Ending your Natural Cycles membership made easy

About Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles is a digital contraceptive app that's certified as a medical device in the UK and across Europe. It's the first app of its kind to receive regulatory approval for use as contraception, which is quite significant in the health tech world. The app works by tracking your basal body temperature each morning and using an algorithm to identify your fertile and non-fertile days throughout your menstrual cycle.

Founded in Sweden by particle physicist Dr Elina Berglund, Natural Cycles has gained substantial popularity among women looking for hormone-free contraception options. The app requires you to measure your temperature with a basal thermometer first thing each morning before getting out of bed. You then input this data into the app, which displays either a red day (fertile, use protection) or a green day (non-fertile).

The company claims an effectiveness rate of 93% with typical use and 98% with perfect use, which puts it in a similar range to traditional contraceptive pills when used correctly. However, it's worth noting that effectiveness depends heavily on consistent daily temperature measurements and following the app's guidance precisely.

Natural Cycles operates from their UK office and has served hundreds of thousands of subscribers across Britain. The app also offers a "plan pregnancy" mode for those trying to conceive, making it versatile for different life stages. Most importantly for our purposes today, it's a subscription service, which means understanding the cancellation process is essential before you commit.

Plans, features and pricing

Natural Cycles operates on a subscription model with different payment options to suit various preferences. Here's what you need to know about their current pricing structure in the UK.

The annual subscription is clearly the more economical option, saving you nearly £48 over the course of a year compared to paying monthly. This is exactly how they encourage longer commitments, and it's something to consider carefully before signing up.

What's included in your subscription

Your Natural Cycles subscription includes access to the full app functionality, which encompasses daily fertility predictions, cycle tracking, temperature logging, and the algorithm that processes your data. You'll also receive customer support access and regular app updates.

Additionally, when you first subscribe, Natural Cycles typically offers a package that includes a basal thermometer. Some promotions include this in the subscription price, while others may charge separately. Keep in mind that you'll need this specific type of thermometer for accurate readings—a regular fever thermometer won't provide the precision required.

The app also provides educational content about your cycle, fertility awareness, and reproductive health. You can track additional symptoms like ovulation pain, cervical mucus, and menstrual flow, which helps build a comprehensive picture of your cycle patterns.

Important considerations before subscribing

Most importantly, understand that annual subscriptions are paid upfront as a lump sum. This means if you cancel after three months, you've already paid for the full year. This payment structure is precisely why many people seek cancellation guidance—they've realised the service isn't suitable but have already paid in full.

Natural Cycles operates on an auto-renewal basis, so your subscription will automatically renew at the end of your term unless you actively cancel it. This is standard practice for subscription services, but it catches many people off guard when they see an unexpected charge.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Natural Cycles' cancellation policy is absolutely crucial before you subscribe, and frankly, it's information many people wish they'd reviewed more carefully beforehand. Let me walk you through the key points that matter most.

The refund policy explained

Natural Cycles offers a refund window, but it's quite limited. You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase under UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, which apply to distance sales. However, here's the catch: this applies to your initial purchase date, not to when you decide the app isn't working for you three months down the line.

If you've purchased an annual subscription and cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, you won't receive a refund for the unused portion of your subscription. This is where many subscribers feel frustrated—they've paid £59.99 upfront but want to cancel after realising the daily temperature tracking doesn't fit their lifestyle.

For monthly subscriptions, you can cancel at any time, but you'll remain subscribed until the end of your current billing period. You won't be charged for the following month, provided you cancel before the renewal date.

Legal requirements for cancellation in the UK

Under UK consumer law, you have specific rights when it comes to cancelling subscriptions. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide important protections. These regulations require companies to make cancellation processes clear and accessible, and they must honour cancellation requests made in writing.

This is precisely why postal cancellation is so reliable—it creates a paper trail that's legally recognised. When you send a cancellation letter via Recorded Delivery, you have proof of postage and delivery, which becomes important if there's any dispute about whether your cancellation was received or processed.

Notice periods you need to know

Natural Cycles requires that you cancel before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another period. For monthly subscribers, this means cancelling at least 24 hours before your renewal date is advisable, though they should process cancellations right up until the renewal time.

For annual subscriptions, you need to cancel before the 12-month period ends if you don't want to be automatically charged for another year. Keep in mind that auto-renewal happens automatically at the end of your term, so mark your calendar well in advance.

Why people choose to cancel Natural Cycles

Before we dive into the cancellation process, it's helpful to understand the common reasons people decide to end their subscriptions. This isn't about discouraging the service—it's about recognising that what works brilliantly for some people simply doesn't suit others' circumstances or lifestyles.

Lifestyle compatibility issues

The most common reason I've seen for cancellations is the daily temperature measurement requirement. Natural Cycles requires you to take your temperature at roughly the same time each morning, before you get out of bed, talk, or even sit up. For people with irregular sleep schedules—shift workers, parents with young children, or those who travel frequently—this becomes impractical very quickly.

Additionally, factors like alcohol consumption, illness, or poor sleep quality can affect your temperature readings, leading to more "red days" when you need to use protection. Some users find they're getting red days for most of their cycle, which defeats the purpose of using the app for contraception.

Relationship and life changes

Many subscribers cancel because their circumstances have changed. Perhaps they've decided to try for a baby and no longer need contraception tracking, or they've ended a relationship and don't currently need birth control. Some switch to other contraceptive methods after consulting with their GP or because they want something with higher typical-use effectiveness rates.

Cost is another factor, particularly for annual subscribers who've paid upfront but realised after a few months that the method isn't suitable. Paying £60 for something you're not using feels wasteful, even though cancelling won't recover that cost.

Technical and support concerns

Some users experience frustration with the app's algorithm, particularly in the first few cycles when it's still learning your patterns. During this learning phase, you'll typically see more red days, which can feel restrictive. Others have concerns about data privacy or simply prefer not to rely on an app for contraception.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now let's get into the practical details of cancelling your Natural Cycles subscription by post. This is the method I recommend most strongly, and I'll explain exactly why before we go through the step-by-step process.

Why postal cancellation is your most reliable option

Sending a cancellation letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery is the gold standard for subscription cancellations in the UK, and there are several compelling reasons for this approach. First and foremost, you get proof of postage and proof of delivery. This means you can demonstrate exactly when you sent your cancellation request and when Natural Cycles received it.

This documentation becomes invaluable if there's any dispute about whether you cancelled in time to avoid the next billing cycle, or if the company claims they never received your cancellation request. I've seen countless cases where people thought they'd cancelled through other methods, only to be charged again because there was no proof the cancellation was processed.

Additionally, written cancellations are taken more seriously by companies. There's something about a formal letter that gets processed through official channels, whereas other methods might get lost in customer service queues or technical glitches. Most importantly, UK consumer law explicitly recognises written notice as a valid cancellation method, giving you legal standing if needed.

Gathering the information you'll need

Before you write your cancellation letter, collect all the relevant information about your subscription. You'll need your full name as it appears on your account, the email address associated with your Natural Cycles subscription, and your account number or user ID if you have it readily available.

Next, check your subscription details to confirm your renewal date. You can typically find this in your account settings or in the confirmation email you received when you first subscribed. Knowing this date is crucial because you want to ensure your cancellation is processed before you're charged again.

Additionally, make a note of when you originally subscribed and what type of plan you have—monthly or annual. This information helps Natural Cycles identify your account quickly and process your cancellation efficiently.

What to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all necessary information. Start with your full name and contact details at the top of the letter, followed by the date you're writing. Then address it to Natural Cycles at their official UK address.

In the body of your letter, state clearly that you wish to cancel your Natural Cycles subscription. Include your account email address and any account number or user ID you have. Specify that you want the cancellation to take effect immediately or at the end of your current billing period—be explicit about your preference.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation, and provide your email address where they should send this confirmation. This creates another layer of documentation for your records. Keep your tone professional and straightforward—there's no need to explain why you're cancelling unless you want to provide feedback.

Most importantly, date your letter clearly and keep a copy for your records before sending it. This copy, combined with your Recorded Delivery receipt, forms your complete proof of cancellation.

The official Natural Cycles UK address

You must send your cancellation letter to Natural Cycles' official registered address. Here's where your letter needs to go:

• Natural Cycles UK Ltd
• 86-90 Paul Street
• London
• EC2A 4NE
• United Kingdom

Double-check this address before sending your letter. Writing the address clearly and correctly ensures your cancellation reaches the right department without delays. Use this exact format on your envelope to avoid any postal confusion.

Sending your letter via Recorded Delivery

Once your letter is written and sealed in an envelope with the address clearly written, take it to your local Post Office. Ask specifically for Recorded Delivery service—this typically costs around £3.50 and is worth every penny for the peace of mind it provides.

The Post Office will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt in a safe place alongside the copy of your letter. You can use the tracking number on the Royal Mail website to confirm when your letter was delivered to Natural Cycles.

Aim to send your letter at least 7-10 days before your renewal date, even though Recorded Delivery usually arrives within 1-2 working days. This buffer period accounts for any processing time Natural Cycles might need and protects you from last-minute complications.

Using Postclic for streamlined postal cancellation

If you want to save yourself the trip to the Post Office and ensure your cancellation letter is professionally formatted, Postclic offers a helpful service that handles the entire postal process for you. You simply provide your cancellation details through their platform, and they print, envelope, and send your letter via tracked delivery.

The key benefit here is convenience combined with proof of delivery. Postclic provides digital confirmation when your letter is sent and when it's delivered, all without you needing to visit the Post Office or worry about proper formatting. This is particularly useful if you're busy, don't live near a Post Office, or simply want the assurance that everything is handled correctly.

Additionally, using a service like Postclic means your letter looks professional and includes all the necessary elements. There's no risk of forgetting crucial information or making formatting mistakes that could delay your cancellation processing.

What happens after Natural Cycles receives your letter

Once Natural Cycles receives your cancellation letter, they should process it within a few working days. You should receive email confirmation that your subscription has been cancelled and that you won't be charged at the next renewal date.

If you don't receive confirmation within five working days of your letter being delivered, follow up with another letter or check your spam folder in case the confirmation email was filtered. Your Recorded Delivery receipt proves they received your cancellation, so you're protected even if their confirmation is delayed.

Keep all documentation—your copy of the letter, the Recorded Delivery receipt, and the confirmation email—for at least three months after your subscription should have ended. This protects you if there are any billing issues or disputes later on.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't send your cancellation via regular post without tracking. I've seen too many cases where letters apparently "never arrived," leaving subscribers charged for additional periods with no proof they attempted to cancel.

Additionally, don't assume that deleting the app from your phone cancels your subscription. The app and the subscription are separate—removing the app does absolutely nothing to stop billing. Similarly, don't rely solely on in-app cancellation methods without keeping proof, as technical issues can prevent these from processing properly.

Another common mistake is cancelling too close to your renewal date. Even with Recorded Delivery, if your letter arrives on the same day as your renewal processes, you might still be charged. Always build in extra time.

Tips from former members

Having processed countless Natural Cycles cancellations, I've gathered insights from former subscribers that can help you navigate this process more smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Former members consistently advise cancelling well before your renewal date, even if you're still using the app. You can continue using Natural Cycles until your subscription period ends—cancelling early doesn't cut off your access immediately. This approach eliminates the stress of last-minute cancellation and ensures you're not accidentally charged for another period.

Set a reminder in your phone calendar for at least two weeks before your annual renewal date. Annual subscriptions are particularly easy to forget about since they only renew once a year, but that £59.99 charge can be an unwelcome surprise if you're no longer using the service.

Documentation is your best friend

Keep meticulous records of everything related to your cancellation. Take screenshots of your subscription details before you cancel, showing your renewal date and plan type. Save copies of all emails from Natural Cycles, including your original subscription confirmation and any subsequent correspondence.

Former members who've had billing disputes universally report that having comprehensive documentation made resolving issues much faster. Your Recorded Delivery receipt, in particular, is crucial proof that you sent your cancellation with plenty of time before renewal.

Understanding your access after cancellation

Once you cancel, you'll retain access to the Natural Cycles app until the end of your current subscription period. This means if you cancel your annual subscription eight months in, you can still use the app for the remaining four months you've already paid for. However, after your subscription ends, you'll lose access to the fertility predictions, though some historical data might remain viewable.

Plan accordingly if you're switching to another contraceptive method. You might want to overlap your Natural Cycles subscription with your new method for a month or two to ensure a smooth transition, particularly if you're relying on it for contraception.

Checking your bank statements

After your subscription should have ended, check your bank or credit card statements carefully for at least two months. Occasionally, technical glitches or processing errors can result in charges even after cancellation. If you spot an unexpected charge from Natural Cycles, contact your bank immediately to dispute it, and provide them with your cancellation documentation.

Most importantly, if you're charged incorrectly, don't assume it will be automatically corrected. Be proactive about getting refunds for any erroneous charges—your Recorded Delivery proof and cancellation confirmation give you strong grounds for a chargeback if necessary.

Learning from the experience

Many former Natural Cycles members report that they wish they'd tried the monthly subscription first before committing to an annual plan. The monthly option costs more over time, but it gives you flexibility to cancel if the method doesn't suit your lifestyle. This is worth considering for any subscription service—sometimes paying slightly more for flexibility is worthwhile.

Additionally, former members recommend thoroughly researching any fertility awareness method before subscribing. Natural Cycles works excellently for some people but requires significant commitment and lifestyle consistency. Understanding these requirements upfront helps you make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.

Final advice from those who've been there

The overwhelming advice from former members is simple: don't procrastinate on cancelling if you've decided the service isn't for you. Whether you're three months into an annual subscription or approaching your renewal date, send that cancellation letter as soon as you've made your decision. You won't get a refund for unused time on annual plans, but you'll prevent being charged for another period.

Remember that cancelling a subscription isn't a failure or something to feel awkward about. Services like Natural Cycles work brilliantly for some people and not for others—that's completely normal. The company processes cancellations regularly, and there's no judgment involved. Your priority should be protecting yourself financially and ensuring the cancellation is processed correctly, which is exactly what the postal method achieves.

By following the guidance in this article—sending your cancellation via Recorded Delivery to the correct address with all necessary information—you'll ensure your Natural Cycles subscription ends cleanly, without unexpected charges or complications. Keep your documentation, follow up if needed, and you'll navigate this process smoothly.