Being a girl, I use Apple Watch to track my menstrual cycle, and so far, it has always been effective. However, there are older family members of mine who wanted to know if the Apple Watch can help with menopause.
While I have to break it straight to you, the Apple Watch does not have a straightforward app that can detect menopause. That said, Apple does have specific metrics that can help you navigate your menopause. What is it, and how can you make use of it? Allow me to help you out.
However, before that, keep in mind that the Apple Watch only offers limited data, while iPhone Health provides deeper insights. Also, you need to ensure that our notifications on iPhone are on, along with cycle tracking, or else your Apple Watch will not show any data. While you’re at it, also ensure that your Apple Watch is updated for accurate results. With all that out of the way, here’s how you can hack your menopause.
4 Ways To Track Menopause Using an Apple Watch
Track your Periods
Let’s start with the basic step: tracking your periods. If you are not tracking your periods, then how will you ever know about your menopause? Whenever I am about to start my period, I log some of my symptoms. Even during periods, I log the symptoms that I feel.
If you are experiencing sleep problems or taking any medications, please log it in. When you log your symptoms, Apple Watch can track and provide you with insights based on them. Based on this, you can note the pattern of your symptoms each month, and when you see deviations, you can predict your results.
Analyze Your Heart Rate
An important feature of the Apple Watch, which I love, is that it is able to monitor your heart rate. Although I do not have any heart-related disorders, it still keeps me in check. Heart rate monitoring helps you understand your hormonal changes, which can detect potential signs of menopause.
Another thing that the heart rate does is that it measures your resting energy. Resting energy is usually the same over time; however, if you see a gradual spike, then you can be facing the early stages of menopause.
Keep Tracking Hot Flashes
I have seen that the Apple Watch gives you the option to log menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. Hot flashes can be high or low in frequency based on various factors. Some of the most common factors include fatigue, sleep loss, mood swings, and insomnia. When you are facing any of them, the hot flashes will be quite high.
After regularly logging in, you will come to know which stage of menopause you are in right now. Since you can wear it during your sleep, it can track your wrist temperature as well. Even if you are having problems getting proper sleep, it will lead to hot flashes.
With all this information, you can share the reports and symptoms with your doctor. They can help you be more accurate with your judgment.
Sleep Problems
Finally, the last factor is sleep problems. If you are facing too many obstacles while sleeping, like an irregular sleep cycle or frequently waking up, then it can be a sign of peripheral menopause. Usually, before menopause, the estrogen level starts falling, which leads to sleeping irregularities.
Hence, if you see problems with sleep, then it can also be an indication that your menopause is near. This becomes more obvious for people who have ever faced any sleeping problems before. To be more sure of the results, you can also check your sleep health on your iPhone.
Menstrual Tracking Features That You Can and Cannot See on Apple Watch
| Feature | Apple Watch | iPhone (Health App) |
|---|---|---|
| View predicted period start | Yes | Yes |
| View the fertile window | Yes | Yes |
| Log period days (start/end) | Yes | Yes |
| Log symptoms (cramps, acne, mood, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| Log spotting or flow level | Yes | Yes |
| View recent cycle calendar | Basic view | Full detailed calendar |
| View cycle length trends | No | Yes |
| View the average cycle or period length | No | Yes |
| View ovulation predictions | No | Yes (if supported by skin temp, etc.) |
| View skin temperature data | No | Yes (Series 8 or newer only) |
| Get retrospective ovulation estimates | No | Yes (Series 8/9/Ultra only) |
| Export data for the doctor | No | Yes |
| Receive notifications about the upcoming period | Yes | Yes |
| Track sexual activity | Yes | Yes |
| Visual charts/graphs of cycles | No | Yes |
| Correlate symptoms with cycle stage | No | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Now you know how you can hack your menopause with your Apple Watch. To be more certain about the results, you can download third-party apps on your Apple Watch. There are many trusted apps for this purpose.
However, if there are some symptoms that need immediate attention, then consult with a doctor. It’s often said that the Apple Watch is a tool to have on hand in case of emergencies, but it’s always best to consult a doctor.
Another important reminder is that you cannot see all of the information on your Apple Watch. To get a hold of the deep-rooted problems, you will have to check the Health app of your Apple Watch.
