Natural Cycles- App Review

Key Takeaways

• Period & Ovulation Tracking: Natural Cycles is the first FDA-cleared app for contraception and uses daily body temperature (BBT) and optional LH test data to predict fertile windows. It's evidence-based and uses an algorithm designed to support both contraception and conception.

• Data Privacy: The app maintains GDPR compliance and provides a clear privacy policy. However, the collection of sensitive fertility and health data means users should remain informed about how it's handled.

• User Experience: The app offers a clean interface, is easy to navigate, and integrates with devices like Oura and Apple Watch. However, consistent BBT tracking is essential for accuracy, which may not suit all users.

• Verdict: One of the most scientifically grounded apps available, but users must be committed to daily tracking routines. Strong on medical integrity, with acceptable privacy practices.

Medical Integrity

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  Natural Cycles is FDA-cleared and CE-marked as a Class IIb medical device. It collaborates with clinical researchers, has peer-reviewed studies supporting its algorithm, and discloses scientific references.

Doctor’s Note: This app stands out for its regulatory approval and transparency. It's among the few that meets a high clinical standard, but users should still be educated about what “natural contraception” really entails in practice.

Ethical Standards

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  The app has a transparent business model (subscription-based) without third-party advertising. It avoids exploitative tactics and provides detailed informed consent about its use and limitations.

Doctor’s Note: Natural Cycles does a good job at ethical clarity. Its commitment to being non-exploitative and transparent in purpose is commendable in a market often riddled with murky practices.

Data Privacy & Protection

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  Fully GDPR-compliant, Natural Cycles provides users with control over their data. The app doesn’t sell personal information and allows users to delete their data anytime. However, its reliance on cloud storage always presents a baseline security risk.

Doctor’s Note: While no app is immune to breaches, Natural Cycles demonstrates a responsible and proactive data approach—although users should remain aware that any cloud-based health data carries inherent vulnerability.

UX & Accessibility

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  The design is sleek, minimal, and user-friendly. It integrates well with other devices for automatic data input. Accessibility features are limited, but the clean layout helps mitigate usability issues.

Doctor’s Note: The UX is thoughtfully designed for committed users. A few accessibility upgrades would make it even more inclusive, especially for users with visual or cognitive processing differences.

Behavioral Impact

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  The app encourages body literacy without pushy prompts or upsells. It supports fertility awareness methods but requires disciplined tracking, which could cause stress for some.

Doctor’s Note: Natural Cycles supports empowerment through education but should offer additional emotional support for users facing fertility pressure or contraceptive concerns.

Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5)

Verdict

Natural Cycles sets a high benchmark in the women’s health app space with clinical validation, ethical clarity, and a data-conscious approach. It's best suited for users who can commit to consistent tracking and understand the method's limitations.

Review Notes

This review is based on the app’s performance as of 14/04/2025. If the app undergoes significant updates or improvements, the developers are welcome to reach out for a re-evaluation, which may lead to a higher score and potentially a SheRanked Doctor’s Approval Badge.

Reviewed by: Dr Christina Davies, SheRanked Doctor-led Review
Review Date: 14/04/2025

Medical Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Official Website: https://www.naturalcycles.com