Wearable patches have long been staples in women’s healthcare, serving roles in contraception, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and menstrual tracking. Recent advancements, however, are propelling these devices into new realms of innovation, promising significant transformations in women’s health.
Expanding Horizons in Healthcare Technology
The landscape of healthcare is increasingly being reshaped by wearable technology, offering real-time health monitoring, early disease detection, and improved management of chronic conditions. These non-invasive devices allow for continuous monitoring and remote care, making health data more accessible than ever before. According to GlobalData, the wearable technology market is expected to grow from $99.5 billion in 2022 to $290.6 billion by 2030 on a global scale.
Simultaneously, femtech—an emerging sector within healthcare—has garnered attention for its focus on technology-driven solutions tailored specifically to women’s health needs.
Innovations in Breast Ultrasound and Beyond
One standout innovation is the development of wearable breast ultrasound patches, pioneered by Canan Dagdeviren, an associate professor at MIT’s Media Lab. These patches are designed to attach directly to the breast, featuring a flexible, 3D-printed structure with honeycomb-like openings. The ultrasound scanner within the patch can be maneuvered to six different positions, facilitating comprehensive imaging of the entire breast without the need for specialized training. This advancement aims to supplement standard mammogram screenings, offering high-risk women the option of more frequent self-screening without exposure to radiation.
In a pilot study, the patch successfully detected breast cysts as small as 0.3 cm in diameter in a 71-year-old woman, showcasing its potential efficacy in real-world applications. The device not only enhances patient comfort and reduces invasiveness but also holds promise in alleviating the burden on healthcare facilities by enabling initial screening at home.
Bridging the Gender Pain Gap
Another significant application of wearable patches lies in pain management, particularly in addressing conditions like endometriosis and menstrual pain. Devices like Myoovi utilize wireless transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to deliver pain relief through mild electrical impulses. This approach not only blocks pain signals to the brain but also stimulates the body’s natural production of pain-relieving endorphins.
Start-ups like BeYou have also entered the fray, offering patches infused with natural ingredients such as menthol and eucalyptus. These patches provide a viable alternative for women seeking relief from menstrual and endometrial pain, lasting up to twelve hours and offering convenience over traditional methods like hot water bottles.
A New Era in Hormone Therapy
In the realm of hormone therapy, Medherant—a UK-based company specializing in transdermal patches—has been at the forefront. Their TEPI patch technology is poised to revolutionize treatment options by delivering approved drugs through a patch format. One notable development is their work on a testosterone patch specifically tailored for post-menopausal women. Testosterone, though less commonly associated with women’s health, plays a crucial role in managing hypoactive sexual dysfunction disorder (HSD) post-menopause, offering relief from associated symptoms.
Preliminary studies have shown promising results, demonstrating effective testosterone delivery with levels comparable to those in pre-menopausal women. The patch is touted for its ease of use, avoiding the messiness of gels and facilitating activities like swimming without the risk of transference.
Medherant is currently navigating regulatory pathways to bring their testosterone patch to market, underscoring the need for tailored treatments that cater to the unique needs of women’s health.
Looking Ahead
As these advancements continue to unfold, there is growing momentum behind the need for more targeted investments in women’s health technologies. Innovations in wearable patches not only promise to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness but also to bridge longstanding gaps in understanding and treating women’s health conditions effectively.
In the words of Karolina Afors, medical director at Medherant, “We need tailored personalized medicines according to our needs, not just adaptations of male-oriented treatments.” This sentiment underscores a pivotal shift towards inclusivity and innovation in women’s healthcare, driven by the transformative potential of wearable technologies.
