Researchers from the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) faculty of kinesiology, in collaboration with the creators of the Mira Hormone Monitor, are set to initiate a validation study for the device that aims to provide individuals with hormone profiles.
This partnership aims to enhance the reliability of menstrual health tracking by using the gold standard of ultrasound testing.
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The monitor claims to offer immediate numerical readings of key hormone biomarkers by analysing first-morning urine samples.
This technology could aid in family planning and the management of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premenstrual syndrome.
Dr Thomas Bouchard is supervised by kinesiology professor Dr Patricia Doyle-Baker, alongside Dr Paul Yong, associate professor of the University of British Columbia’s department of obstetrics and gynaecology.
They aim to not only test the Mira monitor’s performance but also to refine their testing methods.
Bouchard said: “Current at-home tests indicate if hormone levels are either high or low without the numerical reading. And a blood test or ultrasound provides only one day of information.
“With daily testing, individuals would have more complete data about their hormones — for their own knowledge, and to share with their healthcare provider if they choose to.”
Bouchard needed to obtain Health Canada clearance to examine and validate the device prior to the company’s submission for its approval for use in the country.
Doyle-Baker said: “Hormone testing technology is an emerging field, with an outstanding capacity to advance healthcare.
“By validating this device and the method for testing it, researchers will have a more reliable method to investigate women’s health and individuals such as athletes who are interested in tracking their menstrual cycle.”
The monitor claims to be the only at-home device leveraging quantitative technology, with a 99% lab-grade accuracy claim.
Its AI-powered algorithm is tailored to offer ‘personalised’ outcomes by learning from more than 100,000 individuals’ hormonal data.
