Is women’s health technology a “real” niche? Yes, and it has evolved from basic fitness trackers to sophisticated devices and platforms addressing a wide range of women’s health needs.
Initially, the focus was primarily on general health and fitness tracking, with early devices offering simple pedometers and calorie counters. However, the last decade has witnessed a significant shift towards more specialized and women-centric health technologies.
This shift was partly driven by the growing recognition of the unique health challenges and needs faced by women, along with the rise of the “femtech” industry—a term coined to describe technology focused on women’s health, which is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025.
Significant milestones in this evolution include the development of menstrual cycle tracking apps and, more recently, fertility solutions. There’s more to explore in femtech and it’s important for health coaches to know the tools that are available to them and their clients.
Technology and Health Coaching for Women
Integrating technology into fitness and health coaching for women is not just a trend; it’s necessary to meet womens’ unique health and wellness needs . Technology offers personalized insights that can significantly enhance any program.
For example, understanding a client’s menstrual cycle (cycle synching) can help in tailoring exercise and nutrition plans that align with hormonal fluctuations, potentially improving workout effectiveness and overall well-being. Technology-enabled health tracking empowers women and gives them control over their health data, encouraging a deeper understanding of their bodies.
Health technologies also support enhanced communication and engagement between health coaches and their clients. Wearable devices, for example, give real-time data, enabling more timely adjustments to programs and nutritional advice.
This level of personalization and immediacy is crucial in addressing the dynamic nature of women’s health, leading to better adherence, improved health outcomes and a more empowered client base.
The Landscape of Femtech
Femtech is characterized by a diverse and rapidly growing ecosystem of devices, apps and platforms. This growth is driven by increasing awareness and demand for personalized healthcare solutions, alongside advancements in technology and data analytics.
Current trends include the integration of AI and machine learning for predictive health insights, the use of blockchain for secure health data management, a very important piece of the puzzle, and the development of non-invasive monitoring devices that offer deeper insights.
Key areas of innovation include:
Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Apps and wearables now offer sophisticated tracking and analysis of menstrual cycles, predicting ovulation, fertility windows and providing personalized insights based on cycle data.
Fertility: Technological advancements have led to the development of at-home fertility monitoring systems, apps for tracking fertility treatments, and platforms connecting users with fertility specialists.
Hormonal Health: Innovations in hormonal health technology include wearable devices that track hormonal changes throughout the month, offering insights into mood, energy levels and overall health. This is particularly important with clients who are pre or postnatal, and women who are perimenopausal.
Activity Monitoring: Beyond basic step counting, modern activity trackers for women are designed to monitor a variety of health metrics, including sleep quality, stress levels, and heart rate variability, all of which play roles in women’s health.
Applying and Integrating Women’s Health Technology
Audrey Tsang, the CEO of the menstrual health app Clue, says there is a definitive need for femtech funding and awareness, due in large part to health inequities.
“Health inequity exists and persists because so much of the women’s health experience today is invisible,” Tsang said in an interview for News Medical. “It’s invisible because we lack the human-centric, structured, and quantifiable data to validate the experience – an experience that has historically and systemically been ignored, overlooked, and even shamed.”
For health coaches who understand this inequity and want to address it, here are a few practical tips.
What to Look for in Femtech
Comprehensiveness: Opt for technologies that offer a broad range of features, covering menstrual cycle tracking, activity monitoring, nutritional insights and mental wellness. The more comprehensive the tool, the better it can support a holistic health approach.
Accuracy and Reliability: Ensure the technology is backed by scientific research and has credible reviews regarding its accuracy. Reliable data is crucial for making informed health and fitness decisions.
User-Friendliness: Choose tools that are intuitive and easy for both you and your clients to use. Complex systems may discourage consistent use, undermining their benefits.
Privacy and Security: Since health data is sensitive, prioritize platforms known for their strong data protection policies and security measures.
Interoperability: Look for apps that can seamlessly integrate with other health apps and devices.
How to Use the Data
Initial Assessments: Use technology for in-depth initial health assessments. Collect baseline data on menstrual cycles, fertility concerns, fitness levels and nutritional habits to tailor your coaching approach.
Tailored Program Design: Leverage the data collected to design personalized fitness and nutrition programs. Consider the timing of menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations when scheduling workouts.
Monitor and Adjust: Utilize the real-time data tracking features to monitor progress and make immediate adjustments to the program as needed.
Educate and Empower: Teach your clients how to use these technologies themselves. Empowerment comes from understanding; the more your clients know about their health and wellness, the more motivated they will be to maintain and improve it.
Feedback Loops: Create systems for regular feedback, using technology as a communication tool. Encourage clients to share their health data and insights, facilitating an open dialogue about their progress, challenges and adjustments needed.
Stay Informed: Continuously educate yourself about the latest developments in women’s health technology. Attending webinars, reading research articles, and participating in professional networks can keep you at the forefront of technological advancements.
By effectively integrating women’s health technology into their practice, health coaches can better support their female clients’ unique health and wellness needs. The thoughtful use of these tools can improve health outcomes while strengthening the coach-client relationship through trust and personalized care.
