Clue rated top menstrual tracking app

Clue was named the top free menstrual tracking app in a [study released this week by the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, a publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

The paper, “Evaluation of Smartphone Menstrual Cycle Tracking Applications Using an Adapted APPLICATIONS Scoring System” was published May 9 by Professor Paula Castaño and team*.

The study scored apps based on accuracy, features and functionality. Clue earned 13 out of 15 possible points based on a survey of 25 different features, the highest score of all apps evaluated.

Castaño and colleagues found that most menstrual tracking apps are inaccurate and only 20 out of more than 1,000 apps met accuracy criteria. Here is the final ranking:

1. Clue

2. Glow

3. Pink Pad Period & Fertility Tracker Pro

4. GP Apps; Period Tracker, Free Menstrual Calendar

5. iPeriod Period Tracker Free; LoveCycles Menstrual, Ovulation & Period Tracker; Mom and Baby to Be

6. Groove; Lily; Menstrual Calendar; Period Tracker

7. Day After; MonthPal (now known as “Touchable Period Tracker”)

8. Menstruation & Ovulation (now known as “Menstrual Period Tracker”)

9. FemCal Lite; The Flow

10. It’s a Girl Thing

11. Fertility Cycle

12. Free Girl Cal

*(Adapted from Moglia M.L. et al)

“Our community of over 10 million active users trusts Clue to provide them with reliable predictions about their bodies, which is why accuracy has been crucial for the app since Day 1. It’s gratifying to see the medical community recognizing the effort we put into providing our users with science-based, actionable personal insights into female health.” - Ida Tin, co-founder of Clue

Of the apps evaluated:

• 80% contained information for conception

• 50% contained information for contraception

• 55% offer password protection

• 80% don’t require internet connection

• 65% have no advertisements

• 70% have in-app technical support

• 65% have medical disclaimed

• 55% give health education

• 70% track menstrual flow

• 70% track symptoms

• 75% track intercourse

• 65% give alerts for next menses

• 55% give alerts for next fertile window

• 75% provide cycle length information

• 40% are available on Android

• 15% were useful for fertility medications

• 5% offer professional involvement

• 5% include cited literature

“Clue as a company is deeply rooted in science, so this is a great recognition of our work and a great reward,” said Dr. Vedrana Högqvist Tabor, PhD, former Director of Scientific Research at Clue. “Our aim is to work on improving the overall quality of science within the app. We are increasing the number of scientific collaborations with strong partners with specific expertise in reproductive health, and continuously expanding our science team.”

Clue has research partnerships with several institutions, including Columbia University, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Washington. This article outlines all of our partnerships and the criteria for collaborating with researchers.

Download Clue today. Are you a healthcare provider? Recommend Clue to your patients to keep track of their cycle. For more information on scientific research at Clue, please email us at science@helloclue.com.