Cycle tracking, also called period, fertility or menstruation tracking, is a recent addition on smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings.
Newer wearables are often integrated with fertility tracking apps, which receive and display data such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and activity levels.
In some wearables temperature data from sensors tracking from your wrist or finger can be synchronized with the app. In other cases you measure your temperature manually and log information into the app.
By combining wearable-collected data with menstrual cycle tracking data, fertility tracking apps can generate predictions about ovulation, fertility windows, and cycle irregularities.
Algorithms use the synchronized data to provide personalized insights, better understand cycle patterns, and predict fertile days.
Which wearables offer cycle tracking?
Here are some examples of smartwatches, fitness trackers and rings that offer period and fertility tracking:
- Fitbit: Fitbit devices such as the Fitbit Versa, Fitbit Charge, and Fitbit Sense offer menstrual cycle tracking. Users can log periods, track symptoms, predict periods, and receive notifications about their menstrual cycle.
- Garmin: Garmin smartwatches like the Garmin Venu and Garmin Lily also offer menstrual cycle tracking features. Users can input cycle information and receive period predictions and fertility windows.
- Apple Watch has introduced temperature based menstrual cycle tracking features. Users can track periods and receive predictions using the built-in Cycle Tracking or the birth control app Natural Cycles, which has FDA clearance to use data from Apple Watch.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch: Samsung’s latest smartwatches in the Galaxy Watch series have temperature based period tracking allowing users to track their temperature while they sleep. TechTruster’s reviewer Laura Holst has tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 with a focus on temperature tracking. The measurements need to be more precise, she concludes.
- Oura Ring: The Oura Ring enables users to track temperature cycle information and receive cycle predictions. Like Apple Watch Oura Ring has FDA clearance to use data from the app Natural Cycles for birth control. Recently Oura Ring and fertility tracking app Clue announced a research partnership.
- Bellabeat Leaf: This smart jewelry includes menstrual cycle tracking among its health monitoring features, allowing users to log and predict their periods.
- Amazfit: Some Amazfit smartwatches offer menstrual cycle tracking, allowing users to monitor periods, symptoms, and ovulation cycles.
- Whoop: Whoop offers menstrual cycle tracking called Menstrual Cycle Coaching, giving you insights about your training and recovery based on your cycle.
How can you use cycle tracking?
- Predicting Periods: Tracking menstrual cycles helps predict when a period is likely to start.
- Fertility Tracking: Monitoring the menstrual cycle can help identify the most fertile days (ovulation) within the cycle.
- Health Monitoring: Changes in cycle length, symptoms, or irregularities may indicate underlying health issues that need attention. Tracking helps identify these changes.
- Managing Symptoms: Recording symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, headaches, or other menstrual-related issues can help you prepare for and manage these symptoms better.
Anmeldelse: Sådan tracker du din menstruation med en Fitbit
Are fertility predictions from wearables and apps accurate?
Cycle tracking tools, apps, or devices should not be solely relied upon for critical decisions, especially regarding contraception or fertility. They can, however, offer valuable insights into patterns and trends within your menstrual cycle.
You should choose apps and wearables from reputable brands and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice regarding fertility tracking and family planning.
TechTrusters reviewer Laura Holst found inaccuracies her test of periode tracking in Galaxy Watch6
Women demand data accuracy in wearables
Inaccurate period tracking in Samsung Galaxy Watch6
How is my privacy protected?
Most producers offer assurance that the users have extensive control over data from cycle tracking and that data is encrypted.
Read the conditions and privacy policy concerning your intimate data carefully before tracking your cycles with a wearable and a connected app.
Privacy and Wearables – opportunities and ethical challenges in tracking your intimate data
Leave a Reply