Why Red Flags Matter

Not every health app is safe or reliable. Some may collect your personal information, make unsupported claims, or be hard to use. Knowing the warning signs can save you time, stress, and protect your privacy.

Here are the five biggest red flags to look for when choosing a women’s health app.

1. Unclear Privacy Policies

If you cannot easily find out what happens to your personal health data, that is a red flag.

Look for clear explanations of how your data is stored, shared, and deleted.
Watch out for long legal language that is confusing.

SheRanked tip: Apps that are transparent about data get higher safety scores.

2. “Doctor Approved” Without Details

Some apps say they are “doctor approved” or medically reviewed but don’t explain who the doctor is or their experience.

A founder could be a doctor in a field unrelated to women’s health.
Ask: What level of medical involvement is there?

SheRanked tip: We rate apps higher when clinical teams are clearly stated and involved.

3. No Evidence Behind Features

Safe apps show why their features work.

Are fertility predictions based on research?
Are symptom trackers backed by data?
Are mental health exercises guided by professionals?

SheRanked tip: Apps without clear evidence may score lower until information is provided.

4. Poor Usability or Accessibility

Even medically accurate apps are not helpful if they are hard to use.

Check if the app is easy to navigate.
Look for readable text and clear buttons.
Consider whether the app works for different abilities or languages.

SheRanked tip: Apps that are hard to use can affect your health decisions. Usability is part of our scoring system.

5. Bold Claims Without Transparency

Some apps make big promises like “100% accurate predictions” or “doctor guaranteed results.”

If claims are not backed by evidence, that’s a warning.
Apps should explain what science or testing supports their features.

SheRanked tip: Ethical apps clearly explain what they can and cannot do.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a women’s health app can feel overwhelming. By spotting these five red flags, you can quickly identify apps that may not be safe or reliable.

“Look for transparency, evidence, usability, and honesty. These are the signs of a health app you can trust.”

**How SheRanked Helps**

SheRanked evaluates every app across medical integrity, data privacy, accessibility, ethics, and behavioral impact. We make it simple for women to see which apps are safe and trustworthy.
Even if an app has a red flag, it doesn’t always mean it’s bad—it may just need more transparency. SheRanked works with developers to **improve apps so women get better, safer tools**.

Written by Dr Christina Davies, SheRanked Founder

5 Red Flags To Look For in Any Women’s Health App