Hormona is a women’s health company focused on helping women understand and improve their hormonal health. We believe every woman should have easy access to information and tools that support her health. We know that traditional healthcare often overlooks women’s needs, so we created a platform that makes hormone health accessible. Whether you’re just starting to learn about your hormones or looking for detailed insights, our platform is designed for you. Hormona is built on the expertise of leading endocrinologists, gynecologists, and nutritionists, ensuring that the information you receive is reliable and rooted in the latest science. We aim to help you better understand your body, ultimately improving your overall health and quality of life.
Karolina’s journey to founding Hormona began with a personal struggle that many women can relate to. For years, she grappled with various hormone-related health issues, experiencing debilitating symptoms that impacted her daily life. Despite her efforts to seek help, she found herself in a frustrating cycle of visits to multiple doctors, each time feeling unheard and misunderstood.
Every doctor she consulted seemed unable to connect her emotional turmoil with the physical symptoms she was experiencing. Instead of receiving the comprehensive care she desperately needed, Karolina was prescribed antidepressants and advised to leave her high-pressure career. Her concerns were completely dismissed, and she was left with no real solutions.
Karolina Löfqvist, CEO and Co-founder of Hormona in Stockholm (2023)
Determined to find answers, Karolina embarked on her own quest for understanding. She conducted extensive research, seeking out specialists and even traveling abroad for consultations. It was through this tireless journey that she finally received a diagnosis of an underactive thyroid and hormonal imbalances. With this knowledge in hand, she began to address her health issues in a meaningful way.
As she navigated her healing process, Karolina became acutely aware of the significant knowledge gap surrounding women’s hormonal health. She realized up to 80% of women experience similar struggles, yet lack the necessary resources to understand and manage their hormonal well-being. This gap fueled her passion to create a solution that would empower women, not just during critical life stages like pregnancy or menopause, but throughout their entire lives.
Inspired by her own experiences and the stories of other women, Karolina envisioned a platform that would provide accessible, reliable information and tools to help women understand their hormones. She believed that technology could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between women and the healthcare they deserve.
Thus, Hormona was born—a digital platform designed to empower women to take control of their hormonal health. With a commitment to providing personalized insights and a community of support, Hormona aims to educate women about their bodies and the profound impact hormones have on their lives.
The Hormona Testing Device for Estrogen, 2024
The historic gender bias in medicine has left countless women underserved, leading to underfunding and a lack of attention to conditions that uniquely affect them. We believe this is unacceptable, and we are committed to changing that narrative. To address this, Hormona is committed to conducting studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of how hormones affect women’s lives.
Central to our mission is the thoughtful collection and analysis of health data. The gender bias has created a significant gap in knowledge not only about women’s health conditions but also about the complexities of women’s bodies in general. Since hormones influence nearly every function in the human body, understanding how they work—or don’t—provides critical insights into overall health.
Our team works alongside leading experts in endocrinology and gynecology, ensuring that our research is based on solid scientific principles. We believe that by combining technology and research, we can help women everywhere live healthier, more balanced lives.
A one-stop-shop for your hormone health, offering powerful tools and personalized insights.
A one-stop-shop for your hormone health, offering powerful tools and personalized insights.
At-home hormone tests that measure your hormone levels, with results directly in our app.
At-home hormone tests that measure your hormone levels, with results directly in our app.
Science-backed supplement to help support your body and reduce common everyday symptoms.
Science-backed supplement to help support your body and reduce common everyday symptoms.
Mood swings are a common experience for many women, often linked to fluctuating hormone levels. Research shows that about 75% of women experience mood swings at some point in their menstrual cycle, especially during the luteal phase (the time after ovulation but before menstruation).
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout the cycle, can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulates mood. Rapid changes in these hormone levels may cause emotional highs and lows, making you feel irritable, anxious, or sad.
Lifestyle factors, like stress and lack of sleep, can make these shifts even more intense. Understanding your hormone patterns can help you gain control over these emotional ups and downs, making everyday life feel more manageable.
Chronic fatigue can often be traced back to hormonal imbalances involving thyroid hormones, cortisol, and even insulin resistance. In fact, 1 in 8 women will experience thyroid dysfunction during their lifetime, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Cortisol, the stress hormone, also plays a role. When it stays elevated due to stress, it can lead to adrenal fatigue, leaving you feeling constantly tired. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and inadequate exercise, exacerbates this issue. Diets high in refined sugars and processed foods can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, draining your energy.
In short, hormonal imbalances disrupt the body’s ability to regulate energy, often leading to a feeling of constant exhaustion, no matter how much rest you get. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of women report feeling fatigued frequently, even after adequate sleep.
Bloating is a common symptom experienced by up to 85% of women, particularly before menstruation. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can lead to water retention and slow down digestion, contributing to that bloated feeling.
Beyond hormones, the gut plays a huge role. Gut imbalances, such as dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), can lead to poor digestion, gas buildup, and inflammation, which exacerbates bloating. Research suggests that diets high in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners can disrupt gut health, leading to bloating. Balancing your diet with fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and support overall gut and hormone health.
Anxiety is closely tied to hormone levels, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Research suggests that nearly 60% of women who experience hormonal imbalances also report symptoms of anxiety.
Estrogen helps regulate the brain’s production of serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” chemicals. When estrogen levels dip, especially in the days before menstruation or during menopause, anxiety can intensify.
Progesterone also has a calming effect on the brain, and lower levels of this hormone can lead to heightened feelings of anxiousness.
Women going through hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, often report increased anxiety due to these fluctuations.
Dysmenorrhea, or painful period cramps, affects over 50% of menstruating women, with around 10% experiencing severe pain that disrupts their daily lives. These cramps are driven by prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. Higher levels of prostaglandins often mean more intense cramps.
Women with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS often have elevated levels of these hormones, worsening their pain. Research has shown that lifestyle factors, such as stress, poor sleep, and inflammatory foods, can increase the intensity of cramps.
Anti-inflammatory diets, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in refined sugar, can help reduce prostaglandin production and ease cramping.
Tiredness can be a frustrating symptom of hormonal imbalance and is particularly related to thyroid disorders which affects up to 1 in 8 women or fluctuations in cortisol and insulin levels. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), for example, can cause profound fatigue.
Cortisol, when chronically elevated due to stress, can cause adrenal fatigue, leaving you feeling drained. Poor sleep, a lack of physical activity, and an unbalanced diet can worsen tiredness.
Studies show that diets high in refined carbs and sugar can lead to insulin resistance, further reducing energy levels. Restoring gut health, ensuring proper nutrient absorption, and balancing blood sugar through a low-glycemic diet can help combat tiredness linked to hormone issues.
Low libido, or a decrease in sexual desire, is often a direct result of hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Studies show that as many as 40% of women experience a loss of libido at some point in their lives, with hormonal changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause being primary causes.
Estrogen, which decreases during menopause, plays a crucial role in sexual desire and function. Testosterone, which is present in smaller amounts in women, is also key to maintaining a healthy libido. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to a lack of interest in sex, along with other symptoms like vaginal dryness, which can make intimacy uncomfortable.
However, lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can also lower sexual desire. Studies show that high levels of cortisol due to prolonged stress can suppress libido by interfering with sex hormones.
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, is often tied to hormone imbalances. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is notorious for leading to weight gain when consistently elevated. This is because high cortisol levels can increase appetite and cravings for sugary, fatty foods, while also promoting fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area.
Up to 80% of adults experience stress-related eating, which worsens weight gain. Insulin resistance, often exacerbated by poor diet and lack of exercise, is another common contributor to hormonal weight gain. Women with PCOS, for example, are particularly prone to insulin resistance and subsequent weight gain. Gut health also plays a critical role, as gut dysbiosis can impact metabolism and inflammation, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Around 20 million women in the U.S. alone have some form of thyroid disease, which can lead to weight gain due to a slow metabolism. Estrogen imbalances, particularly during menopause, are also linked to increased body fat, making hormone regulation a key factor in maintaining a healthy weight.
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and managing stress can help rebalance hormones and support weight management.
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is often linked to fluctuations in hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol. About 40% of perimenopausal and menopausal women report sleep disturbances. Estrogen, which decreases during menopause, helps regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. When estrogen levels drop, sleep issues can arise.
Similarly, progesterone, which has a calming effect on the brain, also decreases in the days leading up to menstruation and during menopause, contributing to insomnia.
Elevated cortisol levels due to chronic stress can keep the body in a state of alertness, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Hormonal imbalances are a leading cause of hair loss in women, with around 40% experiencing noticeable thinning by the age of 50.
Estrogen and progesterone promote healthy hair growth, while androgens (male hormones) can shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss.
Hair loss is particularly common during times of significant hormonal change, such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Conditions like PCOS, which are driven by excess androgens, can also contribute to hair loss.
In addition, thyroid imbalances, especially hypothyroidism, are another common culprit for hair thinning in women.
Acne is often associated with puberty, but it can persist well into adulthood, especially when driven by hormonal imbalances.
Androgens, male hormones present in women in smaller amounts, can trigger excess oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. This type of acne, often called hormonal acne, is particularly common during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Studies suggest that around 50% of women between the ages of 20 and 29 experience adult acne, which is largely hormone-driven. Hormonal imbalances can cause the skin to produce more sebum, which leads to the development of acne, particularly around the chin and jawline.
Gut health and diet are critical in managing acne. Studies have found a link between gut inflammation and skin conditions like acne, suggesting that an imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger skin flare-ups.
Diets high in sugar, dairy, and processed foods are known to worsen acne, while anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly foods like leafy greens, fermented foods, and omega-3s can help clear up skin by balancing both hormones and gut health.
Irregular menstrual cycles are commonly linked to hormonal imbalances, with around 30% of women experiencing irregular periods at some point.
Conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders can disrupt estrogen and progesterone balance, leading to unpredictable cycles. Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can further exacerbate these imbalances.
For instance, chronic stress can suppress ovulation, leading to missed periods or irregular cycles. Gut health also plays a role, as the gut helps process and eliminate excess hormones like estrogen. Improving gut health through a balanced diet, reducing inflammation, and managing stress can help stabilize irregular cycles.
Mood swings are a common experience for many women, often linked to fluctuating hormone levels. Research shows that about 75% of women experience mood swings at some point in their menstrual cycle, especially during the luteal phase (the time after ovulation but before menstruation).
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout the cycle, can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulates mood. Rapid changes in these hormone levels may cause emotional highs and lows, making you feel irritable, anxious, or sad.
Lifestyle factors, like stress and lack of sleep, can make these shifts even more intense. Understanding your hormone patterns can help you gain control over these emotional ups and downs, making everyday life feel more manageable.
Chronic fatigue can often be traced back to hormonal imbalances involving thyroid hormones, cortisol, and even insulin resistance. In fact, 1 in 8 women will experience thyroid dysfunction during their lifetime, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Cortisol, the stress hormone, also plays a role. When it stays elevated due to stress, it can lead to adrenal fatigue, leaving you feeling constantly tired. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and inadequate exercise, exacerbates this issue. Diets high in refined sugars and processed foods can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, draining your energy.
In short, hormonal imbalances disrupt the body’s ability to regulate energy, often leading to a feeling of constant exhaustion, no matter how much rest you get. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of women report feeling fatigued frequently, even after adequate sleep.
Bloating is a common symptom experienced by up to 85% of women, particularly before menstruation. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can lead to water retention and slow down digestion, contributing to that bloated feeling.
Beyond hormones, the gut plays a huge role. Gut imbalances, such as dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), can lead to poor digestion, gas buildup, and inflammation, which exacerbates bloating. Research suggests that diets high in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners can disrupt gut health, leading to bloating. Balancing your diet with fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and support overall gut and hormone health.
Anxiety is closely tied to hormone levels, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Research suggests that nearly 60% of women who experience hormonal imbalances also report symptoms of anxiety.
Estrogen helps regulate the brain’s production of serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” chemicals. When estrogen levels dip, especially in the days before menstruation or during menopause, anxiety can intensify.
Progesterone also has a calming effect on the brain, and lower levels of this hormone can lead to heightened feelings of anxiousness.
Women going through hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, often report increased anxiety due to these fluctuations.
Dysmenorrhea, or painful period cramps, affects over 50% of menstruating women, with around 10% experiencing severe pain that disrupts their daily lives. These cramps are driven by prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. Higher levels of prostaglandins often mean more intense cramps.
Women with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS often have elevated levels of these hormones, worsening their pain. Research has shown that lifestyle factors, such as stress, poor sleep, and inflammatory foods, can increase the intensity of cramps.
Anti-inflammatory diets, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in refined sugar, can help reduce prostaglandin production and ease cramping.
Tiredness can be a frustrating symptom of hormonal imbalance and is particularly related to thyroid disorders which affects up to 1 in 8 women or fluctuations in cortisol and insulin levels. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), for example, can cause profound fatigue.
Cortisol, when chronically elevated due to stress, can cause adrenal fatigue, leaving you feeling drained. Poor sleep, a lack of physical activity, and an unbalanced diet can worsen tiredness.
Studies show that diets high in refined carbs and sugar can lead to insulin resistance, further reducing energy levels. Restoring gut health, ensuring proper nutrient absorption, and balancing blood sugar through a low-glycemic diet can help combat tiredness linked to hormone issues.
Low libido, or a decrease in sexual desire, is often a direct result of hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Studies show that as many as 40% of women experience a loss of libido at some point in their lives, with hormonal changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause being primary causes.
Estrogen, which decreases during menopause, plays a crucial role in sexual desire and function. Testosterone, which is present in smaller amounts in women, is also key to maintaining a healthy libido. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to a lack of interest in sex, along with other symptoms like vaginal dryness, which can make intimacy uncomfortable.
However, lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can also lower sexual desire. Studies show that high levels of cortisol due to prolonged stress can suppress libido by interfering with sex hormones.
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, is often tied to hormone imbalances. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is notorious for leading to weight gain when consistently elevated. This is because high cortisol levels can increase appetite and cravings for sugary, fatty foods, while also promoting fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area.
Up to 80% of adults experience stress-related eating, which worsens weight gain. Insulin resistance, often exacerbated by poor diet and lack of exercise, is another common contributor to hormonal weight gain. Women with PCOS, for example, are particularly prone to insulin resistance and subsequent weight gain. Gut health also plays a critical role, as gut dysbiosis can impact metabolism and inflammation, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Around 20 million women in the U.S. alone have some form of thyroid disease, which can lead to weight gain due to a slow metabolism. Estrogen imbalances, particularly during menopause, are also linked to increased body fat, making hormone regulation a key factor in maintaining a healthy weight.
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and managing stress can help rebalance hormones and support weight management.
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is often linked to fluctuations in hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol. About 40% of perimenopausal and menopausal women report sleep disturbances. Estrogen, which decreases during menopause, helps regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. When estrogen levels drop, sleep issues can arise.
Similarly, progesterone, which has a calming effect on the brain, also decreases in the days leading up to menstruation and during menopause, contributing to insomnia.
Elevated cortisol levels due to chronic stress can keep the body in a state of alertness, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Hormonal imbalances are a leading cause of hair loss in women, with around 40% experiencing noticeable thinning by the age of 50.
Estrogen and progesterone promote healthy hair growth, while androgens (male hormones) can shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss.
Hair loss is particularly common during times of significant hormonal change, such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Conditions like PCOS, which are driven by excess androgens, can also contribute to hair loss.
In addition, thyroid imbalances, especially hypothyroidism, are another common culprit for hair thinning in women.
Acne is often associated with puberty, but it can persist well into adulthood, especially when driven by hormonal imbalances.
Androgens, male hormones present in women in smaller amounts, can trigger excess oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. This type of acne, often called hormonal acne, is particularly common during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Studies suggest that around 50% of women between the ages of 20 and 29 experience adult acne, which is largely hormone-driven. Hormonal imbalances can cause the skin to produce more sebum, which leads to the development of acne, particularly around the chin and jawline.
Gut health and diet are critical in managing acne. Studies have found a link between gut inflammation and skin conditions like acne, suggesting that an imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger skin flare-ups.
Diets high in sugar, dairy, and processed foods are known to worsen acne, while anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly foods like leafy greens, fermented foods, and omega-3s can help clear up skin by balancing both hormones and gut health.
Irregular menstrual cycles are commonly linked to hormonal imbalances, with around 30% of women experiencing irregular periods at some point.
Conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders can disrupt estrogen and progesterone balance, leading to unpredictable cycles. Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can further exacerbate these imbalances.
For instance, chronic stress can suppress ovulation, leading to missed periods or irregular cycles. Gut health also plays a role, as the gut helps process and eliminate excess hormones like estrogen. Improving gut health through a balanced diet, reducing inflammation, and managing stress can help stabilize irregular cycles.
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