Why I won’t use apps to predict my ovulation as a hormone health coach…
Do Ovulation Prediction Apps Work?
A 2018 study found that apps that predicted ovulation was no better than 21% accurate*
*Source: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2018.1475348
This study took data from 949 volunteers’ cycles to determine if cycle-tracking apps were accurate. Volunteers collected urine samples to test LH during one entire menstrual cycle.
LH tests were compared to the results from different app and calendar methods to determine their accuracy.* The accuracy of ovulation prediction by the apps was no more than 21%.
*standard days, rhythm, alternative rhythm, and simple calendar method
Here’s the deal: Your iPhone can’t tell you what your ovaries are doing because past cycles do not determine future cycles. You could have the most historically consistent, on-time, predictable cycle *ever* but something can still alter it the next time around (stress, nutrition changes, exercise changes, etc). And these changes are not something we’re able to predict accurately or safely ahead of time!
Even if they’ve worked for you in the past, does not guarantee they’ll work for every cycle. A broken clock is right twice per day, right? If you’re serious about actively avoiding pregnancy or trying to conceive – I would look to other methods than an app.
I like apps for actually tracking your cycle data. They can be super useful for things like:
- Symptom tracking
- Intimacy tracking
- LH tests data
- Manually inputting your period data (such as when you started and flow rate).
Just make sure to turn off any prediction features!
Apps I recommend
Apps I like (that also have data security policies in place for safer tracking):
- Read Your Body (This is what I use and includes temperature tracking)
- Euki
- Drip
- Clue (Allows you to turn off the prediction setting)
As always, do your own research into the data security policies of the apps as policies can change and each app has its varying policies. We’re all about informed consent here and you deserve to know firsthand exactly where your data is going! You can search for: “[App Name] data security policies”
Want help understanding your cycle and tracking it effectively and naturally? This is something I teach my clients inside of Hormone Bootcamp!
🥰For more support, ask inside my Facebook community, DM me on Instagram, listen to the Get Cliterate podcast, read my blog, Or all of the above?! Hehe 💛
LET’S HAVE HEALTHY, HAPPY HORMONES! 👑🔥💫💖
Free resources:
- Join our *SECRET* Facebook Community
- Are My Hormones Imbalanced? Masterclass Learn how to identify hormone imbalances, where to start, + how to take charge of your symptoms!
- What Is Non-Hormonal BC? Masterclass Learn more about non-hormonal birth control options, effectiveness, & how to get started!
- Hormone Happy Grocery List: Your quick guide to hormone happy grocery shopping!
- Follow @caleeshea and @getcliterate on Instagram
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