In the rapidly evolving landscape of women’s healthcare, few figures have made as significant an impact as Dr. Sophia Yen. As the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Pandia Health, the only doctor-founded and women-led online hormonal health clinic, Dr. Yen has dedicated her career to addressing the unique needs of women at every stage of their lives. From her early days as an advocate for adolescent reproductive health to her current focus on menopause, Dr. Yen’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering women through accessible, evidence-based care.

Dr. Yen’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple, yet profound question posed during a talk she gave to a group of physicians: “Why don’t women take their birth control?” The answer, she discovered, was rooted in convenience—or rather, the lack thereof. “Women are busy and have #BetterThingsToDo than to run to the pharmacy each month,” Dr. Yen explains, highlighting the barriers many women face in accessing birth control. This revelation led her to coin the term “#pillanxiety,” describing the stress women experience when they risk running out of birth control, with all the accompanying fears of unintended pregnancy or the interruption of their daily lives. Inspired by this need, Dr. Yen initially envisioned Pandia Health as a straightforward solution: an online pharmacy dedicated to ensuring that “no one runs out of birth control on our watch.”

However, as the service gained traction, Dr. Yen realized that many women responding to their ads for free birth control delivery didn’t have a prescription. This presented an opportunity for Pandia Health to expand beyond a delivery service to offer comprehensive care. “As a doctor, I could write prescriptions,” Dr. Yen says, “and thus, Pandia Health was born: the end-to-end solution for hormonal health.”The evolution of Pandia Health didn’t stop there. Recognizing that many women who needed birth control also sought treatment for acne, Dr. Yen added acne treatment to Pandia’s offerings, leveraging her expertise as an adolescent medicine specialist.

As Dr. Yen herself entered menopause, she saw another opportunity to expand Pandia’s services. “I set out to find the best evidence-based treatment for me,” she says, “and I would share it with all those that needed it via Pandia Health.” Today, Pandia Health’s menopause practice is led by two of the nation’s 1,800 Menopause Society Certified Practitioners, both of whom are OB/GYN doctors with over 20 years of experience in menopause care. Dr. Yen’s commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare is evident in the feedback she receives from Pandia Health’s users. “Whenever I am down, I just go read Pandia Health’s reviews and am re-energized,” she says, noting that 85% of patients remain on the same birth control pill at their 10-week follow-up, thanks to an algorithm she developed to match women with the best option for them. This level of satisfaction is a testament to Dr. Yen’s expertise and dedication.

Throughout her journey, Dr. Yen has been supported by a network of mentors and communities that have guided her through the challenges of entrepreneurship. She credits organizations like Coralus, Springboard Enterprises, and All Raise for providing invaluable resources and support. “The founders who have shared their experiences in fundraising and who have shared resources in marketing, accounting & everything startup are so helpful,” she says.

These communities have not only provided practical guidance but also the mental support necessary to persevere in the competitive world of startups. Dr. Yen’s approach to entrepreneurship is a blend of careful planning and adaptability. “I plan things out and go for it!” she says, reflecting on her lifelong ambition to become a doctor. Yet, she acknowledges the need for flexibility in the startup world, where goals must be balanced with the ability to pivot and adapt to new opportunities. As she looks to the future, Dr. Yen’s vision for Pandia Health is nothing short of ambitious.

She envisions the company becoming “The Online Health Brand Women Trust!” with plans to expand their menopause offerings and continue to innovate in the field of women’s hormonal health. “We would love to ring the NASDAQ bell as we go IPO,” she says, a goal that seems well within reach given Pandia Health’s impressive growth and impact. In reflecting on her journey, Dr. Yen emphasizes the importance of community and persistence. “Get help, don’t do it alone,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “Build your team and community.” With this collaborative spirit and her unwavering commitment to women’s health, Dr. Sophia Yen is not just changing the game—she’s rewriting the rules.