In this episode, Rose Hamilton speaks with Dr. Sophia Yen, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Pandia Health. They discuss the journey of transforming women’s healthcare and addressing key issues in birth control, menopause, and obesity management.

This episode is sponsored by Compass Rose Ventures and Shopline USA.

About Pandia Health

Founded in 2016, Pandia Health revolutionizes access to birth control. The company delivers personalized care, ensuring women never run out of contraceptives. Pandia also focuses on providing evidence-based solutions for menopause and weight management, empowering women to live healthier lives.

Key Themes of the Episode

• Accessible Birth Control: Learn how Pandia eliminates barriers through personalized prescriptions, telemedicine, and hassle-free delivery.
• Expanding Care: Discover their approach to menopause care, managing osteoporosis risks, and addressing obesity with a holistic lens.
• Marketing Challenges: Explore how Pandia overcomes advertising restrictions using organic SEO, educational content, and strategic partnerships.
• AI in Healthcare: Understand the importance of trustworthy algorithms and diversity in promoting women’s health effectively.
• Startup Ecosystem: Hear about fundraising difficulties, ethical practices, and the impact of women-led healthcare companies.
• Venture Capital Diversity: See why more women investors and diverse representation are essential for innovation in healthcare.
• Entrepreneurial Advice: Dr. Yen shares actionable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing persistence and community support.

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Sophia Yen’s work with Pandia Health highlights the importance of accessible, personalized healthcare. By addressing women’s unique needs and leveraging technology, Pandia stands at the forefront of change.

Learn More

Visit Pandia Health to explore their services and mission. Follow them on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn @pandiahealth for updates.

Podcast Transcription: Rose Hamilton Interviews Dr. Sophia Yen

Introduction

Rose Hamilton: I actually coined the term #pillanxiety. You get to that last week of pills, and if you don’t get to the pharmacy, there will be a dire consequence. All these women freaking out every single month from age 15 to 50—#betterthingstodo. My friend Pearl Anee and I thought, we can fix this. Let’s ship women birth control until they tell us to stop. That’s how Pandia Health was born.

Ramon Vella: Welcome, listeners! Today’s episode of The Story of a Brand is hosted by Rose Hamilton, founder and CEO of Compass Rose Ventures. Rose dives into women’s health innovation with Dr. Sophia Yen, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Pandia Health.

Pandia Health provides birth control delivery and expert care, eliminating trips to the pharmacy. With real-time prescriptions and hassle-free delivery, Pandia ensures women have access to contraceptives when they need them. Let’s jump into this important conversation.

The Birth of Pandia Health

Rose Hamilton: Dr. Yen, what inspired you to create Pandia Health?

Dr. Sophia Yen: Pandia Health was founded in 2016. As an academic physician, I focused on preventing unplanned pregnancies. I noticed one key reason women missed birth control was simply not having it on hand. That’s when I coined #pillanxiety—the stress of running out of pills. My co-founder and I decided to deliver birth control to women so they never run out. If you have insurance, there’s no copay or deductible for FDA-approved birth control. If you need a prescription, our doctors provide it for just $30 per year.

The Range of Birth Control Options

Rose Hamilton: How many birth control options are out there?

Dr. Sophia Yen: Most people don’t realize there are 40 different birth control pills, plus options like the patch, ring, and Depo-Provera shot. Not all pills are the same. There are eight different progesterones, and side effects vary by individual. At Pandia Health, we developed an algorithm based on factors like age, BMI, bleeding preferences, and genetics to prescribe the best option with minimal side effects.

Specialized Care for Women’s Health

Rose Hamilton: What sets Pandia Health apart from general practitioners?

Dr. Sophia Yen: Our doctors specialize in hormonal women’s healthcare. Unlike general practitioners who manage a variety of issues, we focus solely on birth control, menopause, and obesity-related hormonal issues. Our proprietary algorithm ensures personalized care, and we train our doctors to address side effects proactively.

Expanding to Menopause and Weight Management

Rose Hamilton: How did you decide to expand into menopause and weight management?

Dr. Sophia Yen: As I approached menopause, I realized the lack of accessible, evidence-based care. Menopause impacts the heart, bones, brain, and more. At Pandia, we offer expert menopause care led by certified practitioners. We also address weight management, as menopause often leads to weight redistribution and metabolic changes. Our goal is holistic support throughout a woman’s life.

Challenges and Marketing Strategies

Rose Hamilton: What challenges have you faced in growing Pandia Health?

Dr. Sophia Yen: One major hurdle has been navigating advertising restrictions. Words like “birth control” or “abortion” trigger censorship on platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok. Despite these challenges, 30% of our traffic comes from organic SEO. We also create educational content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to reach our audience.

The Future of Women’s Healthcare

Rose Hamilton: What’s next for Pandia Health?

Dr. Sophia Yen: We’re building a seamless experience for women’s healthcare, from birth control to menopause. Our vision is to make expert care available wherever you have internet and a mailbox. With ongoing research into genetics and personalized medicine, we’re excited about the future.

Closing Thoughts

Rose Hamilton: Dr. Yen, your work is truly inspiring. How can people connect with Pandia Health?

Dr. Sophia Yen: Visit us at pandiahealth.com for birth control and menopause care. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @pandiahealth. For menopause-specific content, check out pandiahealth.com/menopause. You can also follow me at @DrSophiaYen on TikTok and Instagram.

Rose Hamilton: Thank you, Dr. Yen, for this enlightening conversation. We’d love to have you back for Part 2 soon!

Dr. Sophia Yen: Thank you, Rose. It’s been a pleasure!