{"id":632750,"date":"2026-10-01T03:14:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T03:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/632750\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T03:14:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T03:14:11","slug":"cycle-tracking-apps-bring-substantial-risks-to-users-new-analysis-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/632750\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycle-Tracking Apps Bring Substantial Risks to Users, New Analysis Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been estimated that about 50 million people worldwide<\/a> use apps to track their menstrual cycles, associated mental and physical symptoms, fertility and pregnancy. However, a new analysis<\/a> published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The BMJ on Wednesday argues that the risks associated with these apps and other digital cycle-tracking tools on the femtech market do more harm than good.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The authors of the article say that these risks extend to digital menstrual cycle-tracking tools that promote \u201ccycle syncing,\u201d which is when one bases their diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits on their menstrual cycle phases.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope that people understand a lot of the big, splashy claims around cycle tracking and cycle syncing that people encounter on social media or in fitness or wellness spaces are not based on scientific evidence,\u201d Katharine Lee<\/a>, one of the article\u2019s authors and an assistant professor in Tulane University\u2019s Department of Anthropology, told CNET in an email.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The health risks<\/p>\n

Drawing on several studies, the analysis states that sports science research has shown there is no way to generalize about how different menstrual cycle phases affect health, performance or injury risk. These correlations are highly individual. The same goes for research on how diet can reduce cycle symptoms or improve performance, which is generally inconclusive or speculative.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Even if these cycle connections did exist, the article argues that digital cycle-tracking tools wouldn\u2019t be able to predict them. Apps tend to rely on a user\u2019s self-reported menstrual bleeding date to estimate ovulation, the fertile window and future menstrual cycle phases. Without actually measuring someone\u2019s hormones, these estimates can be imprecise, especially considering that hormones and ovulation fluctuate.<\/p>\n

Digital menstrual cycle trackers also can\u2019t diagnose menstrual disorders or uncover the causes of painful periods.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should work with trusted health professionals if you have concerns \u2014 and yes, I know that many people struggle to get their doctors to listen to them about their periods,\u201d Lee said. \u201cPeople may want to track their cycles for any number of reasons, but a lot of digital tracking apps are no fancier than counting and averaging your data.\u201d<\/p>\n

When relying on these apps, there\u2019s a risk that users may downplay health concerns as simply effects of their cycle. Or forgo established diet, exercise and sleep guidelines in the name of cycle syncing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ClosePrivacy isn\u2019t the only concern when using an app to track your cycle.SeventyFour\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

The privacy problem<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also privacy to consider, as some apps allow third-party tracking, don\u2019t publish transparency reports, don\u2019t allow straightforward data deletion and don\u2019t use local data storage, which makes it easier for them to sell data, share it with third parties or be exposed to a data breach. This is especially dangerous in areas where abortion is criminalized or where there is more gender or sex-based discrimination.<\/p>\n

While no specific apps or tools were mentioned in this analysis, Lee said that several of the cited references focus on the policies or functionality of specific apps.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Magnifying gender inequities<\/p>\n

Despite being used by and promoted to millions, the article states that evidence supporting these tools\u2019 ability to help manage people\u2019s menstrual cycles and overall health is lacking.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These apps also aren\u2019t the solution to gender inequities in healthcare or in the world as a whole. Instead, they put people\u2019s health and privacy at risk while wasting their time and compounding existing inequities around access to safety, rest, nutrition, healthcare and menstrual supplies.\u00a0This is especially poignant considering that many cycle-tracking apps use the language of women\u2019s empowerment in their marketing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How should you track your cycle?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no single best way to track your cycle, especially since tracking methods should be tailored to individual concerns.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For instance, according to Lee, if someone is concerned about fertility, they should ensure they track signs of ovulation, including basal body temperature, cervical mucus consistency and luteinizing hormone levels. When managing health conditions such as endometriosis, migraines or premenopausal dysphoric disorder, which can vary with menstrual cycles, monitoring the associated symptoms and predicting the next estimated time of bleeding may be more important than focusing on ovulation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMost apps can\u2019t detect ovulation or determine what phase someone is in based just on bleeding,\u201d Lee said. \u201cEven if these simple apps could detect ovulation and cycle phase, there are no generalizable trends in what people experience across the cycle.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you choose to track your cycle with an app, make sure you look into its privacy policy. Lee specifically shared research conducted by the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation<\/a>, which aims to build a better tech future, and by Privacy International<\/a>, a London-based charity focused on worldwide privacy protection. You could also use your digital calendar or avoid digital tracking entirely by opting for a pen and paper.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really important that people understand the potential risks [of digital menstrual tracking], including the possibility of reproductive coercion and if you live somewhere where abortion is criminalized,\u201d Lee said. \u201cIt\u2019s already gross enough that some apps share period data with companies to send you targeted advertising, but the safety of your information can be a real concern for many people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Anna\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnna Gragert\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSenior Editor, Health and Home\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnna Gragert (she\/her\/hers) was previously the lifestyle editor at HelloGiggles, the deputy editor at So Yummy and the senior lifestyle editor at Hunker. Over the past 12 years, Anna has also written for the LA Times, Elle, Bust Magazine, Dazed, Apartment Therapy, Well+Good and more. At CNET, she’s a senior editor on the Healthy Home team, and her coverage includes health, wellness tech, meal kits and home and kitchen tech with a focus on the technology that aims to help us live our healthiest, happiest lives.
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