Startup developing screening tool for polycystic ovary syndrome

Symptoms include irregular or no periods, difficulty getting pregnant, hirsutism, weight gain, hair loss from the head, and acne but it can take years before a positive diagnosis for PCOS is given.

Now, chemical biologist Dr Melis Eda Ekinci aims to rectify this with Woost, a startup developing a home blood test kit for women that will enable them to regularly track biomarkers in their menstrual blood to screen for gynaecological conditions earlier.

“The idea, the inspiration, was to build a test that women can buy easily, online or at the pharmacy, or anywhere where they can - kind of like a pregnancy test – to perform a blood test at home and get results,” she said.

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The kit works in conjunction with a digital platform, where women can analyse their results, understand their symptoms, and access reviewed health information and treatment support.

Although in its early stages, Dr Ekinci expects the solution to deliver results in under half an hour when it reaches the market. Woost is also building an AI-assisted system targeting symptom tracking associated with PCOS, alongside menstrual blood testing.