The menstrual cycle is a monthly hormonal cycle that brings about various changes in a woman’s body, mainly in preparation for the possibility of conception. The cycle begins with the thickening of the lining of the uterus, followed by ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovaries. If fertilization does not occur, the lining is shed and menstruation occurs.
Tracking your menstrual cycle is important because it can help you understand your body better, predict when you’re ovulating, and detect any abnormalities that could be a sign of potential health issues. Period tracking apps have made this process easier, allowing women to track their cycle, symptoms, and fertility in real time. But one question that many people wonder is: how accurate are these period tracking apps?
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How does a period tracker app work?
Like other apps, period tracking apps collect a lot of personal data to help you track your menstrual cycle, including the start and end dates of your period, the strength of your flow, symptoms, and associated factors like mood swings and physical discomfort.
These applications use algorithms that predict future cycles by analyzing user-input data over time, and are particularly useful in identifying patterns and anomalies.
In addition to tracking your menstrual cycle, some apps also support tracking ovulation, fertility, and other health indicators like basal body temperature and cervical mucus, which can be helpful for those trying to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy.
How accurate are period tracker apps?
Period trackers are useful for people who miss their period or want to track ovulation or fertility, but they’re not 100% accurate.
These applications take into account the data entered by the user and general patterns, which may vary from person to person.
Additionally, factors such as stress, illness, and hormonal imbalances can also contribute to irregularities in your menstrual cycle, making the predictions less reliable.
A 2022 survey of 330 women who use period tracking apps found that 22.1% of period tracking apps contained significant inaccuracies, negatively impacting women.
If their period started early, women reported feeling unaffected, irritated, anxious or confused. A delayed start of menstruation often leaves women worried about pregnancy, irritable, seeking advice or thinking about menopause.
The study concluded that menstrual cycle tracking apps need to be more transparent about their intended use and reliability, particularly regarding due dates and ovulation dates.
Read more: Menstrual health after giving birth: Expert insights and advice for managing the postpartum period
Menstrual cycles vary from person to person.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, with ovulation occurring on the 14th day, i.e. 14 days before your next period. However, it’s important to note that the length of a menstrual cycle can vary from person to person, ranging from 21 to 35 days.
Cycles shorter than 21 days are called polymenorrhea, and cycles longer than 35 days are called oligomenorrhea.
According to a study published in the Journal of Internet Medical Research, only 13-16% of women have a 28-day cycle, and only 13% ovulate on day 14, but this varies by age group and BMI (body mass index).
Younger women tend to have a shorter luteal phase, while older women tend to have a longer luteal phase. The luteal phase is the stage of the menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation and prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
While menstrual cycles vary, many period tracking apps predict that ovulation occurs 14 days before your next period starts, but this method assumes a standard cycle length that doesn’t account for individual differences, so it may not be accurate for many users.
Period trackers are useful, but here’s what you shouldn’t do
While period tracking apps can provide you with general information about your menstrual cycle and ovulation, it’s important not to rely on them entirely.
These apps rely on algorithms that may not account for individual variations, such as irregular menstrual cycles or hormonal fluctuations.
So it’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals and consult your doctor for proper guidance. Most importantly, don’t let a period tracker dictate how you feel about your body and your health. Instead, seek expert guidance and make an informed choice.
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