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Original poster

Natural Cycles - anyone tried?

29 replies

amousehaseatenmypaddlingpool · 08/07/2017 08:14

I've had to come off standard contraception because the hormones seem to trigger migraines.

I've been reading a bit about Natural Cycles, which sounds perfect as I'd quite like some warning about my random heavy periods too.

But it seems a bit too good to be true. Has anyone tried it?

OP posts:
PollyPerky · 08/07/2017 11:31

what is it?

Original poster
amousehaseatenmypaddlingpool · 08/07/2017 13:02

Www.naturalcycles.com

Basically you record your temp and it analyses your cycle and tells you if you need to use extra protection or not.

It has been clinically tested and rated 99% effective according to the literature.

Im still a bit wary, hoping to hear about people's experiences with it.

OP posts:
LiDLrichardsPistachioSack · 08/07/2017 13:10

It looks like the Fertility Awareness method. Which I've done for ages and highly recommend!
I use an app called Kindara, it's pretty good.
I would check out Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Amazing book.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 08/07/2017 13:53

If its too good to be true it probably is. Such methods as well are not completely fallible.

If your periods have been heavy for a long time you should know what the cause is. Fibroids for instance can cause heavy bleeding.

PollyPerky · 08/07/2017 15:29

So it' s the rhythm method? Nothing new in that.
Unless you want to have another child, don't use that.
have you thought about the Mirena coil? BC and will end heavy periods as well.

rubybleu · 09/07/2017 02:26

I'm using it. So far I'm underwhelmed as my temperature doesn't apparently go high enough for it to identify ovulation, despite clear physical symptoms of it occurring.

The app can't be used offline so you can only record temperature if you have Internet & it sends awful twee messages to you nearly daily which make me roll my eyes.

ColdFeetAndHotCakes · 09/07/2017 02:45

I got it recently to use alongside condoms so I'd have more warning about my somewhat irregular periods. Been checked over and everything is fine and there is no apparent cause for my irregular and heavy periods, but I don't want to use hormonal birth control in case it makes them worse or masks an underlying problem. I was doing well until I took a surprise trip somewhere last week with my boyfriend and left the thermometer at home (I had to buy a change of clothes en-route kind of surprise!). Had normal symptoms of ovulation but hasn't been detected on app yet, but then again that's probably because I've not put in enough days.

So far I really like the concept and find the app easy to use and informative. All the studies they've done and data collected about using the app was really helpful to read through, I got the impression you could chart the data on your own at home with a Basal thermometer but it's the specific calculations the app does that take into account a lot of different variables that make it more effective. Overall I've not used it thoroughly enough to make a full verdict.

If you want the 10% discount you can use the refer a friend thing, this is my link:

app.naturalcycles.com/?webSignup=1&refId=f0d06a9b3ed7491e90fcee9289fe0ae1&refCode=referralid10#/reg-reg

AttilaTheMeerkat · 09/07/2017 08:55

If you have irregular periods then such methods can be really unhelpful. If you want to give it a go anyway then I would suggest you use it for no longer than say 3-6 months maximum. You may well get data that is nigh on impossible to interpret.

Irregular periods as well are often caused by hormonal imbalances, it may be that in your case something fundamental has been missed here. What tests have you had done to date, I ask only because if blood tests are done on the wrong cycle days it can give a meaningless result. Have you had any internal ultrasound scans done to see if there are any signs of polycystic ovaries?. Some GPs are really not up to speed at all on such issues either.

Original poster
amousehaseatenmypaddlingpool · 10/07/2017 20:36

Thanks all!

I have fibroids, been down that road. Also tried the coil which was just awful.

DH has agreed to share his half of the burden so he's off to the doctor. About time!

OP posts:
Original poster
amousehaseatenmypaddlingpool · 10/07/2017 20:38

Think the periods are random because I'm coming off years of the pill and coil, it was the same when I was trying for DS.

Those of you using it, would you say it helped signal when a period was about to start? Or not?

OP posts:
FeedMyFaceWithBattenberg · 10/07/2017 20:40

Yep and I was pregnant within three months... way too fucking horny!!

Ndavis · 28/09/2017 19:47

Hi Everyone. I'm writing an article on these app- based contraceptive methods for the Observer. Would anyone be willing to share their views and experiences with me? Many thanks, Nicola

PurpleBoot · 28/09/2017 20:04

I've been using this and am very surprised to find I apparently have almost text book movements in temperature each month, so the app has found it very easy to identify ovulation. Even more surprising as I am 50! I'm still not confident in relying on it for contraception, though, although being a bit past it, I'm not that worried! It is interesting to use. It has accurately predicted the exact day of my period each month since using it, which seems impressive. I guess it works well with a regular cycle.

PurpleBoot · 28/09/2017 20:17

PS Sorry, I don't want to take part in any articles, thanks 🙂

Clara5000 · 11/01/2018 08:26

I've been using this app for a year and I'm really impressed with it. I was sick of being on hormonal contraception. The pill made me depressed so I had the implant twice, when that was due to come out I got loads of crazy pregnancy symptoms from all the hormones. I'd also lost my libido so just wanted a few months with no hormones. I didn't just want to use condoms long term so this was a good alternative. We haven't fallen pregnant, but we've been happy to take the risk as we're in a long term relationship and would like to start trying in the next couple of years. One of the best benefits is knowing my cycle and my body better because I'm more aware of what time of the month it is. The app uses its algorithm to calculate ovulation which I trust more than if I just kept a NFP chart myself.

I have been a subscriber long enough that they've sent me a discount code for friends. Please us it if you'd like to try Natural Cycles for 30% off. app.naturalcycles.com/?webSignup=1&refId=9a7a83db8fb44fc080748197ed32bece&refCode=referralid30#/reg-reg

nuffsenuff · 11/01/2018 09:01

Love it. The pill gave me migraines, the coil made me bleed non stop.

MamaDuckling · 25/01/2018 22:55

Loved the idea of it but I also got pregnant on Natural Cycles. I had only been using it 4 months and my results were always 'prediction only' - but I was fairly regular and thought I'd probably be safe. 😬

GemmaLovesTea · 15/02/2018 20:31

I've been using Natural Cycles for a year and have been given a discount code to 'refer a friend' which gives 30% off an annual subscription (£39.99 so takes it down to £27.99). The link is:

[url]app.naturalcycles.com/?webSignup=1&refId=e5592ea1f32544f4919a1f95e729b656&refCode=referralid30#/reg-reg[/url]

There is something in it for me. If 10 people sign up then I get free subscription for life. But still, if anyone was going to join anyway then this link gives you 30% off your first year!

HollyWin · 30/04/2018 21:12

This reply has been deleted

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Psicokrea · 19/08/2018 21:26

It´s a great app, I have been using it for 2 years now and if you follow their directions, it really works. Its super easy to use and with this link you get a 30% off and a free termometer.

www.naturalcycles.com/signup/secret?code=referralid20&referral=7ef5a7556c0f4d8198de5d4ab27c7b38

Eve91 · 03/09/2018 09:23

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Flj84 · 12/11/2018 09:48

If anyone is thinking about signing up I have a discount link for new subscribers as I already have a subscription. Been using for 6 months now and I love being hormone free and learning about my body as well no issues at all as long as you follow instructions properly. Any questions please ask link to sign up here: bit.ly/2zhLlbk

Flj84 · 18/12/2018 17:49

20% off here
bit.ly/2EtHXxX

Flj84 · 29/12/2018 21:16

Hi I’m a bit late but if anyone is reading I have been using the app for about 7months now successfully. Managed to both prevent a pregnancy and also plan a pregnancy unfortunately mc but trying again. It is great for understanding your cycle and fertile days for however you wish to use it.use a barrier method for fertile days of preventing pregnancy eventually this will only be about 6 days of the month the rest are safe.if you can use it perfectly and also look into other methods such as the book just for more understanding and as back up “taking charge of your fertility” alongside the app works great.
I have 20% off as a subscriber to give to new users for an annual subscription includes thermometer copy and paste link if needed:
bit.ly/2EtHXxX

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