Period Tracking Without Compromising Your Privacy: What You Need to Know

Tracking your menstrual cycle is a powerful tool for women’s health, but many popular period tracking apps don’t protect your data. Here’s how to track your cycle safely, with or without an app.

Why Period Tracking Is Still a Powerful Tool

Tracking your cycle gives you valuable insights into your body, your health, and your patterns over time. Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigate perimenopause, manage PCOS symptoms, or simply want to understand your hormonal shifts — knowing where you are in your cycle can make a big difference.

Cycle tracking can help you:

• Spot patterns in mood, energy, and sleep

• Understand when to expect ovulation or PMS symptoms

• Plan your workouts or social plans based on how you usually feel during different phases

• Get clarity on irregular periods or changes post-birth or during perimenopause

• Support conversations with your doctor or nutritionist

The bottom line: period tracking can empower you with knowledge, regardless of your goals.

But What About Period App Privacy?

In recent years, concerns have grown about how some menstrual tracking apps collect and use personal data. Femtech is a booming industry, but not all apps are designed with your privacy in mind.

Some apps may track and share sensitive information — like your cycle dates, sexual health data, or even your location — with advertisers or third-party companies. This has led many women to question whether using these apps is still safe.

The good news is, you can still track your cycle — either by choosing a more private app or by avoiding apps altogether.

Privacy-Focused Period Tracking Apps

If you prefer the convenience of an app but want to protect your data, here are a few options that put you in control:

• Drip – An open-source app that doesn’t collect or sell your data. Simple, straightforward, and designed with user privacy in mind.

• Euki – A completely private period tracking app that stores data only on your device, not in the cloud. No email sign-up required.

• Read Your Body – A not-for-profit app that offers full customisation and strong privacy settings. Ideal if you want more detailed tracking but without the data sharing.

When choosing a menstrual tracking app, look for one that:

• Doesn’t require you to create an account

• Doesn’t store your data on external servers

• Lets you opt out of any data collection or sharing

• Is transparent about how your information is used

Use our cycle tracker

How to Track Your Cycle Without Using an App

You don’t need technology to track your menstrual cycle. In fact, going old-school can be just as effective — and completely private.

Here are a few ways to track manually:

• Notebook or Diary: Write down the start and end date of each period, and any symptoms you experience.

• Phone Calendar: Use your built-in calendar to log your cycle dates and quick notes.

• Notes App: Jot down changes in mood, energy, appetite, or discharge.

Use our cycle tracker

You can track as much or as little as you want. Some women like to include:

• Cramps or pain

• Breast tenderness

• Sleep patterns

• Bloating

• Skin changes

• Libido

• Bowel changes

Even just keeping a note of your period start date each month can be helpful.

You Don’t Owe Your Data to Anyone

There’s no one right way to track your cycle. Some people love apps, some prefer pen and paper, and others just make a quick mental note.

Whatever method you choose, it should feel useful — not like another thing on your to-do list.

Remember:

• Your body is personal

• Your data is valuable

• You deserve tools that respect your privacy

Tracking your cycle is a brilliant way to connect with your body. But it should always be on your terms.

Need More Support?

If you're looking to understand your cycle, hormones, or symptoms in more depth — especially around PCOS, perimenopause, or fertility — you're not alone. This is something we explore in clinic all the time. If you'd like support, feel free to reach out or book a free discovery call.