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Menstrual Tracking Apps Lack Evidence of Health and Performance Benefits
The analysis says self-reported tracking can misread ovulation and cycle phase, while privacy gaps can expose data to advertisers and third parties.
- A new analysis published in The BMJ on Wednesday argues that menstrual tracking apps and 'femtech' tools often cause more harm than benefit, lacking scientific evidence to support health claims.
- Many tools promote 'cycle syncing'—adjusting diet and exercise based on menstrual cycle phases—but research remains inconclusive and these apps cannot reliably predict individual hormonal fluctuations or health trends.
- Privacy International and other groups warn that these apps may engage in unwanted surveillance, sharing sensitive data that creates significant safety risks for users in regions where abortion is criminalized.
- Tulane University assistant professor Katharine Lee suggests users treat apps as tools for noticing patterns rather than rulebooks, and consult healthcare professionals when experiencing irregular periods or severe pain.
- With about 50 million people worldwide using these technologies, experts conclude that regulators and health practitioners must address the risks these apps pose to women's health and data privacy.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
Svenska Dagbladet+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Apps that are supposed to give women control over their menstrual cycles are marketed with words like “control,” “natural,” and “empowered women.” But the science behind them is sketchy, and now researchers are warning that they may do more harm than good.
·Stockholm, Sweden
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 17%
C 50%
R 33%
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