A groundbreaking collaboration between University of Calgary (UCalgary) researchers and the developers of the Mira Hormone Monitor is set to evaluate a novel device that could transform at-home hormone testing and menstrual health tracking.
Advanced Technology for Hormone Monitoring
The Mira Hormone Monitor represents a significant advancement in personal health monitoring, utilizing quantitative technology to analyze first-morning urine samples. The device distinguishes itself from traditional at-home tests by providing specific numerical readings of hormone biomarkers, rather than simple high/low indicators.
Dr. Thomas Bouchard, working under the supervision of kinesiology professor Dr. Patricia Doyle-Baker, emphasizes the device's unique capabilities: "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."
Validation Study Design and Oversight
The research team, which includes Dr. Paul Yong from the University of British Columbia's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, has secured necessary Health Canada clearance to conduct the validation study. This regulatory approval is a crucial step before the device can be considered for widespread use in Canada.
The study will employ ultrasound testing as the gold standard for comparison, aiming to verify the device's claimed 99% lab-grade accuracy. This rigorous validation process will not only assess the monitor's performance but also help refine testing methodologies for future hormone monitoring devices.
Clinical Applications and Future Impact
Dr. Doyle-Baker highlights the broader implications of this technology: "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 device's AI-powered algorithm, which learns from a database of over 100,000 individuals' hormonal data, offers personalized insights that could be particularly valuable for managing conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This comprehensive approach to hormone monitoring could significantly enhance family planning efforts and provide more informed treatment strategies for various reproductive health conditions.
