Fitness trackers have evolved into essential tools for individuals striving to maintain healthy lifestyles. While devices such as the Apple Watch, Garmin wearables, and Fitbits are widely used for tracking general fitness metrics, their usefulness in supporting women’s health has come under increased attention—particularly during Women’s Health Week.
According to a review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, women represent one of the largest user groups for fitness trackers. Many of these devices now include features aimed at monitoring female-specific health indicators such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy. However, questions remain as to whether these capabilities genuinely provide meaningful insights or merely serve as data collection tools with limited practical application.
Fitness Trackers: What They Monitor
Fitness trackers are wearable technologies—often in the form of watches or rings—that collect and analyze various health and fitness data. Using motion sensors, optical heart rate monitors, and personal user data (like age, weight, and height), these devices can measure metrics such as heart rate at rest and during exercise, step count, estimated calories burned, and sleep quality.
Advanced models from leading brands like Apple, Garmin, and Whoop delve deeper into cardiovascular health, offering estimates of VO2 max, blood oxygen levels, and suggested recovery times following workouts.
Accuracy and Limitations
When it comes to core metrics like distance traveled and heart rate patterns, fitness trackers tend to be relatively accurate. These readings may vary slightly depending on how the device is worn, but are generally reliable. However, estimates for calories burned are often less precise. They are calculated based on heart rate and activity levels, combined with basic demographic data. This method does not account for individual factors such as body composition or muscle mass, which can significantly affect caloric expenditure.
Similarly, VO2 max readings provided by fitness trackers are estimations rather than clinical measurements. Laboratory testing remains the most accurate method for assessing maximal oxygen consumption during exercise.
Women’s Health Features Continue to Expand
Most fitness trackers now offer basic menstrual cycle tracking, but newer models have begun integrating more advanced features. Some devices allow users to log additional symptoms, such as mood fluctuations, changes in discharge, and pregnancy-related data including fetal movements.
Garmin stands out in this regard. Its trackers offer detailed insights for women experiencing irregular cycles, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, or those using hormonal contraceptives. In pregnancy mode, Garmin devices provide gestational age and size estimates, nutritional and exercise recommendations, and options to track blood glucose—particularly helpful for managing gestational diabetes.
Apple has also made significant strides. Its temperature-sensing technology can help estimate ovulation and identify fertile windows. A recent JMIR Formative Research study found that the Apple Watch ranked highest in terms of comfort, features, and motivation for women using fitness trackers.
A Shift Toward Holistic Wellness
Historically, fitness trackers focused almost exclusively on physical activity. In recent years, however, manufacturers have made notable progress in recognizing and addressing broader wellness concerns—particularly those affecting women. Modern devices now blend exercise tracking with reproductive health monitoring and stress management, offering a more comprehensive view of well-being.
This evolution is part of a broader shift in wearable technology toward inclusivity and customization, ensuring that devices meet the needs of all users, including women at various stages of life.
As advancements in wearable technology continue, fitness trackers are becoming increasingly valuable not just for tracking steps or calories, but for providing real-time, personalized data that supports women’s overall health. While the science behind some features still needs refining, there is growing evidence that these tools can play a significant role in managing and understanding female health.
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