
Hormona
Hormona is a digital health platform designed to help women understand and manage their hormonal health through comprehensive tracking tools and at-home testing solutions. Launched in 2023 by co-founders Karolina Löfqvist and Jasmine Tagesson, this femtech company has quickly gained recognition for bridging the gap between women and their hormone health knowledge. For those managing PCOS, Hormona offers particularly valuable resources since hormonal imbalances are at the core of this condition that affects 8-13% of women globally.
About Hormona
Hormona emerged from founder Karolina Löfqvist's personal struggle with hard-to-diagnose hormone issues, driving the company's empathetic approach to women's health. Based in Stockholm and London, the company developed their award-winning app after extensive research and beta testing with thousands of European women.
The platform combines an intuitive smartphone app with proprietary at-home hormone testing technology. Users can track their menstrual cycles, symptoms, and mood changes while accessing personalized insights based on their hormonal patterns. The company's mission focuses on demystifying hormones and empowering women to take control of their reproductive health.
Hormona gained international attention when selected for TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Battlefield in 2022, highlighting their innovative impact in health technology. The platform has since built a strong user base with a 4.7-star rating on the Apple App Store and over 10,000 downloads on Google Play.
Why Hormona is Relevant to PCOS
PCOS is fundamentally a hormonal disorder, making hormone tracking and understanding crucial for effective management. Hormona's core focus on hormonal health directly addresses the needs of PCOS patients who often struggle with irregular cycles, unpredictable ovulation, and complex symptom patterns.
The platform recognizes that PCOS affects not just reproductive health but also metabolic, physical, and emotional wellbeing. By providing tools to monitor hormonal fluctuations, Hormona helps users identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed during brief medical appointments.
Many PCOS patients experience frustration communicating their symptoms to healthcare providers. Hormona's detailed tracking creates comprehensive records that can be shared with doctors, potentially leading to faster diagnoses and more personalized treatment plans.
The app's educational focus also addresses a critical need in the PCOS community. Many women receive their diagnosis with minimal explanation about the condition or its management. Hormona's evidence-based content helps fill this knowledge gap.
What Hormona Offers for PCOS Management
Comprehensive Cycle and Symptom Tracking
The Hormona app provides detailed tracking capabilities for menstrual cycles, ovulation, symptoms, and mood changes. For PCOS patients dealing with irregular periods, this creates valuable data about their unique patterns. The tracking system is customizable, allowing users to monitor PCOS-specific symptoms like hirsutism, acne severity, or weight fluctuations.
At-Home Hormone Testing
Hormona's pioneering at-home hormone tests integrate directly with the app to measure key hormones like estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and others. Results are delivered in-app with personalized feedback about whether levels fall within normal ranges for the user's age. This is particularly valuable for PCOS patients monitoring elevated androgens or disrupted ovulation hormones.
The forthcoming subscription service will provide monthly test kits with suggestions for treatments or medical follow-up if levels appear concerning. This proactive monitoring helps detect PCOS-related issues early rather than waiting for annual doctor visits.
Personalized Nutrition and Wellness Programs
Beyond tracking, Hormona offers science-backed meal plans tailored to different menstrual cycle phases. For PCOS patients, this addresses common challenges like blood sugar swings, weight management, and cravings. The app includes hormone-friendly recipes and exercise routines designed to improve hormonal balance.
Stress management features include exclusive breathwork and meditation sessions. Since high stress levels can worsen PCOS symptoms by disrupting hormonal balance, these relaxation tools provide convenient, guided support.
Educational Content and Community Support
The app provides medically reviewed information about PCOS, including expert Q&As, learning modules, and personal stories from other women with the condition. All content is evidence-based and developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Hormona fosters a supportive community where users can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. This peer support is particularly valuable for PCOS patients who may feel isolated or overwhelmed by their diagnosis.
Expertise and Credibility
Hormona's credibility stems from multiple sources. The founders' personal experience with hormonal imbalances, combined with input from medical advisors, shaped the platform's user-centric approach. The company emphasizes closing the gender health gap in research, aligning with current medical understanding of women's health needs.
All programs and content are guided by medical professionals and research. The app provides medically approved articles and personalized recommendations based on clinical reference ranges and peer-reviewed research. When hormone levels fall outside normal ranges, the app flags this and suggests appropriate next steps following standard medical protocols.
The platform has received recognition from reputable media outlets including TechCrunch, BBC, and Forbes. Industry coverage highlights Hormona's innovative approach to women's health and thought leadership in the femtech space.
Hormona maintains transparency about data privacy and safety, with clear policies protecting users' sensitive health information. The company also contributes to women's health research by gathering anonymized data (with user consent) to advance understanding of conditions like PCOS.
How Hormona Compares to Similar Resources
Unlike basic period tracking apps, Hormona combines comprehensive symptom monitoring with actual hormone testing capabilities. This dual approach provides both subjective tracking and objective hormone data, creating a more complete picture of hormonal health.
The platform's emphasis on education sets it apart from purely tracking-focused apps. Users receive not just data about their cycles but also science-based explanations about what their patterns mean and how to respond.
Hormona's community features create connections between users facing similar challenges, while many competing apps focus solely on individual tracking without peer support elements.
The integration of personalized wellness programs based on cycle phases offers more targeted support than generic health apps that don't account for hormonal fluctuations.
Practical Tips for PCOS Patients Using Hormona
Start with Consistent Tracking
Even if your cycles are irregular, track whatever patterns you notice. Record symptoms like acne flares, mood changes, or energy levels. Over time, you may discover subtle patterns that aren't immediately obvious.
Use Hormone Testing Strategically
Consider timing hormone tests around specific concerns. If you're wondering about ovulation, test LH levels. If you suspect insulin resistance issues, discuss adding relevant tests with your healthcare provider.
Share Data with Your Doctor
Print or screenshot your tracking summaries before medical appointments. Visual data often communicates symptoms more effectively than verbal descriptions alone.
Engage with Educational Content
Take advantage of Hormona's learning modules about PCOS. Understanding your condition better helps you make informed decisions about treatment options and lifestyle changes.
Connect with the Community
Don't underestimate the value of peer support. Other users may share practical tips about managing symptoms that you haven't considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hormona diagnose PCOS or replace medical care?
No, Hormona is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace professional medical care. The app provides tracking and educational resources to support your healthcare journey, but PCOS diagnosis requires clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Which hormones can be tested with Hormona's at-home kits?
Hormona tests key hormones including estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and others relevant to reproductive health. The specific panel may vary, and users should check current offerings through the app or website.
Is there a free version of the Hormona app?
Basic tracking features are available, though premium features like detailed hormone testing and personalized programs may require subscription. Check the current pricing structure through official app stores.
How reliable are at-home hormone tests compared to lab tests?
While convenient, at-home tests should complement rather than replace laboratory testing when medical evaluation is needed. Discuss results with healthcare providers for proper interpretation in the context of PCOS management.
Does Hormona work for women with very irregular cycles?
Yes, the app is designed to accommodate irregular patterns common in PCOS. Even sporadic data can reveal useful insights over time, and the educational resources remain valuable regardless of cycle regularity.