How to Set Up Cycle Tracking in iOS 13 and watchOS 6

Apple Watch has continued to push the boundaries for health and fitness. While the rest of the industry still seems to be struggling to find a foothold, Apple’s smartwatch is dominating the market. One of the major reasons why the smartwatch has become such a big hit is the much-improved watchOS that packs a range of health-centric features like the newly launched Cycle Tracking feature. For those unfamiliar, it’s a women’s health tracking feature that makes it pretty easy to track the menstruation cycle and fertility window from Apple Watch and the companion iPhone. In this article, I walk you through the quick steps to set up and use Cycle Tracking in iOS 13 and watchOS 6.

Complete Guide: Use Cycle Tracking in watchOS 6 and iOS 13

Complete Guide: Use Cycle Tracking in watchOS 6 and iOS 13

Apart from letting you keep a track of your monthly cycle data, Cycle Tracking also allows you to monitor your daily symptoms and monthly activity either from the Health app or the standalone Cycle Tracking app from Apple Watch. Based on the data you have entered, it also offers period and fertility window predictions so that you can stay in the loop and plan accordingly.

Thanks to the seamless integration, all the data from iPhone’s Health app is synced with Apple Watch. Hence, you get timely alerts about fertility days, next period, log symptoms and more. Even better, you also have a ton of customization to make cycle tracking a lot straightforward and personalized. That said, let’s get going!

  1. To get started, launch theHealth appon your iPhone and tap on theBrowsetab at the bottom.

  2. Now, choose theCycle Trackingoption listed under the Health Categories section and then tap on theOptionslocated on the far right of Cycle Log.

  3. Next up, tap onPeriod Lengthlocated at the bottom and enter your period length. After that, tap on theCycle Lengthoption and then enter the time between periods.

That’s it! You have successfully set up cycle tracking. Now, the Health app will create a custom prediction and fertility calendar so that you can easily keep a track of the menstrual cycle.

Customize Cycle Tracking Using Health App

Customize Cycle Tracking Using Health App

Now that you are all set, you can ideally customize cycle tracking to keep a track of periods with ease. For instance, you can include/exclude cycle log options depending on whether you want to conceive or simply track your periods.

  1. OpenHealthapp on your iPhone and go toBrowse>Cycle Tracking>Options.

  2. Now, turn on the switch forSymptomsto display preferred symptoms like Abdominal cramps, Acne, Bloating, Appetite Changes, and more in the Apple Health app.

  3. Next, you can also turn on the switches for other options like:

Enable Period and Fertility Predictions

Probably the best part about Cycle Tracking is the ability to get the period and fertility predictions. Based on the data you enter, the app predicts your period and fertile window. Predictions kickstart once you have entered your last period in the Cycle Tracking app. Do note that just in case you have logged a period before it’s likely to start, you won’t receive a period notification for that specific cycle.

  1. Now, turn on the switches forPeriod Prediction and Fertility Prediction.

The fertile window prediction completely depends on the traditional calendar method. It’s the six days during which you are most likely to be fertile. It is generally calculated by subtracting 13 days from the predicted next cycle start date.

Note:While you can track fertility windows using Cycle Tracking feature. Note that it’s not a replacement for consulting a doctor. You can use this feature in addition to your doctor to get the most accurate results.

Log Period to Cycle Tracking in the Health App on iPhone

Now that you have set up cycle tracking in the Health app. Let’s see how you can log your periods in the app.

  1. Open theHealthapp on your iPhone and choose theBrowsetab at the bottom.

  2. Now, tap onCycle Tracking. Next, tap onAdd Periodat the top right.

  3. Choose a date and tap on thePeriodto log the day’s menstruation flow. In the end, make sure to tapDone.

Log a Period in the Cycle Tracking App on Apple Watch

You can also log your period and track it right from your Apple Watch.

  1. Now, tap onPeriodlocated under the Menstruation section and then log the day’s menstruation flow. In end, be sure to tap onDoneto confirm.

The app lets you keep a track of several things like spotting, basal body temperature, symptoms, and more.

Check the Date for Your Next and Last Period

It’s quite easy to check the date of the next and last period.

  1. Now, scroll down toPredictionsto view when your next period may start.

Note:Just in case, you don’t find the estimate of your period, tap onShow Allnext to Predictions.

To find out the date of your last menstrual period and the typical cycle length, scroll down toStatistics.

So, What the Symbols and Colors in the Cycle Tracking Mean?

Don’t worry, you are not alone to have found the symbols and colors a little confusing. Well, let me tell you that they are quite simple to understand. And once you know what they mean, it becomes a lot straightforward to check period and fertile window.

Add Cycle Tracking to Favorites in the Health App

To further simplify cycle tracking, you can choose to favorite the logs that you wish to keep an eye on. Once your mark it as favorite, they will be displayed in the Health dashboard summary along with other stats.

  1. Now, tap onEditat the top of the Health data summary and then tap on theStarright next to the Cycle Tracking log you would like to show in the dashboard. Then, tap onDoneto finish.

SEE ALSO:15 Best Games for Apple Watch

Track Your Menstrual Cycle and Fertility Window with Ease…

So, that’s how you can keep a track of your menstrual cycle and fertility window from your iPhone or Apple Watch. From what I can tell, this health feature works reliably. And more significantly, it’s going to give a strong competition to thethird-party period and ovulation tracking apps. Do let me know your thoughts about Cycle Tracking and what makes it stand out of the rest.

Rajesh Mishra

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.

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