New Patch could track Important Hormone

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Wearable sensors can already track things like heart rate, but they aren’t great at detecting hormones, especially for women. Researchers at Caltech have created a new patch that can measure estradiol, an important hormone in women’s health, just by analyzing sweat. According to the study, “their new wearable sensor can detect and assess users’ estradiol levels by just analyzing sweat droplets.”

Estradiol, the strongest form of estrogen, helps regulate reproductive cycles and impacts mood, bone health, and heart health. Right now, estradiol testing needs blood or urine samples, which can be uncomfortable. The new patch from Caltech, developed by professor Wei Gao, uses tiny amounts of sweat instead. Gao’s team created a device where “minuscule amounts of sweat” are collected through micro-sized valves within its sensor system.

Estradiol levels in sweat are much lower than in blood—about 50 times less. But the sensor is still able to detect it. The device uses special DNA strands called aptamers to capture estradiol molecules, which send an electrical signal to a smartphone app, showing the user’s hormone levels. “The resultant electrical signal can be wirelessly measured and correlated to estradiol levels via a simple-to-use smartphone app.”

The patch collects sweat through small channels and automatically controls the amount of sweat used. It also adjusts for differences in sweat by tracking salt levels, skin temperature, and pH. The device “consistently calibrates via information collected on salt levels, skin temperature, and sweat pH.”

This isn’t Gao’s first sweat sensor. Earlier versions could detect cortisol, COVID-19, and inflammation markers. Gao said, “People often ask[ed] me if I could make the same kind of sweat sensor for female hormones, because we know how much those hormones impact women’s health.” This new patch could help women track fertility and manage hormone replacement therapy. The team is now working on detecting other hormones like progesterone, another key hormone in ovulation.

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