At Oura, we are committed to advancing the science of precision health and continuously refining the tools our members depend on. That commitment guides our approach to women’s health and the underlying algorithms that power our Cycle Insights feature. 

Underscoring our focus on scientific rigor and transparency, Oura’s ovulation detection algorithm that powers the Fertile Window feature has been proven to be over 96% accurate, as published in The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 

This November, we strengthened that foundation with an update to our Cycle Insights algorithm. With this update, members can now view 12 months of period and fertile window predictions, a notable increase over our prior single cycle predictions. This allows members to view an estimate of when their period may happen in the coming months. 

Additionally, our enhanced algorithm shortens the time to receiving estimated cycle phases and period start date from 60 nights to the first day of their next menstrual cycle. 

“In research, we’re always seeking to learn more by asking questions and testing hypotheses,” says Dr. Chris Curry, Clinical Director, Women’s Health. “At Oura, our products are grounded in scientific research, so as new findings emerge, we can directly improve what we provide our members. That’s exactly what you’re seeing in our latest cycle-tracking update.”  

Improvements at a Glance 

Period prediction:

  • 29% more accurate period predictions overall, 6 days before a period
  • 21% more accurate period predictions for those with irregular cycles, 6 days before a period 

Ovulation prediction and detection: 

  • 10% more accurate ovulation predictions for those with typical cycle lengths, 6 days before ovulation
  • 17% more accurate ovulation predictions for those with irregular cycles, 6 days before ovulation
  • 45% more accurate ovulation detections overall, 4 days after ovulation 
  • 38% more accurate ovulation detections for those with irregular cycles, 4 days after ovulation

3 Benefits of the Updated Cycle Insights Algorithms 

More accurate and stable period and ovulation predictions

Your period and ovulation predictions are more accurate and stable than ever before, which means that early in your cycle the predictions will be very accurate, and you’ll see personalized adjustments as new biometric data is collected. The updated model is also designed to be more accurate for people with variability in their cycle lengths as well as women in perimenopause.  

“I’m proud of how the new Oura cycle tracking algorithm supports our diverse group of members. We challenged ourselves technically to build an updated neural network architecture designed to handle complex cycle variability.” — Ketal Patel, Director of Machine Learning Data Science 

12-month period and ovulation predictions 

We’ve extended your fertile window and period predictions to 12 months in order to support more informed decision making around long-term reproductive health. Curious if you might be on your period when you are planning a future vacation? We’ve got you covered. Just scroll down the cycle calendar to see your estimated period predictions. 

Get predictions from only one night of sleep data

We heard you. One of new members’ biggest complaints about Cycle Insights was needing to wait for 60 nights of sleep data before seeing cycle predictions. Our new algorithm will enable predictions from as little as 1 night of sleep and period start date for many members, getting you the information you want ASAP. 

As always, Oura understands that your health data is personal and we remain committed to health data privacy and security. 

FAQs 

Do I need to buy a new ring to benefit from this update?

All Oura Members using Oura Ring Gen3, Oura Ring 4 metallic or ceramic with an active membership and updated app have access to this feature. 

Who can use Cycle Insights? 

People who have a natural menstrual cycle and are not using hormonal birth control will be able to use the feature since it relies on detecting the temperature changes driven by your hormonal cycle. To see your predictions and menstrual phases in Cycle Insights, log the start of your period, which signals the start of your follicular phase. Cycle Insights will not be applicable to those who are post-menopausal. 

If you are using non-hormonal birth control, like Natural Cycles, you will be able to use Cycle Insights.

If you do not have a natural temperature cycle because you are not ovulating  — whether due to post-menopause, hormonal birth control, or other factors — you will not be able to see follicular and luteal phases in Cycle Insights. However, you will still be able to log your last period and see period predictions.

RELATED: 7 Potential Reasons Why Your Menstrual Cycle is Getting Shorter

How does Oura support those with irregular cycles?

Our updated algorithm is a big step towards building the most inclusive app experience for people who menstruate. We have also partnered with Stanford University on the STIGMA study which aims to better understand the physiology of the menstrual cycles of underrepresented groups. Incorporating Oura Ring into women’s health research unlocks new potential for addressing disparities among underrepresented groups.

How do you support women going through perimenopause? 

Menopausal transition marks a significant life change that most women will experience during the ages of 45 to 55 years old. The transition begins with perimenopause, the years before menopause, when your body gradually produces less estrogen, you are less likely to ovulate, and cycles become irregular. This can occur as early as your mid-30s. Perimenopause can cause a variety of symptoms that range from hot flashes to cycle irregularity. Oura is dedicated to supporting women during perimenopause. 

RELATED: Oura’s Commitment to Prioritizing Women’s Health

Disclosure: Oura is not a diagnostic tool, and the information you receive from Cycle Insights should not replace the advice of medical professionals.