This company wants to revolutionize hormone monitoring

Level Zero Health, co-founded by Ula Rustamova and Irene Jia, is on a mission to transform hormone health with a revolutionary device that monitors hormone levels continuously. This innovation is set to make waves in the field of healthcare, much like how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have impacted diabetes management.

By addressing a pressing need for real-time hormone data, Level Zero's approach has the potential to reshape personalized health monitoring.

How does it work?

The device, which was presented at TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, adapts FDA-approved CGM needles to continuously track hormones, tapping into interstitial fluid around body cells. However, applying CGM technology to hormones presents unique scientific challenges, as methods for continuous hormone monitoring are still emerging.

The device relies on specialized sensors that use aptamers — single-stranded DNA molecules designed to bind specifically with target hormones. By measuring the binding and density of hormones to these aptamers, the device provides valuable insights into levels of progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, and testosterone.

Why does it matter?

Hormones are central to regulating key functions, from reproductive health to mood and energy, making accurate and continuous hormone monitoring potentially life-changing. In fields such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and low testosterone management, a real-time hormone tracking device could enable more personalized care, enhancing treatment outcomes and helping individuals better understand and manage their health.

"Blood testing remains the only reliable method for hormone measurement," says Rustamova, critiquing home-testing kits that rely on less effective methods like urine or saliva tests.

A tool like this could elevate hormone monitoring standards and provide users with data that was previously accessible only through lab visits.

The context

Hormone monitoring has long relied on sporadic blood tests or at-home kits with limited accuracy. By bringing continuous monitoring to hormone health, Level Zero Health aims to fill a critical gap in the market, providing a solution that could reach $30 billion in applications, especially in high-demand areas such as fertility and hormone replacement therapy.

Unlike traditional methods, Level Zero's device is distributed through healthcare providers, ensuring a reliable pathway for usage under professional guidance. While the technology is still in development and pending FDA approval, it represents a promising leap forward in personalized healthcare.