From Menstrual Cycle Tracking to Menstrual Cycle Syncing: A Scoping Review of Cycle Phase Effects on Lifestyle Behaviors
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
Introduction: The concept of menstrual cycle syncing (MCS), first popularized in 2014, proposes that individuals adapt lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep according to cyclical hormonal fluctuations. Despite its widespread dissemination through social media, scientific evidence and a scientific definition of MCS remains lacking.
Objective: This scoping review aims to conceptualize MCS by examining scientific evidence on the effects of menstrual cycle (MC) phases on lifestyle behaviors and outcomes in eumenorrheic, non-athletic menstruating individuals and by assessing how and to what extent digital health technologies (DHTs) are used to support MCS research.
Methods: A structured search was conducted across nine databases following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies were analyzed for methodology, sample characteristics, reliability of menstrual phase determination, and use of DHTs.
Results: Of the 52 included studies, 71.2% reported phase-related behavioral or physiological variations, though methodologies were inconsistent and samples small. Only 7.7% of studies integrated DHTs.
Conclusion: Current evidence does not support a universal model of MCS. This review proposes a refined definition of MCS as an individualized process, discusses the essential yet underused role of DHTs in enabling such personalization, and distills future research directions for digitally supported approaches to MCS research.
Objective: This scoping review aims to conceptualize MCS by examining scientific evidence on the effects of menstrual cycle (MC) phases on lifestyle behaviors and outcomes in eumenorrheic, non-athletic menstruating individuals and by assessing how and to what extent digital health technologies (DHTs) are used to support MCS research.
Methods: A structured search was conducted across nine databases following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies were analyzed for methodology, sample characteristics, reliability of menstrual phase determination, and use of DHTs.
Results: Of the 52 included studies, 71.2% reported phase-related behavioral or physiological variations, though methodologies were inconsistent and samples small. Only 7.7% of studies integrated DHTs.
Conclusion: Current evidence does not support a universal model of MCS. This review proposes a refined definition of MCS as an individualized process, discusses the essential yet underused role of DHTs in enabling such personalization, and distills future research directions for digitally supported approaches to MCS research.
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications
Volume
1
Start page
629
End page
644
Event Title
Scale-IT-up 2026
Event Location
Marbella, Spain
Event Date
02.03. - 04.03.2026
Subject(s)
Division(s)