Understanding the MacroFactor Period Tracking Feature
MacroFactor offers a built-in period tracking feature that allows users to log their menstrual cycle directly within the app. While the app's powerful algorithm automatically accounts for weight fluctuations, logging your period provides valuable personal context. By marking the days of your cycle, you can better understand how hormonal changes might influence your cravings, energy levels, and daily weigh-ins. This tracking empowers you with more data for self-assessment, helping to build a deeper connection with your body's patterns.
Method 1: Logging Your Period from the Main Dashboard
This method is a quick and direct way to access the period tracking calendar. It is ideal for users who track their cycle regularly and want fast access from the main screen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Navigate to the dashboard: Open the MacroFactor app and ensure you are on the main dashboard screen.
- Locate the Period tile: Scroll down the dashboard until you find the 'Period' tile under the 'General' header. If you do not see this tile, you may need to enable it first. (See the FAQ section on how to enable or disable the feature).
- Tap the tile: Tap on the 'Period' tile to open the cycle calendar.
- Select the day: A calendar view will appear. Tap on the specific day or days you wish to mark as your period. For example, if your period starts today, tap today's date.
- Toggle the switch: A small edit menu will appear. Use the toggle switch next to 'Are you on your period?' to turn it on for that day.
- Save your entry: Tap 'Save' to finalize your changes.
Method 2: Using the 'Edit Day' Menu
This approach is a universal way to edit any daily metric and is useful for logging your period retroactively or if you are already in the process of editing other day-specific data.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tap the '+' button: From the main dashboard, tap the large
+button, typically located at the bottom of the screen. - Select 'Edit Day': A menu will pop up. Choose the 'Edit Day' option from the list.
- Choose the date: Use the date selector to navigate to the specific day you want to edit. This is especially useful for logging a period that started yesterday or a few days ago.
- Find 'Day Properties': In the 'Edit Day' screen, scroll down to the 'Day Properties' section.
- Use the toggle: Tap the toggle beside 'Are you on your period?' to activate it for the selected day.
- Confirm and save: Tap the checkmark in the top right corner of the screen to save your log.
Comparing the Logging Methods
| Feature | Method 1: Dashboard Tile | Method 2: 'Edit Day' Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Access Speed | Very fast for the current day. | Slightly slower, requires more taps. |
| Retroactive Logging | Easy via the calendar view. | Possible by selecting a past date. |
| Visibility | Requires the Period tile to be enabled and visible on the dashboard. | Accessible regardless of tile visibility through the main + button. |
| Flexibility | Specifically for period logging. | Part of a broader daily edit screen for various metrics. |
| Best For | Quick, daily logging. | Editing multiple data points at once or logging past cycles. |
How to Enable or Disable the Period Tracking Feature
For maximum user autonomy, MacroFactor allows you to enable or disable period tracking completely. This ensures the dashboard and data are tailored to your specific needs.
- Go to 'More': Tap the 'More' tab, located at the bottom right of the app screen.
- Select 'Data Visibility': Under the 'Data Management' heading, find and tap on 'Data Visibility'.
- Choose 'Period Visibility': On the next screen, tap 'Period Visibility'.
- Toggle 'Period Tracking': Here you can toggle the 'Period Tracking' option on or off. When enabled, the 'Period' tile appears on your dashboard. When disabled, the feature is hidden.
The Role of Period Tracking in MacroFactor's Algorithm
It is important to note that currently, logging your period is primarily for personal reference and does not directly influence MacroFactor's adaptive coaching algorithm. The app's algorithms are already designed to handle natural, cycle-related weight fluctuations effectively. MacroFactor calculates a 'trend weight' by looking at your rolling average weight over time, filtering out the daily noise caused by factors like hydration, salt intake, and hormonal shifts. This means you don't have to worry about a few pounds of water weight skewing your long-term progress. Tracking your period simply gives you more context to understand why the scale might be higher on certain days, reinforcing trust in the app's expenditure and trend data.
Conclusion
Logging your period in MacroFactor is a simple process that can be done in two easy ways: either through the dedicated 'Period' tile on the dashboard or via the 'Edit Day' menu. While the app's advanced algorithm already manages cycle-related weight fluctuations, tracking your period provides valuable insights into your body's behavior, allowing for a more informed and self-aware fitness journey. By utilizing this feature, you gain a deeper understanding of how your menstrual cycle impacts your daily weight, cravings, and overall energy, leading to a more intuitive and empowering approach to health and wellness. For more details on the process, consult the official MacroFactor help article.
