Hormones were discovered 120 years ago, reshaping our understanding of women's health. Yet, many women still find managing their hormones confusing or intimidating.
Mira surveyed 2,250 American women and compiled the shocking findings into the 2025 Hormone Health Index Report.
Here are some highlights:
1. A Significant Awareness Gap Still Exists
More than half of women (58%) report having only moderate or lower knowledge about hormonal health. Surprisingly, 66% have never tested their hormones, potentially missing critical insights into their body's signals and health status.
Improving education and easy access to hormone testing could significantly enhance women's understanding and management of their hormonal health.
2. Symptoms Often Go Unaddressed
Around 68% of women do not seek medical assistance even for severe symptoms like intense pain or hot flashes. Many also overlook symptoms such as acne or hair loss, potentially missing early signs of hormonal imbalance. This reluctance often stems from uncertainty or fear of dismissal.
Connecting symptoms with hormonal data could encourage more proactive health management and timely interventions.
3. Long Delays in Diagnosing Conditions
Over half of women face delays of six months or more in diagnosing hormonal conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Nearly one-third wait over a year, significantly impacting their quality of life and well-being.
Quicker, more accessible hormonal testing could expedite diagnoses, reducing delays and associated stress.
4. Healthcare Providers Often Dismiss Concerns
About 21% of women feel their hormonal concerns are dismissed by healthcare providers, discouraging them from seeking further medical care. Lack of validation can create barriers to proper diagnosis and treatment.
Clear, objective hormone data can empower women to advocate more confidently for their healthcare needs.
5. Financial Stress Limits Access
Nearly a third of women (32%) hesitate to address hormonal issues due to costs. This financial barrier is especially significant for menopausal women, who face costs about 45% higher than average.
Affordable healthcare solutions and wider insurance coverage are crucial to removing financial barriers to hormonal healthcare.
6. Hormone Imbalances Are Common Yet Overlooked
Data from over 211,000 tracked cycles shows 47% lacked clear signs of ovulation, and 22% exhibited low progesterone levels (PdG), critical for reproductive health. Excessively high LH levels, potentially indicating conditions like PCOS, were noted in 13% of cases. These findings highlight the prevalence of overlooked hormonal imbalances.
Regular and precise hormonal testing is vital for detecting and addressing these issues proactively.
7. Cultural Taboos Still Surround Hormones
Discussing hormonal health remains uncomfortable for 57% of women, with 38% feeling uneasy even with healthcare professionals. Cultural taboos and stigma significantly hinder open dialogue and accurate information sharing.
Creating supportive and judgment-free environments can help normalize conversations about hormonal health.
8. Geographic Barriers Limit Care
Nearly 37% of women must travel more than 10 miles (16 km) to access hormonal healthcare services, particularly affecting rural communities. Long distances can lead to missed appointments and inconsistent treatment.
Improving accessibility through telehealth and home-testing can ensure reliable care regardless of geographic location.
9. Hormonal Health Affects Workplace Productivity
About 67% of women believe their employers don't understand their hormonal health challenges, leading to stress and productivity losses estimated at $196 billion annually. Lack of support at work exacerbates symptoms and diminishes job satisfaction.
Educating employers and implementing supportive workplace policies could enhance women's health and productivity.
→Click here to download the full Mira SHAW Report 2025←
Mira: Closing the Hormone Awareness Gap
These findings show that while we've come a long way since the discovery of hormones over a century ago, significant gaps remain in awareness, access, and support.
But change is happening.
Innovations like at-home hormone testing are helping to close these gaps — making it easier for modern women to listen to your body, bring more clarity and mindfulness into daily health decisions.
Tools like Mira empower women with lab-grade data – turning invisible symptoms into actionable insights. Together, we can ensure a future where women's hormonal health is prioritized and proactively managed.