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Sync or Swim: Navigating the Tides of Menstrual Cycle Messaging on TikTok
Emily Pfender1, Claire Wanzer2, Lotte Mikkers3
1Department of OB/GYN, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Objective:
To understand messaging about cycle syncing on TikTok, a trend that involves harmonizing daily activities and self-care rituals with various stages of the menstrual cycle.
Methods:
We conducted a quantitative content analysis of TikTok videos (N = 100). In January 2023, we collected TikTok videos from content creators using the hashtag #cyclesyncing.
Results:
About one-third of creators provided credentials. However, very few mentioned scientific evidence. More than half of the creators recommended aligning diet and exercise with the four menstrual cycle phases. Creators specifically recommended diets and exercises for each menstrual cycle phase.
Conclusion:
Cycle syncing content on TikTok oversimplifies a complex literature involving tailoring diet and exercise to the menstrual cycle. Our findings also have implications for previous research pointing to negative discourse about hormonal contraception on social media and problematic messaging about women's reproductive health. More expert voices surrounding women's reproductive health are needed in the evolving social media landscape.
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