Clue: A Comprehensive Menstrual Health and Cycle Tracking App
Clue is a highly regarded menstrual health and cycle tracking app developed by BioWink GmbH, a Berlin-based technology company. Co-founded in 2012 by Ida Tin, Hans Raffauf, Mike LaVigne, and Moritz von Buttlar, Clue aims to revolutionize female reproductive health by providing a science-based, user-friendly platform.
Key Features and Functionality
Cycle and Period Tracking
Clue serves as a robust cycle and period tracker, allowing users to log their periods in a calendar format and refer back to previous months’ data. It predicts periods, fertile windows, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, helping users anticipate and manage their menstrual cycles effectively.
Multi-Category Tracking
The app tracks over 30 health categories, including:
- Body: Symptoms like pain, cramps, and tender breasts.
- Vitality: Aspects such as energy, emotions, and sleep.
- Activities: Tracking of sex, exercise, and other activities.
- Medical: Monitoring of pill dosages, basal body temperature, and ovulation test results.
- Other: Additional categories like hair, skin, digestion, and more.
Customization and Personalization
Users can toggle on or off various tracking categories to tailor the app to their specific needs, ensuring a clutter-free and personalized experience. The app also integrates with Apple’s HealthKit and Fitbit Ionic smartwatch, allowing seamless data synchronization.
Communication and Sharing
Clue Connect enables users to share their cycle and ovulation data with partners or healthcare providers. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining open communication and for professional athletes and coaches to tailor training schedules according to individual cycles.
Pregnancy and Birth Control Tracking
The app offers a Pregnancy mode that replaces period-related resources with pregnancy tracking categories and weekly content. It also tracks the growth of the baby post-birth. Additionally, Clue includes features for tracking birth control, including reminders for pill intake and explanations of how pill dosages impact fertility.
Reminders and Notifications
Clue provides customizable reminders for upcoming periods, missed periods, ovulation, PMS, and other cycle-related events. Users can also set reminders for taking birth control, tracking basal body temperature, and other health-related activities.
Educational Resources
Clue is more than just a tracking app; it is a trusted menstrual health resource. The app and its associated website (helloclue.com) offer science-based content written by reproductive healthcare clinicians and science writers. This includes an encyclopedia for menstrual and reproductive health, as well as studies and articles on various health topics.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Clue is designed to be accessible to a diverse user base, considering factors such as gender, age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The app is currently available in 20 languages and is committed to continuous improvement and expansion.
Data Privacy and Security
Clue emphasizes user privacy, storing data both locally on the device and on secure servers for users with accounts. The app is transparent about data usage and adheres to strict privacy policies to ensure user trust.
In summary, Clue is a versatile and scientifically grounded app that not only tracks menstrual cycles but also provides a comprehensive platform for managing various aspects of reproductive and overall health. Its user-friendly interface, extensive tracking categories, and educational resources make it an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to better understand and manage their menstrual health.
