Lunaception
A privacy-first menstrual cycle tracker using natural light regulation
Project Overview
Lunaception is a menstrual cycle tracking app built around the Lunaception method developed by Louise Lacey in 1975. The app helps users regulate their cycle naturally through controlled light exposure during sleep, without hormones, devices, or medications.
Unlike mainstream period trackers that monetize user data, Lunaception stores all data locally on device with no accounts, no cloud sync, and no analytics tracking of any kind.
The Lunaception Method
- Days 1-13 & 17-29 - Sleep in complete darkness to support hormone production
- Days 14-16 (Ovulation Window) - Use a dim nightlight to signal ovulation
- Goal - Natural cycle regulation by mimicking pre-electric lighting conditions
Before artificial lighting, research suggests women's cycles naturally aligned with the lunar cycle (~29.5 days), regulated by moonlight. The Lunaception method recreates this pattern using controlled bedroom lighting.
Core Features
- Daily light protocol guidance (darkness vs. dim light)
- Cycle day tracking with progress visualization
- Interactive calendar with period marking and protocol adherence logging
- Real-time moon phase display (8 phases, calculated locally)
- Protocol adherence tracking and insights (30-day metrics)
- Evening reminder notifications with dynamic content
- Educational content explaining the Lunaception method and science
- Full data export (CSV) and complete deletion available anytime
Privacy Architecture
Lunaception was designed from the ground up with privacy as the primary architectural constraint.
- All cycle data stored in local Core Data database - never sent to any server
- No account creation or login system
- No third-party SDKs or advertising frameworks
- Notification content contains no sensitive details
- Works entirely offline - app never makes network requests
- Users can delete everything at any time
Calendar & Tracking
The interactive calendar provides a month-by-month view with:
- Period day marking (tap any date to mark or remove)
- Ovulation window highlighting (days 14-16)
- Protocol adherence indicators (checkmark/X for each logged day)
- Moon phase overlays for each date
- Confirmation dialogs before modifying cycle data
Insights Dashboard
Track progress over time with three key metrics:
- Adherence Rate - Percentage of nights protocol was followed (last 30 days)
- Cycle Regularity - Assessment of cycle stability (Regular / Stabilizing / Irregular)
- Moon Alignment - Days difference between user's cycle and lunar cycle (29.5 days)
Educational Content
Built-in educational resources include:
- Complete guide to the Lunaception method and how it works
- Scientific background on light exposure and reproductive hormones
- Historical context of Louise Lacey's original research
- 15-question FAQ covering common questions and concerns
- Tips for successful protocol adherence (blackout curtains, nightlight selection, etc.)
- Important disclaimers about medical consultation and birth control
Who It's For
- Women seeking natural, hormone-free cycle regulation methods
- Those with irregular cycles looking for non-medical approaches
- Privacy-conscious users who don't want health data monetized or tracked
- People interested in circadian rhythm and light therapy research
- Natural Family Planning practitioners wanting a complementary tool
- Anyone curious about the connection between lunar cycles and human biology
Technical Implementation
- Platform: Native iOS (iPhone)
- Framework: SwiftUI
- Data Persistence: Core Data (local SQLite database)
- Architecture: MVVM with single shared ViewModel
- Moon Phase Calculation: Pure mathematical algorithm (no API dependency)
- Notifications: UNUserNotificationCenter
- Privacy: Zero network calls
Design Philosophy
The interface uses a celestial-inspired color palette (deep indigo, lunar yellow, soft lavender) creating a calm, intentional atmosphere. The design prioritizes clarity - users should know at a glance what tonight's protocol is and where they are in their cycle without navigating complex menus.
Dark mode is fully supported throughout the app with carefully chosen adaptive colors that maintain legibility and the celestial aesthetic in both light and dark environments.
Important Disclaimer
Lunaception is a wellness tracking tool based on Louise Lacey's 1975 method. It is not a medical device and not a form of birth control. The app should not be used to prevent pregnancy. Users with medical concerns about their menstrual cycle should consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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