Period cycle tracking apps ‘risk causing more harm than good’, researchers warn in The BMJ

Popular period tracking apps carry little benefit and, in fact, pose risks to the wellbeing of women and girls, according to new international research. In a paper published on Thursday in medical journal The BMJ, researchers called for greater scrutiny on menstrual cycle tracking apps and other “femtech” tools widely promoted on social media. They found such technology used the language of women’s empowerment to position themselves as “the next stage of the women’s health movement.” But their claims to scientifically analyse personal data to improve health, wellbeing and performance based on a user’s cycle were not backed by evidence. Anthropologist and co-author Katharine Lee from Tulane University in New Orleans said there was “very little evidence” that women could meaningfully work with the phases of their cycle to improve their health.