Digital health company Lilli Health launched a new app last week to help people manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that produces irregular menstrual cycles.
Houston-based Lilli Health focuses on treating PCO with a “low insulin lifestyle.” According to the company, about 95% of women with PCOS have increased insulin levels, which prompts the ovaries to produce more androgens, such as testosterone, which disrupts the balance of hormones. This can lead to many major symptoms of PCOS, including irregular periods, acne, unnecessary hair growth, weight gain and ovulation challenges. Lilli Health Platform offers at-home insulin testing kits, educational materials and personalized lab explanations.
With the newly launched Lilli app, consumers can access dining plans and recipes designed to support a low-insulin lifestyle. They also have access to symptom tracking tools, menstrual cycle insights and educational resources on how to lower insulin levels. Additionally, users can upload lab results from providers or use the company's metabolic test suite.
The app is important because “it marks a real shift in our approach to PCOS – not only to manage symptoms such as irregularity, acne or weight gain, but actually targeting potential metabolic dysfunctions that drive these symptoms. Lilli gives women real data, actual tools, and is a clear path and very few healthcare systems.
Full access to the app, and consumers are $14.99 per month. The company is primarily sold to consumers, although it is building partnerships with employers and fertility benefits platforms.
According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 6-13% of reproductive women fight PCOS and about 70% of affected women are undiagnosed. It is also the main cause of infertility.
Chappell created Lilli Health due to his own experience with PCOS.
“When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I was a registered dietitian and despite doing everything about nutrition, I didn't work,” she said. “It wasn't until I discovered that the connection between insulin and PCOS changed. Lilli was based on experience, subsequent research, and thousands of women who shared the same frustration.”
Chappell added that most other apps focus on calorie counting, general health or fertility tracking, such as MyFitnessPal, Flo, Flo, Clues, Ovia and Noom.
“None of these apps track PCOS-specific symptoms, provide insulin tests or lab explanations, or provide diet plans and recipes designed specifically to keep insulin levels low. That's where Lilli is different,” she declared. “We are the first and only app specifically for reverse PCOS insulin resistance.”
Ultimately, the company’s goal is to “change how PCOS is diagnosed and processed.” Chappell said. Lilli Health is also seeking FDA license for the Lilli app as a medical device.
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