Guide
How to track your period privately
Tracking your cycle can help you plan ahead and notice what is normal for you. It is also personal data, so it is worth choosing how you record it and where it is stored.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. A cycle tracker is not contraception. If something about your cycle worries you, talk to a doctor.
What to log
- The first day of each period, and the day it ends.
- Symptoms you notice, such as cramps, headaches, mood changes or tiredness.
- Anything unusual, such as illness, travel or a new medication.
Give it a few months
One cycle does not show a pattern. After three or more, you can see your usual cycle length, how long periods last and which symptoms tend to repeat. Predictions based on your own history get more useful over time.
Keep it private
- A paper calendar or notebook is fully private, as long as you keep it somewhere safe.
- If you use an app, check whether it needs an account and whether your data is stored on its servers or only on your phone.
- Look for apps without ads or social features if you do not want your data shared.
Bring your notes to appointments
Dates and symptoms are easier to discuss from a record than from memory. Your doctor can tell you what is worth tracking for your situation.
A tool that can help
OnyxRhythm is a dark, quiet cycle tracker that keeps periods, symptoms and a fertility window based on your own data on your phone, with calm reminders. There is no community, no cloud, no account and no ads, and it works offline. It is a personal calendar, not a medical device and not contraception advice.