When it comes to tracking your menstrual cycle, many people focus solely on predicting their next period. While this is useful, it’s only scratching the surface of what’s possible. Your cycle is a powerful window into your overall health, and by pairing a period tracker with other data—like nutrition, glucose levels, and lifestyle habits—you can unlock a much deeper understanding of your body.

In this article, we’ll explore the best cycle tracking apps available in NZ and explain why combining period tracking with metabolic insights can help you manage your hormones, improve energy levels, and feel your best throughout your cycle.

Why track your cycle?

Your menstrual cycle is more than just the days you have your period—it’s a monthly rhythm that influences everything from your mood to your metabolism. A good cycle tracking app can help you:

• Predict your period: Know when your period is due so you can plan ahead.
• Track symptoms and mood: Identify patterns in how you feel throughout your cycle.
• Monitor fertility: Understand ovulation if you’re trying to conceive (or avoid pregnancy).

Recognise hormonal patterns: See how your energy, appetite, and mental clarity shift during different phases of your cycle.

But period tracking alone doesn’t tell you everything. To truly optimise your health, it helps to track other factors like nutrition, glucose levels, and metabolic responses.

Why pair cycle tracking with metabolic and nutritional data?

Hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and insulin fluctuate throughout your cycle, directly impacting your metabolism, energy levels, cravings, and even how your body processes food. If you’ve ever felt unusually tired before your period or noticed that you crave carbs during certain times of the month, these shifts are driven by your hormones.

Tracking glucose levels, food intake, and lifestyle factors alongside your cycle allows you to:

Manage energy levels more effectively

Blood sugar fluctuations can cause energy crashes, irritability, and cravings. By understanding how your glucose responds to food at different phases of your cycle, you can make smarter dietary choices to stay balanced.

Wondering how your menstrual cycle affects your blood sugar levels? Learn more about understanding blood glucose level fluctuations across the menstrual cycle.

Reduce PMS symptoms naturally

Many PMS symptoms—like bloating, mood swings, and fatigue—are linked to blood sugar imbalances and inflammation. Tracking glucose can help you identify which foods or habits worsen symptoms and adjust accordingly.

Optimise nutrition for each phase

Your nutritional needs shift throughout your cycle. During the luteal phase (the week before your period), you may need more magnesium and B vitamins to reduce stress and inflammation. During ovulation, your body may respond better to different macronutrient balances. Pairing your period tracker with metabolic insights can help you fine-tune your diet.

Understanding the four phases of the menstrual cycle can help you optimise your nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being.

Improve athletic performance and recovery

Women often experience stronger workouts during the first half of their cycle (follicular phase) and may need more recovery during the second half. Understanding how your glucose and hormone levels fluctuate can help you adjust your training routine to work with your body rather than against it.

The best period tracker apps in NZ

If you’re looking for a period tracker in NZ, here are some of the top options:

1. Clue

• Science-backed predictions
• Symptom and mood tracking
• Clean, intuitive design
• Free with premium upgrade available

2. Flo

• AI-powered cycle predictions
• Pregnancy and fertility tracking
• Large community and health insights
• Free with in-app purchases

3. Glow

• Advanced fertility tracking
• Visual cycle insights and analytics
• Community support for cycle health
• Free with premium options

4. Vively – the next evolution in cycle tracking

Unlike traditional period trackers, Vively takes a more comprehensive approach by combining cycle tracking with metabolic insights. This means you can go beyond just predicting your period and actually optimise your health by understanding how your hormones impact blood sugar, cravings, energy, and weight management.

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): See how your metabolism shifts throughout your cycle
• Personalised insights: Get tailored advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle
• Wearable compatibility: Sync with smart devices for real-time health data
• Subscription-based for premium metabolic insights

Want to know why metabolic fitness is key to your overall health? Discover more in why metabolic fitness matters and how to measure it.

Comparison table: Vively vs other popular cycle tracking apps

Compare top cycle-tracking apps based on features, cost, and best use cases. Find the right app for your needs, whether for general tracking, fertility, or metabolic health.

Why Vively stands out

Vively isn’t just another period tracker—it’s an advanced metabolic health tool that helps you understand how your hormones, glucose, blood sugar, and nutrition interact throughout your cycle.

Example scenario:

Imagine you notice that you always feel tired and sluggish in the week before your period. A standard period tracker would just confirm that you’re in your luteal phase. But Vively goes further—it shows that your glucose levels are fluctuating more than usual, possibly due to increased insulin resistance at this stage of your cycle. With this information, you can tweak your diet (e.g., prioritising protein and healthy fats over quick carbs) to stabilise your energy and reduce cravings.

By combining period tracking with real-time metabolic insights, Vively helps you make small, personalised changes that have a big impact on your well-being.

Final thoughts: choosing the best cycle tracker for you

The best period tracker depends on your goals:

• If you just want basic cycle tracking, apps like Clue, Flo, or Glow are great choices.
• If you’re looking for deeper insights into how your cycle affects your metabolism, cravings, and energy levels, Vively offers an innovative solution.

Understanding your cycle is about more than just knowing when your period is due. By combining period tracking with glucose and metabolic data, you can take control of your hormones, improve your health, and feel your best every day of the month.

Want to see how your metabolism changes throughout your cycle? Try Vively today. 

‍Vively is a metabolic health app that can help women undergoing the menopause transition improve their quality of life. The Vively app integrates with continuous glucose monitors (CGM) to help women understand how their lifestyle is impacting their blood sugar levels. This, combined with in-app education and support can help women improve their symptoms. Chat to your doctor about whether Vively may suit you.