If you’re one of the 1.3 million American women who will enter menopause this year, per StatPearls — or if you’re one of the one billion worldwide already experiencing it, according to research — you’re familiar with the bothersome and sometimes distressing symptoms, also called vasomotor symptoms, that occur during the menopausal transition. Of course, each woman’s menopause journey is unique, with symptoms and severity that vary from person to person. Research shows some will not experience any symptoms at all.

Besides consulting with your doctor, how do you manage symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and any of the more than 40 other symptoms associated with menopause? Apparently, there’s an app for that. In fact, there are several. The apps connect women to medical professionals, provide community support via chat rooms, and even allow users to meet virtually with a doctor or nurse practitioner and receive prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy.

But do these apps actually help?

“Because so much of menopause is a transition and every transition is hard, if we’re more knowledgeable and educated through these apps, it can be really helpful,” says Susan Loeb-Zeitlin, MD, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and director of the Women’s Midlife Program at Weill Cornell.

Life Doesn’t Stop for Menopause

“I think you have to take into account where women are during menopause,” says Stephanie Faubion, MD, medical director of the Center for Women’s Health at the Mayo Clinic and medical director of the North American Menopause Society. “They’re frequently excelling at work and going into leadership positions. Their demands at work may be greater. They have kids; and many are in that sandwich generation and taking care of aging parents too,” Dr. Faubion adds. “Some women are struggling in their relationships or getting divorced. There’s a whole lot going on in women’s lives during this time.”

One of the best features of a menopause app is often a tracker that allows users to take note of their symptoms, how often they occur, and their severity.

“A patient may say, ‘I’m getting my period twice a month,’” Dr. Loeb-Zeitlin says, “But when we look at the tracker, it was a long month, and so it’s within the realm of normal.”

If you can tell your doctor exactly how often you’ve experienced night sweats or when you first noticed joint pain or how often you’re experiencing sleepless nights, your doctor may be better equipped to figure out how to address your specific menopause symptoms.

But just be sure your doctor has training in menopause, Faubion adds, noting that many doctors have not been trained in menopause management and don’t know much about its treatment, according to research. (If you’re looking for a doctor who specializes in menopause, check out the North American Menopause Society.)

Beware of Sketchy Apps

As helpful as these apps might be, not all of them are created equal, Faubion cautions. “There’s a huge variation in what they’re offering,” she says. “Some of them are designed mainly to sell you products that may or may not work. For example, there is no over-the-counter supplement or herb that has been proven to work for menopause.”

And while they may offer you a chance to compare notes with other women experiencing menopause symptoms, Loeb-Zeitlin says that without a facilitator present in such chats, bad information could be passed around. “Everybody has their own menopause,” she says, and what works for your friend might not work as well for you.

“I think a little caution is needed,” Faubion warns. “While telehealth is good to reach women who can’t get to a menopause provider or don’t have one near them, you have to ask, will the service provide good care? Do they provide follow-up if there’s any kind of issue with hormone therapy or whatever prescription they’re giving out? Do they communicate with the local provider so there’s continuity of care? If you see a medical provider through the app, make sure that there will be follow-up.”

None of these apps should replace your gynecologist, but, says Ann Garnier, cofounder of the Midday app, most women see their doctor only once a year. The app “provides someone who is available for the other 364 days a year when a woman needs support.”

Is My Data Private?

Most of the apps promise they are not sharing information about you or your menopause journey. Still, check out the information page on each app to be sure that you are not sharing stuff you’d rather keep personal.

Apps Worth Checking Out

Evernow

With investment from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Demi Moore, per a press release, Evernow has deep pockets and a lot of star power. Users, who pay a monthly fee, complete a detailed health profile that was developed based on American College of Gynecology and North American Menopause Society (NAMS) guidelines, and then are connected with a “clinician” who can prescribe medication or offer suggestions for symptom relief based on your individual needs. According to Evernow’s spokesperson, their clinicians are board-certified doctors of medicine and licensed practical nurses, including NAMS-certified practitioners. You can get a free online assessment of your symptoms, but certain features of the app are available to subscribers only. Those include conversations with health providers and customized programs to keep track of symptoms and care. Evernow does not sell, share, or disclose information provided to the app.

Cost: $49 per month

Midday

This app promises to provide “end to end” menopause management, which includes symptom and health tracking, and it allows you to connect to your Fitbit, Apple Watch, or other smart device to gain insights into your sleep, physical activity, and more. Cofounder Ann Garnier says Midday uses “deep tech,” artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and data analytics to offer the most comprehensive and up-to-date menopause information and treatment. You can keep a “hot flash log,” which will give you insights into how often you’re getting hot flashes and what triggers them.

The app also contains an extensive library of menopause terminology, the latest medications, and alternative treatments to manage symptoms. You can also connect with a medical professional (a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant) who can prescribe hormone replacement therapy and offer follow-up virtual visits. And you can shop for products such as vaginal lubricants or moisturizers and skin and hair products that may help relieve symptoms.

Cost: A free three-month trial is available. Then the cost is $29.99 every three months or $78 for a one-year subscription.

Caria

This app lets users track and manage the symptoms of menopause. Caria calls itself a “health companion” that can help you identify and manage symptoms and inform you about treatment options.

Caria also offers digital behavioral health options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and other approaches that are recommended by dietitians, fitness trainers, and life coaches who are part of their available health experts.

Loeb-Zeitlin says cognitive behavioral therapy, which is aimed at changing thinking patterns about physical and mental health symptoms, has been shown to help women better cope with menopause symptoms. That may include mindfulness techniques and meditation. “It may not make symptoms go away,” she says, “but evidence shows it can make the symptoms less intrusive and more tolerable. It is one of the most effective treatments for insomnia.”

The app’s symptom tracker can be shared with your healthcare provider to assist in diagnosis and treatment management. If you’re experiencing hot flashes, anxiety, or insomnia, you can use expert-guided audio and video sessions to help address those symptoms.

Cost: The app offers a free subscription with basic features, and a premium option with “unlimited expert-created programs” that is available for $9.99 a month or $49.99 a year.

Balance

An app that hails from the United Kingdom, Balance was founded by Louise Newson, MD, a recognized menopause expert in Britain. You can track your symptoms and your periods, receive information authored by Dr. Newson and other experts. You can also connect with other women, share stories, and find and offer support. The app addresses vaginal dryness, interrupted sleep, and thinning hair and dry skin, among other symptoms.

Cost: Free for one week, then $98.99 per year

Hey Perry

This free app promises to connect you “with like-minded warriors in the same stage of life” and to help you tap into resources provided by their menopause experts. Using a quiz, Hey Perry can help determine if you’re in perimenopause or menopause based on your symptoms.

The app includes loads of blog posts and podcast episodes featuring experts — including top fitness and nutrition experts, psychologists, and ob-gyns — who break down topics, including how your body changes during menopause, mental health issues, lifestyle tips, and what treatment options are available.

“There is so much to learn and prepare yourself for pregnancy. That support system doesn’t match the support system for a woman, say, seven years later, when she’s entering perimenopause,” says app founder, Laura Crain.

There’s also a marketplace, where you can find helpful reviews on the latest products aimed at managing specific symptoms, like vaginal dryness or a sluggish libido. If you’re looking for support and a sense of community, this might be the app for you.

Menopause Apps You Should Know About