period Blood as a Diagnostic Tool: New Tests Promise Early Detection of Cancer and Diabetes
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A paradigm shift is underway in women’s health, as scientists and startups unlock the diagnostic potential of menstrual blood. For decades, depictions of menstruation were sanitized – literally colored blue in advertising as recently as September 2021, when Procter & Gamble committed to using red in it’s product marketing – reflecting a broader cultural taboo and a significant gap in medical research.now, that’s changing, with researchers developing innovative tests to detect diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes using this previously overlooked bio-fluid.
the Stigma and the Science
Monthly uterine bleeding has historically been associated with shame and disgust, leading to its exclusion from scientific inquiry. This absence of research is now being actively addressed, as experts recognize period blood as a rich source of biomarkers. “Period blood is an facts-rich fluid,” explains Dr. Christine Santori, a reproductive endocrinologist at cleveland Clinic, “It contains cells shed from the uterine lining, and also blood components that can reveal a lot about a woman’s health.”
A Bandage That Analyzes Blood
At the University of Zurich, researchers led by Dr. Teresa herrmann have developed a bandage-like sensor capable of analyzing whole blood within a sanitary pad. The sensor detects biomarkers using a colorimetric method – a biomarker is detected, with darker lines indicating higher concentrations. The app uses machine learning to provide precise,objective measurements of color intensity.
The initial test focuses on three key biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker; CEA, a tumor marker elevated in cancer; and CA-125, a protein potentially elevated in endometriosis and ovarian cancer. “Our test procedure can not only indicate women-specific diseases,but also generally all diseases that can be detected in the blood,” Herrmann notes. This represents the first functioning sensor capable of analyzing whole blood within a bandage,eliminating the need for a customary laboratory setting.
Beyond Cancer: Detecting diabetes and HPV
The University of Zurich isn’t alone in this pursuit. Gynecologist Paul Blumenthal at Stanford University has been a pioneer in the field, demonstrating in 2022 the presence of crucial indicators within menstrual blood. His research revealed the presence of HPV viruses,specifically the high-risk variant linked to cervical cancer,and hemoglobin A1c,a key parameter for diagnosing and treating diabetes. “Women generally need to know that blood is not a waste product. It has a health value,” Blumenthal emphasized.
The Rise of “Femtech” Startups
Outside of academia, a growing number of “femtech” startups are capitalizing on this emerging field. qvin, based in California, is developing a specialized menstrual pad, the “Q-Pad,” designed to detect health markers. In Germany, Theblood, led by Isabelle Guenou, has created an analysis method for diagnosing conditions like diabetes and endometriosis using menstrual blood samples. Guenou,who personally experiences endometriosis,highlights the need for diagnostics that prioritize women’s health: “Non-invasive,monthly,accessible to millions of peopel.”
These tests promise to enable earlier diagnoses and make female health more visible and measurable. However, researchers caution that elevated biomarker levels do not automatically equate to illness, but can inform more targeted and efficient medical examinations.
Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead
While the potential benefits are significant, the advancement of these tests hasn’t been without challenges. herrmann reports facing hostility and skepticism, with some questioning the focus on women’s health and others expressing concerns about “AI in their underpants,” a reference to the “MenstruAI” app associated with her team’s test.
Despite these hurdles, a field study with over 100 participants is planned to evaluate the test’s performance in real-world conditions. If triumphant, the test coudl be commercially available by the end of 2027, compatible with standard sanitary pads. The question of health insurance coverage remains open.
The future of women’s health diagnostics is evolving, and menstrual blood is poised to play a central role. While these tests are not intended as lifestyle products,they represent a significant step towards proactive,accessible,and personalized healthcare for women. Further research is crucial to fully understand the complexities of menstruation and unlock its full diagnostic potential.
