KUALA LUMPUR:
When Karen Michell Othaya Kumar was 16, her mother underwent surgery to remove a large uterine fibroid. The procedure involved the removal of her uterus – a decision her mother later regretted.
In the years that followed, Karen witnessed the effects of surgically induced menopause, from hot flushes to mood swings
“Nobody, not the doctors, not the medical school, not anyone, ever properly explained to her what was happening or what could have been done earlier,” Karen, 37, told FMT Lifestyle
“I’ve spent years in clinical work with the health ministry and within the pharmaceutical industry. So many times, I’ve seen women try to explain their symptoms and get dismissed when they finally speak up.”
Years later, Karen herself was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (now renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), a hormonal disorder affecting millions worldwide
As she sought treatment, she became increasingly frustrated by the limited healthcare options available. If she, despite her medical background, struggled to navigate the healthcare system, what about other women?
This inspired her to launch Baseline, “Southeast Asia’s first AI-powered hormone health platform”, aimed at helping women better understand their health and become active participants in their reproductive journeys
The app allows women to complete an online assessment and receive a personalised hormone health profile. The findings are translated into plain-language explanations and recommendations, reducing the need for repeated clinic visits and lengthy waiting times
Starting the venture required a leap of faith: Karen left a stable career in 2020 to develop Baseline despite no funding or major financial backing
“I believe that healthcare and education should be universal – everyone should have equal access to it,” she said
“I also grew up in the B40 community with no access to private healthcare, so I know what it means to have no avenue available to you.”
As such, Baseline’s core service is free, with an optional paid tier for advanced features. Additional functions such as a period tracker are in development
The platform’s services include home blood collection, with phlebotomists travelling directly to customers in the Klang Valley
Users receive an AI-powered analysis of their results, which translates medical data into plain-language insights tailored to factors such as age, menstrual-cycle stage, and personal health goals
All tests are reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals, including doctors and nutritionists. Users then have the option of booking a follow-up consultation with a doctor for further guidance
Unlike many health recommendations that are based on western demographics, Baseline is tailored specifically to Malaysians. It recognises different healthcare traditions, with optional insights drawn from Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine perspectives
Karen believes the platform is especially relevant today, when social media has become a major
And because health profiles vary widely from person to person, she said access to personalised, context-specific information is increasingly important
“I also understand what it’s like to be a working woman or mother, juggling many tasks and responsibilities. Too often, we put our family’s needs first and neglect our own health,” she noted
Karen thus encourages women to undergo regular screenings, pay attention to warning signs, and seek help when something feels wrong
“Your health is the most valuable investment you’ll ever make. You can earn more money and buy many things in life, but you can’t buy back your health.”
Find out more by visiting Baseline’s website here
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