Must Have Apps for Women’s Health

You know what they say, “An App a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” Nope, that’s not a typo. That’s our 21st century take on an oldie-but-goodie. The reality is that if you download the right app, you’ll benefit from important information, reminders and otherwise helpful tidbits that will improve your health and make routine doctor’s appointments more fruitful.

15 Must-Have Apps That Are Good For Women’s Health

Here are some of the apps we feel are must-haves when it comes to women’s health. We’ve broken them down into categories for you, so peruse the ones that make the most sense for your age, goals and lifestyle.

Cell Phone

Menstrual Cycle and Period Trackers

Tracking your menstrual cycle is always a good idea. Even if you aren’t trying to get pregnant, a period tracker will help you see if you are regular, which is often the primary sign of a healthy female reproductive system. If your period is too long or too short, you will want to find out why so you can determine whether or not there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. The same goes for a skipped period or periods that involve heavier bleeding or more discomfort than normal. Plus, it’s always good to be prepared, and period trackers can give you a heads up a day or two before you’re predicted to start.

Our recommendations:

  • Clue. Because it uses an algorithm, the longer you use it, the more accurate the two-day period warning will be.
  • Monthly Cycles. The easy-to-use calendar and the ability to take notes makes this one worth checking out as well.

Fertility Apps

Are you ready to start a family? The first step is to get off hormone-based birth control. Then, it’s time to get up close and personal with your ovulation cycle so you can time sexual intercourse appropriately. Two apps that will help you do just that are:

Apps to Help You Through Pregnancy

Once your fertility app does its job, you’ll have a whole new set of information to keep track of. Wondering what your baby is doing, if what you are experiencing is normal and what foods you should eat and drink – or not eat and drink – are always on the forefront of your mind. Therefore, you’ll want to download one of the following apps (or all of them) so you can keep up on the rapid set of changes that are taking over your body.

  • Pregnancy++. This app is one of the best for keeping mamas-to-be informed as they make their way through their nine month journey.
  • Pregnancy Food Guide. What you eat – and don’t eat – can be crucial to your baby’s development and long-term health. The Pregnancy Food Guide will keep you on track.
  • CineMama. Capture all those memorable moments – from beautiful belly pics and ultrasound images to the putting together of the nursery – and then make a sweet movie all in one.

Physical Fitness & Workout Apps

Are you getting enough exercise each week? How many calories are you burning during your workouts anyway? And, how long does it take to burn off that movie popcorn and soda pop the next time you get on the bicycle? Workout apps have all of this information and more. They can be a great way to track your progress and help you tailor workouts that will give your body the exercise it needs.

  • FitStar. Wish you could afford a personal trainer? Just download FitStar for free and it will be like having a personal trainer right in your home, car, pocket, the park, etc.
  • SworkIt. We like SworkIt because, in addition to tailoring workouts to your current ability level, you can choose specific workout times (starting at only 5-minutes for those crazy days) as well as different types of workouts to suit your mood and needs.

Diet and Nutrition Apps

Who has time to count calories? And, how can you count them when you’re eating whole foods and home-cooked meals that don’t come with pre-stamped nutrition labels? Get a good diet and nutrition app and the work will be done for you.

  • MyFitnessPal. This is a free calorie counter that can help you lose weight within just a week or two. You’ll be amazed at how many calories you unknowingly consume in a day, and that knowledge helps you to begin paring back.
  • Noom Coach. This app is like having your own nutrition coach in your pocket. By keeping and logging a daily food diary, Noom Coach will help you see your nutritional strengths and weaknesses.

Apps For Your Brain

The mind-body connection is powerful, so make sure you save some of your app space for tools that will help your brain stay fit. Studies show that keeping the brain nimble, via logic games, trivia, memory tricks, etc., can help to slow down the effects of age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s.

  • Lumosity. These brain games were invented by neuroscientists – and who are we to argue with them? Playing the games for 15-minutes, three times a week, can improve your memory and problem solving skills.
  • Calm. Need a little calm in your life? You aren’t kidding. Stress is linked to all kinds of chronic health conditions, not to mention depression and anxiety. Calm will help you learn how to breathe, clear your mind and meditate.

Apps for Your General Health & Well-Being

There are a couple more apps we’d like to share because they are too important not to.

  • iBreastCheck. Routine breast exams are an important tool for early breast cancer detection. While your annual OB/GYN exam is one opportunity for a professional check, experts recommend checking yourself once a month. This app will remind you to do your own breast exam and has diagrams, tips and instructions to make sure you do it right.
  • Water Your Body. Drinking enough water is one of the simplest things you can do each day to feel good, look great, lose weight and be well. Use the Water Your Body app to track hydration each day and to make sure you drink enough for your lifestyle.

What are some of your favorite apps for women’s health? Share them with the Overlake community in our comment box below.