Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Veera Health's Approach

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a widespread health concern affecting women, often leading to irregular menstrual cycles, difficulties with conception, or an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Its prevalence is significant, impacting approximately one in ten women globally, creating substantial demand for improved support and proactive risk assessment.

Addressing this need is Veera Health, a startup operating as an online clinic. The company focuses on assisting women in India with navigating the complexities of PCOS through comprehensive risk-screening, mental wellbeing resources, and information regarding associated symptoms like acne and weight fluctuations. Successful implementation of their services could facilitate earlier diagnoses for women worldwide.

The Challenges of PCOS Diagnosis

“A primary difficulty surrounding polycystic ovary syndrome lies in the diverse range of symptoms it presents,” explains Shashwata Narain, CEO and co-founder. “Consequently, women frequently experience prolonged delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis.” Veera Health aims to deliver a superior standard of guidance, empowering women with informed perspectives throughout their treatment journey.

Veera Health’s Subscription-Based Program

Veera Health’s program operates on a subscription model, beginning with a detailed review of a patient’s medical history to gain a thorough understanding of their symptoms and any pre-existing medical reports. Currently, approximately 60% to 70% of Veera Health’s clientele are already aware of their condition and are actively seeking effective solutions.

The startup then meticulously analyzes potential risk factors and proposes a comprehensive treatment strategy. Veera Health collaborates with a network of specialists – including clinical nutritionists, dermatologists, and gynecologists – on a contractual basis to validate all patient-specific plans.

Dedicated care managers are employed to ensure consistent communication with patients, overseeing the implementation of these plans on a weekly and daily basis.

The company’s recommendations are firmly grounded in established, peer-reviewed research concerning the assessment and management of PCOS.

Early Success and Financial Growth

Veera Health officially launched three months ago and has already generated $10,000 in revenue. The company is experiencing a substantial growth rate, with paid customer acquisition increasing by 300% month-over-month.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Value Proposition

Currently, Veera Health’s services are not covered by insurance, requiring patients to pay directly for access. In India, Narain notes that outpatient care is predominantly an out-of-pocket expense, with insurance primarily covering hospitalization costs.

By consolidating these various services into a single platform, Veera Health aims to prevent customers from incurring significant expenses and navigating a fragmented healthcare landscape, potentially saving them “thousands and thousands of rupees.”

Research indicates that PCOS clinics demonstrate strong patient retention rates compared to providers offering single-care solutions.

Addressing Stigma and Raising Awareness

The co-founder identifies the most significant challenge for Veera Health as educating women about prioritizing their health and overcoming the societal stigma associated with PCOS.

“It presents a challenge to disseminate information effectively and encourage women to prioritize their wellbeing, while simultaneously confronting the existing stigma surrounding PCOS and women’s health in general.”

Y Combinator and Pandemic-Driven Demand

Investor confidence in addressing this conversation is evident, as Veera Health recently completed Y Combinator’s Winter 2021 cohort. The startup was one of 39 companies from India selected, representing the largest contingent from the accelerator to date.

Narain believes Veera Health is uniquely positioned to assist women during the current pandemic. Her sister and co-founder, Shobhita, personally experienced the challenges of a PCOS diagnosis, providing firsthand insight into the diagnostic process.

“The pandemic has fostered greater acceptance of online healthcare solutions,” she explains. “Increased time spent at home, reduced opportunities for exercise, and heightened stress levels have contributed to a growing awareness of PCOS and a corresponding search for effective solutions.”