DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – Popular period tracking apps promise convenience and insight, but a new study says they may be doing more harm than good.
Researchers from the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University found that many menstrual tracking apps collect intimate health data without clearly informing users how that information is shared. In some cases, sensitive details, such as sexual activity and fertility, are sold to third parties, including advertisers.
The study, published in the journal Contraception, also revealed that the algorithms powering these apps may not be as accurate or inclusive as users assume. Because many are trained on narrow datasets, the apps may misinterpret natural variations in menstrual cycles, especially for users with irregular periods or chronic conditions.
“These apps often reinforce narrow ideas of what’s ‘normal,’ and that can lead to confusion, anxiety, and even misinformed health decisions,” researchers Maria Carmen Punzi and Tamara Thuis, agreed.
The study also raised alarms about the apps’ complex privacy policies, noting that many users don’t fully understand what they’re agreeing to. That’s especially concerning in states with strict reproductive health laws, where data privacy is more crucial than ever.
With more women turning to digital tools in the wake of shifting reproductive rights across the U.S., the researchers urge app developers to be more transparent, ensure their technology works for all users and challenge stigmas around menstruation.
They also encourage users to ask questions before downloading: Who owns your data? Is it shared? And how reliable are the predictions?
Experts say better regulation is needed but until then, users should stay cautious when it comes to their most personal data.
