a unicorn! Tracking your cycle can be fun!

Spotting sus issues early on

Okay, so you’re logging your period each month. Now what? I’m glad you asked! This is where things get interesting. You might start to get scientist vibes with all your data. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in your cycle. Do you always get a headache a day before your period starts? Or maybe your periods are getting shorter or longer? These patterns are super important! They can actually help you spot potential issues before they become big problems.

For example, are your periods suddenly irregular, or did you start experiencing super heavy bleeding? That’s a bit suspicious, and you shouldn’t ignore it. It could be a sign of something like PCOS, which is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods and other symptoms like acne and weight gain.³ Or maybe you’re dealing with severe cramps that make it hard to get out of bed. That could be a sign of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus starts growing outside of it.⁴ Neither of these conditions is something you want to deal with alone. Catching them early can make a huge difference in how they’re treated. And you deserve the best care possible.

What about the flip side? If you’re not getting your period at all, that’s another red flag. Missing a period could be a sign of pregnancy, but it could also be related to things like stress, extreme weight loss, or thyroid issues.¹ Tracking your cycle can help you catch these signs early so you can get the help you need. At ThriVe, we can help you get answers if you’ve missed a period. Our lab-quality pregnancy tests are no-cost, and extremely accurate. Why are they no cost? We believe you deserve the best care, without having to worry about finances. We’ll be able to point you in the right direction and support you, no matter what.

When to see your doctor

There are certain times when you need to get checked out by a doctor. I know, being proactive about your health. But you’re worth it. Here are some key signs that mean it’s time to book that appointment:

– Irregular periods: Is your cycle is all over the place? Have you suddenly started skipping periods? If you’ve been sexually active, come to ThriVe to get a no-cost pregnancy test. ‘Even if you’ve taken one and just need confirmation that it’s accurate, we’ll always welcome you. If you’ve ruled out pregnancy, make an appointment so you can figure out what’s going on.

– Heavy bleeding: If you’re soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours, or if your period lasts longer than a week, that’s not typical.²

– Severe pain: Are your cramps so bad that you can’t function normally? You shouldn’t have to put up with that all the time. Talk with your doctor and set up  an appointment.²

– Unusual discharge: If you notice a strange smell, color, or texture, that could be a sign of an infection.⁵

– Ongoing symptoms: If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like weight changes, depression, or acne that just won’t go away, make an appointment.³

Sound familiar? It’s a good idea to see your doctor. Bring your tracked data with you—it can give your doctor a clearer picture of what’s going on. It’ll help you make the best decisions for your health. Check out our blog for more info about these symptoms. We’re here to help.

When to make an appointment at ThriVe

Think you might be pregnant, or have an STD? Take a breath. That’s where we come in. We want to help you. Our services are by women, for women. Will you let us empower and equip you for whatever comes next? Here’s when you should come see us at ThriVe for help:

– Missed a period: If you’ve missed a period and aren’t sure if you might be pregnant, ThriVe offers no-cost pregnancy tests to help you figure things out. We’ll never pressure you into anything.

– STD concerns: Think you might have been exposed to an STD? ThriVe offers no-cost STD screenings, so you can get peace of mind. It’s discreet. We’ll show you the respect you deserve. You should never feel shame in getting tested, or receiving the care you need.

– Emotional support: Feeling stressed or overwhelmed by an unplanned pregnancy? Need information about what’s going on with your body? ThriVe has women’s advocates available to support you. They’ll get you the info you need. We all care about you, truly. We’ll be by your side no matter what.. Give us a call if you need that support today.

ThriVe is here to help you navigate whatever you’re going through. And that’s without judgment or cost. Whether it’s a pregnancy test, an STD screening, or women’s health information on our blog, we’ve got your back.

Be the expert on your body

Ladies, using a period tracker is about more than just knowing when your period’s coming. It’s self-care. 

Do you want to be equipped to know your body? Feel more in control of your health? 

By keeping tabs on your cycle and noticing any changes, you can catch potential issues early. Partner with your doctor to get yourself taken care of. Your health and future are important. If you ever need support, ThriVe is there for you with no-cost services and a team that’s ready to help.

So, what are you waiting for? Download that app, start tracking, and take charge of your health like the boss you are. Trust me, your future self will thank you. You’re totally slaying it. We believe in you. 

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