Fitbit
It has been almost two years since Fitbit first introduced its female health tracking features. But what exactly does Fitbit female health tracking entail? Should you use it? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Fitbit period tracker.
What is Fitbit female health tracking?
Although its name is a bit nebulous, Fitbit’s female health tracking is basically another name for a Fitbit period tracker. In fact, it operates similarly to most period tracking apps. Found in the smartphone Fitbit application, the feature allows you to record your periods, track their length, and log symptoms. Fertile windows, ovulation, and next period date are then predicted based on the provided data.
You can also add symptoms at any time. Fitbit gives you access to a wide range: from moods, to headaches and bloating, to difficulty breathing and more. Fitbit’s menstrual cycle tracking also allows you to log ovulation tests and birth control usage. This is an important addition because hormonal birth control can have an effect on your cycle.
According to Fitbit, the more you log, the better understanding you will have of the impact of your period on your overall health. This is expressed through the Trends tab in the app. After logging two or more periods, it gives you an overview of cycle patterns, variations in length, and symptoms. However, Fitbit has refrained from giving warnings for potential menstrual disorders. The data is left to your own interpretation. The wearables company encourages you to speak to a medical professional if you notice unusual patterns.
How to enable Fitbit female health tracking
The first thing you need to know is that you can use Fitbit’s period tracker without owning a Fitbit wearable, but it certainly helps if you own one. Here is how to get started with Fitbit’s menstrual cycle tracking:
- Open Google Play and download the official Fitbit app (iOS app available here).
- Open the application and register or log in.
- Scroll down to find the female health tracking option under the Activity tracker. Tap on it. This will begin the set up process.
- Tap Next. You will see “An important note.� Make sure to read the Privacy Policy before tapping on “Got it!�
- You will be asked to enter a birth control method if you are using one. Tap either “Yes� or “No.�
- Choose whether you want to track just symptoms or your period and fertile window too. Once you’ve done that, tap “Sounds good� on the following window.
- If you have decided to track your full cycle, you will be asked to enter the date of your last period. Do so and tap “Continue� or choose the “I don’t know� option if you are not sure.
- You will then be asked to enter the average length of your period. Tap on the plus and minus icons to adjust it. Tap “Continue� or “I don’t know.� Follow the same steps on the next window where you will be asked to enter the average length of your overall cycle.
- Finally, tap on “Got it!� and “I’m all done� to finish the setup process.
Once you’ve set up Fitbit’s cycle tracking, you will be taken to the logging calendar. If you simply want to log symptoms, you can tap on Log Details in the bottom right corner to enter them.
Adding a period works a bit differently, however. To do so, tap on a date. It should appear on the bottom of your screen. Tap on the pencil icon next to the date to add your period. The length will be based on the average length you provided when first setting up Fitbit female health tracking, but you can adjust it by dragging the pink bar. Once you have done that, you will receive period predictions for the next three months.
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Unfortunately, Fitbit does not currently offer menopause tracking. There is no dedicated female health wearable app either, so make sure to have your phone handy when you want to log symptoms.
Which devices are compatible with Fitbit female health tracking?
As stated, Fitbit’s period tracker lives inside the Fitbit smartphone app, so you don’t need a dedicated Fitbit wearable to use the feature. However, most recent Fitbits support on-device female health tracking information, which makes checking on your symptoms much more convenient. Female health tracking stats are located in the Today widget on the following Fitbit devices:
Also read: The best Fitbit alternatives you can buy
Should I use the Fitbit period tracker?
One of the best arguments in favor of using Fitbit menstrual cycle tracking is convenience. If you already use Fitbit to track the majority of your health data and exercise, it makes sense to include female health data too. Having access to all of this information in one place can be educational. Because Fitbit offers sleep and activity tracking, you can quickly and easily check how your energy levels are affected by your cycle.
Fitbit female health tracking is useful in many other ways too, albeit more obvious ones. Being aware of your fertile window and ovulation days is essential when trying to conceive, while period predictions allow you to be prepared for unpleasant symptoms in advance. However, like any other app, Fitbit predictions might not always be 100% accurate.
Related: Why you might want to take fitness tracker accuracy with a grain of salt
Finally, Fitbit has rectified some of its past mistakes: you can now enter periods of any length without limitations. This is an indispensable feature for anyone suffering from irregular periods.
Interested in more wearables and health content? Check out the links below: