I often joke to my friends that Im perimenopausal, though I dont have an official diagnosis.
My constantly fluctuating body temperature is the latest ailment, causing me to make adjustments.
However, it helped validate that what was happening to me was a symptom of chemical reactions occurring internally.
Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
I took the data I aggregated for over a month to several doctors appointments and then cross-referenced the numbers.
Its helped me understand whats happening inside, like when to expect those bodily changes related to my cycle.
That data has also guided me toward new questions I want to bring to my next appointment.
What the basic Fitbit information panel looks like, though note that I’m not currently wearing this for health tracking!Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
But I miss the Google-madeFitbit Charge 6because it was the easiest way to accumulate health data around the clock.
I also miss the Charge 6s seven-day battery life.
For now, the humble fitness band will have to do.
The Fitbit app on a Google Pixel 8.Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
I did have to take it off every few days for a wipe down, or Id feel itchy.
I didnt swap bands on the Charge 6, but Ive read thattheyre interchangeablewith those on the Charge 5.
And theres a haptic button on the left side that lets you easily navigate between screens.
This is the temperature readout you’ll get weekly if you wear the Charge 6 while tracking your sleep.Screenshot: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
It also tracks your temperature while sleeping, though you must wear it to bed to get the results.
But I need an aggregated understanding of whats happening inside of me.
Based on the simple variable tracking, I could see exactly when my body would begin to fluctuate.
What Fitbit Trends looks like after three months of accumulated temperature data.Screenshot: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
The Fitbit app needs work.
My one annoyance with the Fitbit Charge 6 concerns the app that powers it all.
The Charge 6 uses theFitbit app, revamped and repainted in Googles likeness.
But it still needs tweaking.
For instance, the Fitbit app could be more intuitive.
Fitbit doesnt notify you to look at those numbers either, and why would it?
The variable skin sensing means the algorithm bases the numbers on your baseline.
Youll have to tap through three times to reveal the actual numbers behind the data.
At the very least, you might expand it to look at your body temperatures changes over time.
I like seeing a neatly organized chart of how your body is performing, so to speak.
Fitbit offers a trends readout once youve racked up enough data.
Unrelated to temperature tracking: the Fitbit app needs a dark mode.
Should you buy Googles fitness watch?
These features come withFitbit Premium, which costs $10/month.
iPhone users, the Charge 6 is compatible with iOS 15 and up.
However, some features, including smartphone notifications, are limited to Android users.
The Verge put it best when they called this practically a Pixel band.
I wouldnt recommend doing this daily to switch devices for comfort.
Fitbit is explicit in its support forums that you should only use one synced equipment at a time.
Also, ensure youre switching devices toward the end of your tracking for the day.
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