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My Favorite Period App

March 5, 2018 by Hillary 2 Comments

Yep, I am starting off the week by talking about periods. So, if reproductive health isn’t your cup of tea, check out the workout of the week or perhaps read up on the first monthly recap of Florida livin’.

When it comes to my phone and apps, the simpler the better. I can’t stand clutter (anywhere in my life), and the same goes for my phone. Red app notifications, oh heck no. I like to think that I am clearing up space on my phone when I’m erasing data, and while that is true, I’m simply obsessive about eliminating clutter.

I keep my apps to a minimum. Nearly every day I consider deleting Snapchat (because Instagram is where it’s at), but the one app I won’t negotiate is my period tracker: Clue – Period & Health Tracker.

By the way, this post is not sponsored. I am just that into tracking my cycle.

My personal period story should probably be saved for another post in and of itself, but, in a nutshell, here’s why I am particularly conscious of my cycle. After suffering from amenorrhea as a teen (which involved seeing a pediatric endocrinologist at Stanford Medical Center), ignorantly messing with my hormones by taking spironolactone per the advice of a dermatologist to help hormonal acne in my early twenties, and then taking an oral contraceptive for three years, I have witnessed, firsthand, how both my lifestyle and medications have altered my body’s natural ability to have a regular cycle.

From absent periods in my teens due to low bodyweight (over-exercising and under-eating) to bi-monthly periods (on spironolactone), I am grateful that my cycle is currently “regular.” I say regular lightly because a regular period varies from one woman to the next; but, I celebrate the fact that my body has a period every 25 to 30 days, give or take.

Before I go too far, I realize that this topic can be sensitive, and as explained above with my own cycle complications, I have honest empathy for those who struggle with their monthly cycle. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend visiting Robyn’s website, The Real Life RD, for insightful and valuable information on women’s health and healing your hormones.

My Favorite Period App @clue #periodtracker

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For the past couple of years, my cycle seems to be running on its own month after month sans artificial hormones. So why do I use a period app? Well there is so much more to your monthly cycle than just your period. Female hormones are constantly fluctuating throughout the month which contributes to how you feel day to day, and are the blame for pesky PMS.

Did you know that PMS is not actually normal? It’s expected and stereotyped that women get irritable, have “mood swings”, and crave chocolate leading up to their period. And from someone who suffers from premenstrual symptoms, I can attest that these feelings are not “in our head.” What they are, however, are signals that something is off in our body.

Why PMS Is Not Just Part of Being a Woman

After working closing with a naturopathic doctor, I now have a better understanding of how hormonal imbalances can affect not only our cycle, but our health and wellbeing as a whole.

What Your Period Can Tell You About Your Health

Whether it’s tender breasts the week prior, irritability and high emotions (cue the tears) for a few days, or a headache the day prior to my period arriving, these symptoms that we have classified as “expected PMS” tell me that something needs tweaking. They are uncomfortable reminders that my body is not running optimally, and after all, that is one of my main priorities.

The Clue app allows me to not only track when my period arrives, but my mood, energy, skin (i.e. breakouts, hydration), as well as pain such as cramps, headaches, etc. It also has the option to track your cravings and digestion, body temperature, sleep, and more.

All in all, I track for personal awareness. It’s also helpful to have in your pocket when your doctor asks you when your last period was and anything else related to your cycle. For those who are truly gung-ho about their cycle, Clue automatically sends you an analysis of your cycle each month and has the ability to generate custom reports, too.

If you’re at all interested in your health (which I’m safely assuming you are because you’re here), don’t forget about your period, friends. If you haven’t given it much attention, aside from its monthly visit, think again. Using an app such as Clue may shed some light on patterns and symptoms of your cycle and overall health.

Now please excuse me, my PMS chocolate cravings are calling…

Do you track your cycle with an app?

Have you ever struggled with your monthly cycle?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Clue - Period & Health Tracker, Clue Period Tracker, Hormonal Health, iPhone Period App, Women's Wellness

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“Anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” - Dr. “Anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” - Dr. George Papanicolaou

It’s no secret that I suffer from chronic anxiety and panic attacks. Or at least I don’t intend it to be. Because while there can be a lot of shame and embarrassment around both of these, I know I’m not alone in my experiences. While I’ve leaned toward the more anxious side most of life, my bothersome anxiety has steadily increased since my mid-twenties - some periods being worse than others. 

It’s not a complete surprise that my mental health has taken a dip during my first full gloomy Seattle winter — in the height of a pandemic. 

Here are some ways I have been nurturing my body & mind as I work with a team of practitioners to work on understanding the **root causes** of my panic, and to live with more ease. 

» no coffee (not even decaf)

» meditating regularly - I’m using @insighttimer 

» gentle movement

» weekly therapy sessions

» attempting cold showers (this is hard for me!): if you’re interested, you can research how this impacts the nervous system

» working with a naturopathic doctor to focus on gut + hormone health

» trying a new Rx - a decision that took years of consideration

» lastly, opening myself up to vulnerable conversations/sharing my story and my experiences in efforts to reduce any shame and connect with others 

I am not my anxiety. 

[image: a photo I snapped to send to my mom of my naturally red palm holding my Rx on the first day I took it]
This rare blue sky day in February is having me da This rare blue sky day in February is having me day dreaming about long, light-filled summer days... they’ll be here soon. 

#pikeplacemarket #seattlewashington
Leavenworth, WA • Where To Eat🍴 I was expect Leavenworth, WA • Where To Eat🍴

I was expecting all things beer, brats and pretzels in Leavenworth (not really my jam) 🍺🥨🧀, and while there’s plenty of it, I was delighted to find plenty of delicious eats for my “foodie” taste. 

We went to all of these 3 places more than once during our quick stay - highly recommend! 

☕️ @argonautespressobar: Located at one end of Front Street, this adorable coffee bar has delicious espresso drinks, breakfast items, and the best view! 

🥐 @tumwaterbakery: Incredible pastries, avocado toast on artisanal bread that’s a feast for your eyes... and I’m eager to go back and try their wood-fired pizza! 

🍜 @yodelinbroth: Literally some of the best food I’ve had (ever!), and that’s saying a lot. I had the Yodelin soup with housemade wild PNW halibut bone coconut curry broth, udon noodles, heaps of veggies and wild salmon - it was nourishing to my core as we ate it outside in 30 degree weather. I even bought some of the broth to recreate this meal at home, yum! 

#nutritionnuteats #leavenworthwa
winter wonderland getaway ✔️ We had snow much winter wonderland getaway ✔️

We had snow much fun exploring the picturesque Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA for a much-needed mid-week getaway to the mountains. 🏔

We stayed in a cozy little cabin @logecamps right on the Wenatchee River (one day I’ll be back to stay at the stunning @phleavenworth), played in Enchantment Park, took a drive to Lake Wenatchee, and discovered some of the best food downtown (I’m saving my food recs for another post).

Nestled between the snow-capped Cascade Mountains with the river running through town, it’s quite magical in the middle of winter. ❄️ I’m already dreaming of heading back for some summer adventures!
I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in Florida for two years.

#takemetothemountains #snowday
dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, f dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, forgiving, loving, energetic, protective, best friend.
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