Closing the Women’s Health Research Gap: 7 Inspiring Mira Research Collaborations

Since launching as the world’s mini hormone lab in 2017, Mira has opened the door to a world of research opportunities within the realm of women’s health.

For starters, the convenience of urine testing with the Mira App and Monitor naturally lends itself to longitudinal research (i.e. studies that track the same variables among a population over an extended period of time). 

Now, instead of having to endure cumbersome (and expensive!) blood testing at the doctor’s office, study participants can log daily fertility data from the comfort of their home with lab-grade accuracy – providing researchers with millions of data points to analyze and draw insights from. 

At Mira, we are excited about the endless potential of this research opportunity. We not only see it as a chance to help close the gap in women’s health research, but we see it as a way to help real people learn about their bodies and make informed choices for their health. 

Read on to learn more about our mission, how our technology is being used in research studies across the world, and how you can get involved!

Our Mission: Closing the Women’s Health Gap Through Hormone Research

The women’s health gap explained

When it comes to women’s health, it’s no secret that there are huge gaps in medical care, knowledge, and research. In fact, the World Economic Forum recently reported that women spend, on average, 25% more of their lives in poor health – despite living longer than men. 

This not only affects productivity (at home, work, and in the community), but it also impacts the overall earning potential of women as a whole. 

A few of the key problems identified in a report from the UK Parliament include:

• The underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and research.
• The undertreatment of pain among women, who, after having identical procedures, often get prescribed less pain medication compared to men. 
• The underlying stigma resulting in women being taken less seriously by the health system (often referred to as medical gaslighting). 

When it comes to women’s reproductive health specifically, it’s a simple fact that less is known about conditions that only affect women – such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and menopause.

Not only that, but a long-held concern among medical researchers was that female hormone fluctuations were to blame for making women a more ‘difficult’ or ‘challenging’ population to study in clinical trials. 

Enhancing women’s health knowledge through hormone research 

Even though women’s sex hormones are not always reflected in research studies, there are still a number of different ways that women can have their hormones checked (for example, at the doctor’s office or with an at-home test kit). 

However, Mira’s own research found that 65% of adult American women did not check their sex hormones for more than a year. In fact, over half of survey respondents even admitted that their hormones are a “mystery” to them. 

Stats like this are what inspires and drives us to continue shedding light on all the questions, mysteries, and confusion surrounding hormone health. 

Thanks to the power of Mira’s AI-driven hormone monitoring system, our users are learning more and more about their bodies every day – and we have over 13 million hormone data points to show for it.  

Through our research collaborations and partnerships, researchers across the world are also using this data to explore:

• The relationship(s) between sex hormones, lifestyle, and wellness in women. 
• The hormonal trends, patterns, and trajectories of various groups based on fertility status. 
• The clinical implications of regular hormone testing on specific reproductive health goals – such as balancing hormones, planning/preventing pregnancies, utilizing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), and transitioning into menopause. 

To further raise awareness of the importance of our sex hormones and how they fit into the bigger picture of our overall health, we’ve also partnered with the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) to launch an annual Sex Hormones Awareness Week campaign.

About Our Data

Before we get into the details of our research collaborations, let’s first take a moment to discuss our data. 

To ensure the safety and anonymity of our Mira users, all data is encrypted (and double-encrypted when necessary). 

When sharing data for the purpose of medical research and collaborations, we make sure to remove all personal identifiers. This includes all names, email addresses, and IP addresses associated with any health data points recorded in the Mira App. This type of data is often referred to as de-identified data. 

Key Research Collaborations

Improving Mira’s accuracy and relevance in clinical settings

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our users receive information about their bodies that is not only accurate but also relevant to their daily lives and health goals. Mira’s AI, and its ability to accurately predict ovulation, fertile windows, and cycle lengths across a range of health profiles, is consistently working towards this goal with each and every data point. 

To optimize this even further, we have an ongoing data collaboration with Johns Hopkins University where researchers use complex statistical analysis to help improve our algorithms. In a clinical trial with the University of British Columbia, researchers are also comparing and validating Mira’s results with ultrasound and blood testing. Both of these studies help to improve Mira’s ovulation and cycle predictions, while also helping to legitimize Mira’s relevance in clinical settings. 

There is also a place for Mira in specialized clinical settings, especially when it comes to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). For example, in a clinical trial at the Ottawa Fertility Centre and Olive Fertility Centre, researchers are evaluating the use of Mira at home for patients undergoing frozen embryo transfers (FETs). The purpose of this study is to see if urinary hormone testing is a reliable alternative to daily blood serum monitoring for predicting ovulation. 

By exploring the reliability of Mira’s urinary testing in this particular clinical setting, we can potentially help to improve the overall affordability and accessibility to IVF procedures.  

Sex hormone patterns and fertility status

Irregular periods, anovulation, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and endometriosis – these are just a few examples of health challenges that can interfere with an individual’s ability to get pregnant. 

Many women may not even know they have a condition affecting their fertility status. Others, yearning to get pregnant and start a family, may wait months and even years before getting answers on why they can’t conceive. For example, PCOS affects nearly one in five (18%) of women worldwide. However, research shows that it can take years to receive a diagnosis, with many PCOS patients having to see multiple healthcare professionals along their journey. 

It’s also important to note that traditional cycle tracking methods and ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are optimized for a 28-day cycle – meaning they may not be suitable for use among individuals with irregular periods and/or conditions that cause hormone imbalance (such as PCOS). The uncertainty, coupled with a lack of support and relevant cycle-tracking tools, can feel isolating, frustrating, and devastating for hopeful parents struggling to conceive. 

At Mira, we’re on a mission to find some answers. In a data collaboration partnership with Duquesne University, researchers are using menstrual cycle data collected in the Mira App to compare daily sex hormone fluctuations among individuals with and without self-reported PCOS. This will enhance our knowledge of PCOS in general; enabling researchers to identify any common hormone patterns, symptoms, or cycle characteristics. Ultimately, this research study is an important step towards improved diagnostics, support, and treatment for individuals with PCOS and other conditions affecting fertility status. 

Sex hormones, wellness, and general health

Among women, sex hormones control sexual development, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. However, if you know anything about sex hormones, you’ll know that they do so much more than just regulate the body’s reproductive system. For example, they also influence our immune system, metabolism, muscle growth, brain functioning, and more!  

We are fascinated by these complexities. And in a collaboration with the University of Melbourne, researchers are using Mira to explore associations between sex hormones and metabolism, the immune system, and the cardiovascular system among individuals with post-viral syndromes.

We’ve also partnered on a clinical trial with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, where researchers are using Mira to examine the associations between cortisol, female sex hormones, and long COVID symptoms.

By studying the complexities of how sex hormones influence other bodily systems, we can help to connect the dots between our hormones, health, and day-to-day well-being. This will not only help to improve treatment options and clinical guidance, but it will also provide validation for women coping with chronic conditions (a research area that is top of mind for researchers, clinicians, and public health officials). 

Sex hormones and physical performance

Research already shows that the underlying hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle can have an impact on an athlete’s performance. For example, one research study found that women are able to build muscle mass easier during the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase. Another study found that the risk of injury is higher towards the end of the follicular phase. 

We want to build on this research. In a study with Athletica, researchers are using Mira to examine the effects of training load on the menstrual cycle, menstruation, and ovulation.

By expanding our knowledge of the relationship between the menstrual cycle and athletic performance, we can help to improve training plans among female athletes, optimize individual performance, and reduce the overall risk of injury. 

Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved 

Our Medical and Science Team is constantly carrying out research with the vision to further the field of female health – and we are proud to work with experts at some of the world’s leading institutions who share that vision. 

If you are a doctor, nurse, or academic researcher interested in collaborating with us, please feel free to reach out to our team at partnership@miracare.com.

If you are a Mira user, there are so many different ways that you can get involved too! 

• Contribute to the data you track in Mira. 
• Take our surveys. For example, share your experience with Mira here! 
• Participate in a clinical study that uses Mira to collect data. Researchers across the world are using Mira to collect menstrual cycle data for their studies. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming clinical trials, often led by universities and fertility centers. You may also see these types of studies promoted on our collaborator websites. 

We know that hormone health is just one piece of the puzzle in a broader picture of women’s health. We are grateful that we get to help move the needle forward for future generations – and we would love to have you along for the journey! 

Helpful Definitions

Clinical trials 

A type of research study that involves testing a hypothesis on real people. This type of research involves participant recruitment, testing, and intervention. 

Data collaboration 

A type of collaboration where data is shared between two parties. In the context of Mira’s research, data collaborations provide a way for Mira’s backend data to be utilized by researchers for the purpose of analyzing a hypothesis. 

De-identified data

Data that is completely anonymous and not connected to a name, email address, or IP address. 

Reproductive (sex) hormones

A type of hormone that drives sexuality and fertility. 

Urinary reproductive (sex) hormones 

Reproductive hormones that have been metabolized in the body and released as waste in urine. 

The Mira Monitor can measure the following urinary reproductive hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), Estrone-3-Glucuronide (E3G, a urine metabolite of estradiol), Pregnanediol-3-Glucuronide (PdG, a urine metabolite of progesterone), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). 

References

Bouchard, T., Yong, P. and Doyle-Baker, P. (2023). Establishing a Gold Standard for Quantitative Menstrual Cycle Monitoring. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), [online] 59(9), p.1513. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091513.

Bouchard, T.P. (2023). Using Quantitative Hormonal Fertility Monitors to Evaluate the Luteal Phase: Proof of Concept Case Study. Medicina, 59(1), p.140. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59010140.

Gibson-Helm, M., Teede, H., Dunaif, A. and Dokras, A. (2016). Delayed diagnosis and a lack of information associated with dissatisfaction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 102(2), pp.jc.2016-2963. doi:https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2016-2963.

Martin, D., Timmins, K., Cowie, C., Alty, J., Mehta, R., Tang, A. and Varley, I. (2021). Injury Incidence Across the Menstrual Cycle in International Footballers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.616999.

Molloy, E. (2023). Menstrual Cycle Conundrum: Tailoring Training for Female Athletes. [online] Athletica. Available at: https://athletica.ai/menstrual-cycle-training-female-athletes/ [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024].

Nakhuda, G.S., Li, N., Yang, Z. and Kang, S. (2023). At-home urine estrone-3-glucuronide quantification predicts oocyte retrieval outcomes comparably with serum estradiol. F&S Reports, [online] 4(1), pp.43–48. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfre.2023.01.006.

Stujenske, T.M., Mu, Q., Pérez Capotosto, M. and Bouchard, T.P. (2023). Survey Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Menstrual Cycle Tracking Technologies. Medicina, [online] 59(9), p.1509. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091509.

Sung, E., Han, A., Hinrichs, T., Vorgerd, M., Manchado, C. and Platen, P. (2014). Effects of follicular versus luteal phase-based strength training in young women. SpringerPlus, 3(1), p.668. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/2193-1801-3-668.

Temkin, S.M., Barr, E., Moore, H., Caviston, J.P., Regensteiner, J.G. and Clayton, J.A. (2023). Chronic conditions in women: the development of a National Institutes of health framework. 

BMC Women’s Health, 23(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02319-x.

Winchester, N. (2021). Women’s health outcomes: Is there a gender gap? House of Lords Library. [online] Available at: https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/womens-health-outcomes-is-there-a-gender-gap/.

World Economic Forum. (2024). Closing the Women’s Health Gap to Improve Lives and Economies. [online] Available at: https://www.weforum.org/publications/closing-the-women-s-health-gap-a-1-trillion-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies/.