Menstrual Cycle Tracking at Scale: Scientific Evidence behind the Top 15 Funded Digital Menstrual Tracking Companies
Journal
Proceedings of the 19th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies
ISSN
2184-4305
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026-03
Author(s)
Abstract
Digital health technologies (DHTs) are transforming healthcare by enabling data-driven, personalized, and scalable management. Within this domain, Femtech – technologies supporting women’s health – has expanded rapidly, yet menstrual health remains underrepresented in research and practice. Menstrual cycle tracking technologies (MCTs) are widely used for monitoring cycles, fertility, and symptoms, but most rely on manual entry and lack clinical validation. This study maps the top-funded digital MCT companies (n=15) and assesses supporting evidence. Companies were classified per the Digital Therapeutics Alliance framework: Digital Diagnostics (40%), Health & Wellness (27%), Patient Monitoring (20%), and Care Support (13%), with none providing Digital Therapeutics. Across 24 publications, evidence was weak predominately consisting of descriptive studies, expert opinions, or reports from expert panels. The literature largely focused on healthy users and emphasized ovulation detection or education. Findings reveal misalignment between disease-oriented DHT taxonomies and menstrual health, overemphasis on fertility/reproduction, and a gap between investment and validation. These results underscore the need for rigorous validation, inclusive design, and flexible classification to realize MCTs’ potential in self-management, clinical support, and broader women’s health outcomes.
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications
Volume
1
Start page
668
End page
680
Event Title
Scale-IT-up 2026
Event Location
Marbella, Spain
Event Date
02.03 - 04.03.2026
Subject(s)
Division(s)