Unlocking the Hidden Benefits of Menstrual Cycle Tracking

Healthcare professionals are urged to routinely incorporate menstrual cycle data into patient records, as this information could serve as a crucial indicator of various health conditions, experts argue.

Key aspects of menstrual cycles—including length, regularity, intensity, and duration of bleeding—are often overlooked in healthcare settings, except when specific reproductive issues are under examination.

The Health Implications of Menstrual Cycle Data

In a recent article published in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, experts highlighted that this neglect contributes to a limited understanding of how menstrual cycles affect overall health. Consequently, many women face underdiagnosed issues related to menstruation, such as pain and excessive bleeding.

Menstrual cycle characteristics can be telling indicators for a range of conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

A Call for Change in England's Healthcare System

In England, unlike routine measures such as BMI or cholesterol levels, menstrual cycle data is rarely recorded by healthcare professionals. Alarmingly, over a quarter of women in the UK are dealing with serious reproductive health issues, as revealed by the largest survey of its kind this year.

Experts attribute this neglect to a complex set of systemic, operational, structural, and cultural barriers that hinder women’s access to necessary healthcare.

A Disturbing Reality for Women

According to the same survey, nearly 19% of women reported experiencing severe period pain over the last year, while 40% dealt with heavy menstrual bleeding. A troubling report from last year by the women and equalities parliamentary committee suggested that many women suffer needlessly due to “medical misogyny,” minimizing their reproductive health concerns.

Expert Opinions on Menstrual Health

Dr. Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, emphasized that conditions like fibroids and endometriosis can devastate a woman's physical and mental health, along with her ability to engage in work and social activities. She warns that systemic issues frequently block women from receiving the care they need, perpetuating existing health inequalities.

A New Perspective on Menstrual Health

The authors of the Lancet study assert that recognizing the menstrual cycle as an important health metric could enhance overall health services and drive research across various disciplines. By viewing menstrual cycles as vital signs, healthcare providers can better address clinical treatments, symptom management, and preventive care.

The Rise of Period-Tracking Technology

With the increasing popularity of period-tracking apps, there are growing concerns over the privacy of women's personal health data being utilized by private companies. Public health organizations, like the NHS, are being urged to develop their own applications to safeguard user information.

NHS England has been contacted for further comment on these pressing issues.