Apple's New Study On Menstrual Symptoms Aims To Destigmatise Women's Experiences

"These findings take us a step further in validating and destigmatising period symptoms," said Dr Sumbul Desai.

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New Delhi: Tech giant Apple's new study about menstrual symptoms has validated women's experiences, these also include less commonly symptoms like sleep changes. The study aims to destigmatise menstrual symptoms. 

The Apple Women's Health Study team at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on Wednesday released a preliminary study update, offering pioneering scientific insights on women and their menstrual symptoms which was made possible through the innovative research methodology. 

About 10,000 participants and inclusive of varying ages and races across the United States are a part of this study, it highlights how large-scale, longitudinal research on menstruation can help advance the science around women's health.

 

According to the research, most frequently tracked symptoms were abdominal cramps, bloating and tiredness, all of which were experienced by more than 60 per cent of participants who logged symptoms. Over half of the participants reported acne and headaches. About 37 percent logged less widely recognised symptoms, like diarrhoea and sleep changes. 

"These findings take us a step further in validating and destigmatising period symptoms," said Dr Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of Health according to IANS.

According to the report, "Our study will help to achieve a more gender equal future, in which all people with menstrual cycles have access to the health services and menstrual products needed to feel safe and empowered," said Dr Michelle Williams, Dean of the Faculty at Harvard Chan School.

The team will now investigate the preliminary data and submit a detailed analysis, including a breakdown of methods, for peer review and journal publication.

One of the principal investigators Dr Shruthi Mahalingaiah said "The preliminary data we are sharing today suggests women across the country have a shared experience of a wide range of menstrual symptoms, and that this natural monthly occurrence is something we should be having more discussions about."