Research review 194
Randomised experimental study
Short answer
In a study of 91 participants, those using a symptom-tracking app reported more period-related symptoms after four months than those using a basic calendar app. The study assessed symptom reporting, not whether participants developed more severe health problems.
What did the researchers investigate?
Researchers randomly assigned 91 participants to a menstrual app with symptom logging, a simple calendar app, or no app. They assessed menstrual and general symptoms at baseline, one month and four months, as well as changes in the proportion classified as high symptom reporters.
What did the researchers find?
At four months, the symptom-tracking group reported on average 1.16 more period-related symptoms than the calendar group (p = 0.010). The proportion of high period-symptom reporters rose from 50% to 70% in that group. There were no between-group differences in general symptom reporting.
How certain can we be?
The sample was small and follow-up lasted four months. Outcomes were self-reported. More reported symptoms do not establish more severe illness; the study could not distinguish increased attention from changes in symptom experience, or establish effects on daily functioning and health anxiety.
Who do the findings apply to?
The 91 participants in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland. The results cannot automatically be generalised to other apps, longer periods or patients with chronic conditions.
What might this mean in everyday life?
Detailed tracking can change what people notice and report. Some may prefer simpler recording, while patterns documented over time may still be useful when discussing persistent or disruptive symptoms with a clinician.
What do we still need to know?
We need larger studies measuring symptom severity, daily function, worry, effects in people with diagnosed conditions and differences between simple and detailed app features.
Sources
Original publication
MacKrill K, Groom KM, Petrie KJ. The effect of symptom-tracking apps on symptom reporting. British Journal of Health Psychology. 2020. DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12459. PMID: 32790051.
Source checked: 10 November 2026.
Source basis: Published original article or accessible abstract and reported information on methods, results and limitations. This review is based on what the researchers themselves report about their methods, findings and limitations.