Menstrual blood is being used to research a range of health conditions — from endometriosis to diabetes and cancer
Menstrual blood has historically been overlooked in research – considered only to be a waste product.
But menstrual blood actually has a rich cellular and molecular makeup. It contains immune cells, stems cells and endometrial cells – as well as metabolites such as proteins and lipids (fat). This makes menstrual blood a potential goldmine for insights into many different health conditions.
It can also be a less invasive way for researchers to access important biological material without the need for surgical biopsies or other invasive techniques.
Given its important composition, researchers are now using menstrual blood to investigate whether it can be used to uncover the causes of a disease, identify signs of a health condition and develop personalised treatments.
Menstrual blood contains live immune cells which have come from the reproductive tract. These immune cells offer insight into the inflammation that’s occurring in the womb. This may help researchers better understand and develop treatments for painful sex, a common symptom for people with endometriosis which is linked to inflammation.
On the topic of diabetes, menstrual blood is also being used for a proof-of-concept study to monitor glycaemic control. This offers alternatives to traditional blood tests – such as the Q pad, a pad which contains a removable collection strip for blood testing.
Other diseases which are showing promising results in being diagnosed through menstrual blood include cervical cancer, chlamydia and diseases associated with lipid levels – such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
