Eli Health, a startup founded by women, has unveiled the Hormometer, an innovative at-home test for tracking cortisol levels, the primary hormone associated with stress. With just a small saliva sample and a smartphone, users can receive insights into their cortisol levels in about 20 minutes.
Marina Pavlovic Rivas, cofounder and CEO of Eli Health, shared her enthusiasm about the launch, saying, “Hormometer’s public launch brings cortisol tracking into daily life, making it as trackable as sleep, HRV [heart rate variability] or glucose,” during an interview with CNET.
After over five years of dedicated research and development, the Hormometer makes its entry into the consumer market. This comes at a crucial time since hormone dysregulation is a common issue for many adults. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly half of women aged 30 to 60 in the United States have experienced symptoms of hormonal imbalance, often influenced by cortisol levels.
Hormones are fundamental to maintaining various health aspects, impacting mood, metabolism, physical performance, and even the aging process. Rivas mentioned, “Many people experience fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts without realizing hormones may be involved. Eli helps make those connections visible. For those who aren’t sure if their symptoms might be related to hormonal health, we want to eliminate as much of the barrier as possible by helping them test and track their hormones.”
The Hormometer’s operation is straightforward. First, users can order the kit online via the eli.health website. After receiving the kit, they simply collect their saliva sample at home and scan it using their smartphone. In a mere 20 minutes, results are available, eliminating the need for blood tests or laboratory visits. Rivas elaborated on the technology, stating, “The AI-powered Eli app scans the test using your phone’s camera, converts the signal into a precise value, and adds it to your trends and insights while providing immediate, actionable suggestions.”
The app doesn’t just offer a snapshot of hormone levels; it also tracks personal hormone trends over time and provides tailored recommendations based on the results. If users find their cortisol levels persistently high, they might receive suggestions such as:
- Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Incorporating brain-boosting foods into their diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich options
While the Hormometer is not a wearable device, its introduction aligns with the growing trend of consumer health monitoring, reminiscent of over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors and smartwatches designed to track heart rate, sleep, and stress. Cortisol monitoring is poised to provide valuable context alongside existing health tracking devices. For instance, if your smartwatch indicates sleep disturbances, the Hormometer can assist in determining if stress hormones are involved.
Eli Health’s team comprises experts who have spent over six years developing this groundbreaking product, resulting in more than a dozen patent-pending technologies that facilitate at-home hormone monitoring. Earlier this year, the Hormometer received CES 2025’s Best Innovation Award in Digital Health, highlighting its potential impact in the health tech industry.
It is crucial to clarify that while the Hormometer is FDA-registered for cortisol and progesterone testing under the FDA’s General Wellness Policy, it has not yet received full FDA approval for safety and effectiveness. This means that while the device’s existence and intended uses have been acknowledged by the FDA, it hasn’t undergone the comprehensive evaluation typically required for medical devices.
Currently focused on cortisol testing, Eli Health has plans to broaden its offerings to include tests for other hormones in the near future. “After the public launch of cortisol Hormometer, we plan to expand hormone testing options to include progesterone later this year and testosterone early next year,” Rivas noted.
As it stands, this launch represents a significant advancement in making personalized hormonal health data easily accessible to everyday consumers.
Regarding pricing, the Hormometer operates on a subscription model, offering three options for users. Further financial details can be obtained directly from Eli Health’s website as they roll out this innovative product to empower individuals in managing their hormonal health.
