The Social Media Trend of Cycle Syncing: An Analysis of the Content and Quality of Videos on TikTok.
Leupold O, Anderson OK, Giampaolo G, Cheng J, Casey EK. · Sports health · 2026
Background: "Cycle syncing" is a
Method: of tailoring exercise to different menstrual cycle phases and has gained popularity across social media, with claims of increasing energy and optimizing athletic performance. This study aimed to assess the quality and accuracy of TikTok video content regarding cycle syncing. Hypothesis The quality and accuracy of TikTok content related to cycle syncing will be low.
Study design: Cross-sectional study. Level of evidence Level 4.
Methods: TikTok was queried on April 18, 2024, using the terms "cycle syncing workout," "cycle syncing exercise," "ovulation phase workout," "luteal phase workouts," and "follicular phase workout." Engagement metrics, video duration, and poster characteristics were collected. Two independent reviewers assessed video content across 10 categories. In addition, 2 independent experts in women's sports medicine and physiology assessed the educational quality of each video, using the modified DISCERN (scored 0-5) and Global Quality Score (GQS, scored 1-5).
Results: A total of 160 videos with a collective 18.9 million views were included. Only 14 (9%) videos were posted by healthcare providers. Most videos expressed a positive attitude towards cycle syncing (98%). The most popular topic involved exercise composition (83%). Overall, the videos were of poor educational quality (modified DISCERN, 0.8 ± 0.5; GQS, 1.8 ± 0.6). Furthermore, 80% of videos promoted a product through affiliate marketing; 75% of these were related to cycle syncing.
Conclusion: These
Findings: demonstrated the low educational value of videos focused on cycle syncing on TikTok and an overwhelmingly positive perception of this topic. Affiliate marketing was often the priority. Healthcare providers and social media consumers should be aware of the growing use of social media for this trending topic. Clinical relevance It is important for female athletes interested in cycle syncing to understand the potential inaccuracies shared on social media, before putting recommendations into practice. Medical providers with expertise should consider sharing evidence-based information through social media.