Having a uterus (and everything that comes with it) can sometimes feel like a burden. We went on a mission to find simple developments in technology, psychology and wellness that can make life with hormones and periods easier!
Are there reliable natural alternatives to hormonal contraceptives? How do I get my libido back on track? Being a woman can be a rough gig at times. So we’ve compiled an updated guide for stuff that’s out there (some new discoveries, some ancient rediscoveries) to make modern living with a uterus easier – even if it’s just in tiny ways.
FERTILITY TECH
Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, monitoring your period for health reasons or looking for a natural alternative to the Pill, there’s an app for that! And the more people there are on these apps, the more data can be collected to understand and serve us better in terms of new information and products.
Clue – helping you track and share your cycle data
Pioneering the quest for open, healthy and much-needed conversations about periods and reproductive health in general, Clue not only helps you track your data but you can also share it with friends, family and significant others. It can remind you when your period is close and also tracks your emotions, moods, energy levels and a few other customisable markers.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT:
It’s a really cute app, and it’s good to know when people you care about might be feeling extra sensitive. Clue’s information hub is also fantastic and is paving the way for all of us – not just women – to be empowered by information and open communication that breaks down period shame. Check it out at www.helloclue.com
The Flow App – grow with your flow
This one comes recommended by Kheyrne Danu, founder of Woman Thrive (more about her in the next section), who has used and reviewed a ton of the available apps. She loves this one because it has great insights about the phases of our cycles (you know all about Peak Week from the hormone article in last month’s issue) and can help us to play our hormones to our advantage rather than let them block us from living our best lives. www.theflow-app.com
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT:
It’s focused on discovering your super skills based on where you are in your cycle. ‘We believe that to break the invisible wall and propel women forward, we need to fully acknowledge how female qualities change across the hormonal cycle on a monthly basis, during puberty, during pregnancy or during menopause; and learn that these changes can be positively leveraged to boost female health, happiness, engagement and career choices.’
Natural Cycles – the certified contraception app
How does it work? You sign up and pay for access to the app, then buy a basal body temperature thermometer which you use to take and record your temperature every morning. By analysing your temperature and cycle data (and taking into account a host of variables), the algorithm predicts when you will ovulate. Based on this, it gives you red days (use protection or abstain) or green days (safe to have sex without falling pregnant). Many ‘cyclers’ around the world who previously struggled with contraceptive side-effects have been singing the app’s praises.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT:
It’s backed by thorough research and science, and it’s the most accurate app available. Natural Cycles’ typical use efficacy is 93% – which compares pretty well with other methods like the Pill at 91%.
Shané Barnard has been using Natural Cycles since 2016, and shared her experience with us:
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