The term endometriosis was first used in 1921, although by that the the illness probably had existed for centuries but was classed as a series of womb “malfunctions.” I feel fortunate to live in a technologically advanced world. We no longer refer to the illness as “hysteria,” and patients have smartphones and tablets at their disposal with clever apps to manage their symptoms. Following are some of my favorites:

Period-tracking apps

There are numerous great apps for tracking your menstrual cycle, but I favor Clue. I easily can identify and log my symptoms, and the calendar view helps me anticipate my “bad days” and plan ahead. The more in control I feel, the less it seems like endometriosis is running my life. It’s worth having it open when you visit your doctor, enabling you to quickly check your cycle and describe any new symptoms.

Meditation apps

Mindfulness has become a big thing lately, but meditation is a long-established practice. I use it to calm my breathing when anxiety strikes. It also helps me sleep when my soaring body temperature won’t let me. Headspace is one of the most popular meditating apps and the one I’m subscribed to. It even has a program designed for pain management and fun animations to explain the concepts it covers. You can try it out for free before committing to a subscription.

Podcasts

These keep me company during sleepless nights and help me focus when bad flare-ups prevent me from moving around. “You Must Remember This” is great if you enjoy a bit of Hollywood nostalgia. The host has a very soothing voice and she categorizes episodes by movie stars or eras. The series on Marilyn Monroe is especially interesting for endometriosis sufferers. Specifically for endo-related issues, there’s “One Part Podcast,” which focuses on diet and lifestyle, and Lena Dunham’s “Women of the Hour.” The episode focused on her experience with the illness is very revealing and honest.

Music-streaming apps

Music streaming has enabled me to expand my musical horizons toward genres suited to my physical and mental needs. On Spotify, “Peaceful Piano” is a fantastic playlist that’s attracted millions of followers. It’s great for resting your eyes, but if like me you work from home, it also helps you stay focused and anxiety-free when facing deadlines.

Audiobooks

These are great if you struggle to focus, or lack the strength to pick up a book. I am currently listening to “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, which helps boost my creativity. Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of books by the inspiring Carrie Fisher. There are many ways to listen to audiobooks, and Audible and iTunes are just two examples.

Notes and alarms

I struggle with my thoughts during my period. Days of excruciating pain leave me exhausted and I become forgetful and easily confused. I use my phone’s Notes app to make lists and write down anything worth remembering. I can set alarms and reminders for appointments. Wunderlist is a nifty little app that does all of this. It also allows you to share your lists with others, making it very collaborative and useful.

Do you have any apps that help you manage your endometriosis?

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Note: Endometriosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Endometriosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to endometriosis.