Rhiannon joined Clue in 2022 as Chief Product Officer and took over as CEO to lead the company’s important mission: empowering women and people with menstrual cycles to take control of their health. Clue’s goal is to remove myths, taboos, and barriers by combining health science with data science. The app makes what is often an invisible experience visible and actionable.
Rhiannon’s passion for this mission is personal. In her 30s, she faced fertility struggles. Although she was healthy and well-informed, she didn’t fully understand her fertility or cycle until doctors analyzed her data. This experience showed her the power of cycle tracking and how crucial it can be for reproductive health. After using fertility treatments, she conceived her first child and then had two more naturally. This journey inspired her to help others through Clue’s tools.
How Clue Uses Data to Close Knowledge Gaps
Clue collects anonymized cycle data from users who opt in for research. This data is vital because women and people with cycles have long been underrepresented in health studies. Clue’s dataset already includes over 15 billion unique data points.
In 2023, Clue launched the Health Record feature, creating the largest dataset linking menstrual cycle data with confirmed diagnoses of under-researched conditions. Over a million users have contributed so far. The company collaborates with top universities like Stanford and Johns Hopkins to analyze patterns that could reveal new insights on conditions such as PCOS.
Shedding Light on PCOS with Research and Data
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects roughly 10% of people with cycles worldwide, yet many remain undiagnosed. Diagnosis often takes years and multiple doctors. Clue’s research collects data on symptoms and how they differ among individuals and populations, helping improve diagnosis and treatment.
Common PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, infertility, and weight gain, but symptoms vary widely, complicating diagnosis. Interestingly, Clue users with PCOS frequently track their emotional states, highlighting the link between mental and physical health.
Recently, Clue partnered with Headspace to help users manage mental health challenges related to their cycles, pregnancy, or fertility efforts.
Improving the Diagnosis Journey
Clue supports users by helping them track detailed symptom data to share with doctors. This data-backed approach empowers patients during medical visits. The app also provides educational resources on PCOS and flags unusual cycle patterns, encouraging timely medical advice.
Understanding PCOS and Related Health Issues
PCOS is often linked with other health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce these risks. Clue’s tracking features allow users and clinicians to see connections between menstrual cycles and other symptoms, giving a fuller picture of health.
The Future: A Comprehensive Health Companion
Clue aims to evolve beyond period tracking to become a full health companion for users’ entire reproductive journey. This includes more personalized features, support for specific life stages, and continued research to help users, healthcare providers, and scientists better understand female health conditions.
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