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Websites and apps

You can find a lot of information about just about everything on the internet, and your period is no different. When you are looking up information about a medical condition like ‘period pain’ or ‘endometriosis’ then there are a few things to check if you aren’t sure if the website is giving reliable information

Check to make sure you can find the following information:

  • Who is the creator of the site?
    • Any good health site makes learning who is responsible for the site and its information an easy task. You should not have to be a detective to figure it out. Reliable sources include universities, medical facilities, government agencies and scientific societies.
  • What is the purpose of the site?
    • Make sure it states their purpose clearly (e.g. for education, for sales and promotion). Look for sites that do not profit from your decisions. The mission of the site relates to the goals and values of the creator. The purpose of the site should be clearly stated in the "About this site" or in a mission statement. Usually a statement is made that the site provides "unbiased and accurate health information".
  • What is the source of the information?
    • Many sites recycle information from other websites or offline resources. If the website lists the sources of information, this is of value. Is the website backed up by evidence from published research articles to support the claims made?
  • What is the basis of the information?
    • What evidence exists to support the information? Are facts and figures from medical/health research given? Is the information referenced to a journal or consensus statement? Has an expert panel reviewed the evidence? This type of information should be set apart and be clearly ascertainable.
  • How is the information selected?
    • The best sites are peer reviewed: their development of content includes a review process by an outside board or independent agency.
  • How current is the information?
    • Check that the website has been recently updated.

Useful websites*

Useful apps*

There are a number of useful apps that help you track your period and when you are ovulating. These can be helpful in reminding you when your period is due, so that you can be prepared and ensure you are equipped with sanitary pads or other methods of period protection.  We don’t endorse any particular piece of software or product, however according to the number of downloads, these are the three most popular options for common smartphone platforms are:

  1. Flo - iOS (opens in a new window) and Android (opens in a new window)
  2. Clue - iOS (opens in a new window) and Android (opens in a new window)
  3. Eve - iOS (opens in a new window) and Android (opens in a new window)

*These website and apps have been provided as a public service only. NICM does not endorse any content or product that is shown on third-party sites or apps.