Uncovering preliminary results from the Apple Women's Health Study pushes forward discussions and research on menstrual cycles
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Apple and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, along with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), have launched the Apple Women's Health Study. This research aims to advance our understanding of menstrual cycles and their relationship with various health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menopausal transition.
Dr. Michelle Nguyen, an Assistant Professor at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, leads the study.
The study, which analysed over 125,000 menstrual cycles, found that cycle deviations, such as irregular or prolonged periods, were present in 16.4 percent of the study population. Notably, Black participants had a 33 percent higher prevalence of infrequent periods compared to white, non-Hispanic participants, while Asian participants had a higher prevalence of irregular periods.
Participants with PCOS had more than four times the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (precancer of the uterus) and more than 2.5 times the risk of uterine cancer. Those who experienced irregular or prolonged periods also had more than twice the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and more than 3.5 times the risk of uterine cancer, compared to those who reported their cycles took less than one year to reach regularity.
Cycle Tracking, a feature available on iPhone and Apple Watch, allows users to track their menstrual cycle, predict periods and fertile windows, and receive notifications. The feature can also inform users if their logged cycle history from the previous six months shows a pattern of irregular periods, infrequent periods, prolonged periods, or persistent spotting.
New temperature-sensing capabilities in Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra allow users to receive retrospective ovulation estimates and improve period predictions. Users can learn about the Cycle Deviation detected and export the last 12 months of their cycle history as a PDF to share with their provider.
The study also revealed that menstrual symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, bloating, tiredness, acne, headaches, diarrhea, and sleep changes, were commonly reported by participants. More than half of the participants who logged symptoms reported acne and headaches.
Privacy is fundamental in the design and development of Apple's features. Health and fitness data are encrypted and protected. Users can contact Apple Media Helpline for press-related inquiries.
The Apple Women's Health Study team will conduct further analyses on the preliminary data for scientific publication.
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