WHOOP Study Unveils New Digital Biomarker for Menstrual Cycle Monitoring, Advancing Understanding of Female Physiology

WHOOP, the human performance company, has announced the findings of a new study that introduces a digital biomarker for menstrual cycle monitoring, providing much needed insight into female physiology. Published in Nature’s Digital Medicine journal, the research examines the cardiovascular changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, offering a non-invasive method for tracking reproductive health.

The study, which analysed over 45,000 menstrual cycles from more than 11,500 participants, highlights the under-researched nature of women’s health. Despite women’s health issues affecting half of the population, only 3% of medical research is focused on women’s health. This new research is one of the largest efforts to leverage wearable technology for understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on overall health.

This research was conducted using the wearable device, WHOOP, which continuously monitors users’ biometric data. In total, over 1.2 million days of data were analysed to uncover these insights. The researchers behind the study, led by Summer R. Jasinski, suggest that this method could serve as a reliable and accessible indicator of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, offering a new approach for tracking reproductive health without the need for costly tests or invasive procedures.

The key finding of the study is the introduction of a metric called “cardiovascular amplitude,” which tracks fluctuations in resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during the menstrual cycle. According to the study, these fluctuations follow a predictable pattern, with RHR reaching its lowest point and RMSSD peaking around day 5 of the cycle, and RHR reaching its highest point around day 26.

The study also found that factors such as age, BMI, and hormonal birth control use can affect these fluctuations, making this new digital biomarker useful for identifying cycle irregularities and reproductive health issues.

In addition to menstrual tracking, WHOOP understands these fluctuations also offers guidance on optimising physical activity during the cycle. Research shows that exercise can have significant benefits throughout the cycle, but the type and intensity of workouts may be better aligned with specific phases.

For example, the follicular phase, including the first few days of menstruation, is often an optimal time for high-intensity workouts, as energy levels may begin to rise. In contrast, the luteal phase might be better suited for low-intensity exercises like yoga or walking, as the body prioritises recovery and may experience a slight dip in energy levels. Committed to advancing the understanding of female physiology at every stage of our menstrual cycle, these WHOOP insights empower women to gather a better understanding of their own bodies, and tailor their fitness routines to physiological needs, enhancing both performance and overall well-being.

This new study marks a significant step in the growing field of wearable health technology, which continues to offer new possibilities for non-invasive monitoring of various aspects of health. The WHOOP research highlights the potential of digital biomarkers to provide meaningful insights into women’s reproductive health, paving the way for improved health monitoring and earlier detection of potential issues.

For more information and groundbreaking research and recommendations into women’s health, visit the WHOOP Locker here.

WHOOP is committed to the advancement of research in Women’s Health. Please see below further resources from WHOOP on the areas of women’s wellness: