A Scoping Review of Menstrual Cycle Technologies for Ovulation Tracking

Recent developments in menstrual cycle tracking technologies that record physiological biomarkers of ovulation allow women to conveniently track their menstrual health data. The rapid pace of development of these technologies has made it challenging for health care professionals to evaluate their clinical validity.

The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize the current evidence regarding menstrual cycle tracking technologies that record physiological biomarkers of ovulation. The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used to guide this review. Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for publications regarding menstrual cycle tracking technologies that record physiological biomarkers of ovulation. The authors performed a thorough search of the literature using several keywords and database subject headings. Inclusion criteria were primary research articles available in English, assessed humans, and assessed menstrual cycle tracking technologies available to US consumers.

Title and abstract screening of all potentially relevant populations (n=2845) resulted in a full-text review of 139 publications. Twenty-three publications met the inclusion criteria, and 16 menstrual cycle tracking technologies that record physiological biomarkers of ovulation were identified, including temperature devices, urine hormone devices, and others.

The existing evidence for menstrual cycle tracking technologies relies on observational study designs and lacks diverse study populations, limiting the broader clinical applicability of these technologies. With further research, these technologies hold significant potential to improve menstrual health monitoring.