WellTheory, a platform focused on reducing autoimmune disease symptoms, is launching a new women’s health program focused on hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause.
The program will support women navigating autoimmune disease and hormonal imbalances. Of the more than 50 million Americans suffering from an autoimmune disease, 80% are women. Hormonal imbalances play a significant role, with research showing that hormones regulate immune system function and disruptions in hormonal balance can trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions.
There are more than 100 different known autoimmune diseases. They affect about 15% of the workforce. The company has already been supporting patients with endocrine conditions like diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This new program is a “natural” expansion of those efforts, co-founder and CEO Ellen Rudolph told Fierce Healthcare.
The program starts with specific labs that track hormone levels and how they fluctuate over a period of time like 24 hours. The lab results are paired with a personalized plan, like nutritional interventions, alongside educational resources. WellTheory also offers prescription supplements tailored to someone’s needs.
When a patient joins WellTheory, they go through an in-depth root cause assessment. That includes a qualitative questionnaire and labs where appropriate. If someone has a known diagnosis of a hormonal issue, that is one way WellTheory can identify them for the program. For those who may not know, the company takes into account the symptoms they report. While it does not intend to necessarily diagnose hormonal issues—it can refer out for that—the goal is to more proactively manage symptoms. “It’s meant to be very dynamic and meeting someone where they’re at,” Rudolph said.
Rudolph began suffering from an autoimmune disease in her mid-20s. She learned that numerous hormonal issues, including PCOS, were among the root causes of her diagnosis. Her aim with WellTheory is to bring personalized support to women who are similarly struggling. Women make up 71% of WellTheory’s patient population, and more than 30% of them struggle with a known hormonal-related condition in addition to their autoimmune disease.
“For many it’s less about a diagnosis,” Rudolph said. “Balancing hormones is a priority for them.”
WellTheory’s interdisciplinary team includes registered dietitians and health coaches who take a holistic, evidence-based approach to health. Earlier this year, the company clinched its first employer partnership with Maven Clinic. It launched an enterprise offering this past fall, taking aim at the hidden costs and productivity impacts of untreated autoimmune diseases.