Almost immediately after the US Supreme Court quashed Roe v. Wade, the internet exploded with tips and strategies for surviving in a post-Roe world, from where you can get plan C (abortion) pills to urgent calls to remove period-tracking apps. The concern with the latter, apparently, is that the data could be submitted against users in states where abortion is illegal or severely restricted.
I have ADHD and I have been using a period tracking app for a long time. The ability to digitally track my period has been nothing short of life-changing. It also meant tracking — and managing — my ADHD symptoms.
For example, I know I’m going to have a particularly bad brain day about six days before my period. I also know that I will be very impulsive around ovulation. This data, and much more, is vital to me, informing how I plan my days and manage all aspects of my life – without exaggeration.
[Special Report: Roe v. Wade Ruling May Disproportionately Impact Girls with ADHD]
So I just can’t afford to delete my period tracking app.
I know what you’re thinking: can’t you track this all down on paper?
I can not do it. I have tried pen-and-paper methods countless times, and have failed miserably. I would feel awful and berate myself every time I forgot to write something down. (“It’s not that hard! It only takes two seconds,” I told myself). Apps and digital tools are the only things that have made a difference.
The ability to just enter a start date for my period and let the app figure out the rest helps. It helps to be able to wear a Bluetooth thermometer on my arm at night to track my ovulation — and not have to think about taking my temperature in the morning before my brain kicks in.
[Read: 5 Things Every Doctor (and Parent) Should Know about Girls and ADHD]
Some apps may promise stricter security and privacy measures than others, especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling, but it’s also not that easy to stop using the one method that has worked well all along and over. switch to another.
Even if these concerns are unfounded, it is endlessly frustrating that I am on edge and expect no privacy in this area after the Supreme Court’s stunning turnaround on abortion rights. I’m so, so sad. And heartbroken. And disappointed.
Menstruation, Hormones, and ADHD: Next Steps and Related Resources
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