Cycle-Tracking Apps Bring Substantial Risks to Users, New Analysis Finds
A new analysis published in The BMJ argues that digital cycle-tracking apps pose significant health and privacy risks to their users. The study highlights that these tools lack scientific backing for claims related to cycle syncing and often provide imprecise estimates of ovulation and fertile windows. Additionally, the apps may exacerbate gender inequities by prioritizing marketing over evidence-based healthcare solutions.
- ▪Approximately 50 million people worldwide use apps to track menstrual cycles, fertility, and associated symptoms.
- ▪Researchers state that sports science shows no generalizable way to link menstrual cycle phases to health performance or injury risk.
- ▪Digital trackers often rely on self-reported data rather than hormone measurements, leading to potentially inaccurate predictions.
- ▪Privacy concerns include third-party data sharing, lack of transparency reports, and inadequate data deletion options.
- ▪The analysis suggests these apps may compound existing healthcare inequities rather than solving them.
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| Original publisher | CNET — News |
| Canonical URL | https://www.cnet.com/health/cycle-tracking-apps-substantial-risks-new-analysis/ |
| Publication time | 2026-09-30T22:30:00Z |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-30T22:52:06.429Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-30T22:52:06.429Z |
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Basis: Derived from the published RSS/Atom feed. Contact: [email protected]. Reviewed: 2026-07-24.
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Wellness Cycle-Tracking Apps Bring Substantial Risks to Users, New Analysis Finds This includes apps that promote the practice of cycle syncing. Anna Gragert Senior Editor, Health and Home Anna Gragert (she/her/hers) was previously the lifestyle editor at HelloGiggles, the deputy editor at So Yummy and the senior lifestyle editor at Hunker.… Read full bio Anna Gragert Senior Editor, Health and Home Read full bio September 30, 2026, 6:48 pm ET 3 min read Before downloading a period-tracking app, it's important to consider the risks. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images It’s been estimated that about 50 million people worldwide use apps to track their menstrual cycles, associated mental and physical symptoms, fertility and pregnancy.
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