The Potential of Menstrual Blood in Non-Invasive Health Diagnostics

Picture sourced from The19thNews

Written by Sofia Davila

All women dread that time of the month. Tolerating cramps, back pain, acne and wild mood swings sounds as horrible as it is, but what if I told you that menstrual blood is actually way more useful than we credit it to be? In 2012, Medical Examiner Donald Siegl found that it contains unique proteins which could be studied and used to diagnose reproductive diseases. Siegl’s findings may revolutionize women’s health research. Today, the target for scientists is to assess the potential of menstrual blood in relation to its composition, the advantages of non-invasive diagnostics, and the future for women’s health research & healthcare access. 

Menstrual blood is a source of biomarkers, which means that it allows for the analysis of hormonal profiles. Menstrual blood contains key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are in charge of regulating ‘the development and function of the uterus’ according to the National Library of Medicine. The ability to detect these hormones can lead to the early detection of reproductive conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis which are both often misdiagnosed. The FDA-approved Q-Pad utilizes menstrual blood to monitor blood sugar levels and holds potential for diagnosing conditions like HPV. The Q-Pad itself is the first non-invasive technology capable of examining the composition of menstrual blood. Experts believe it to be a milestone in women’s healthcare monitoring as it is not only non-invasive, but also accessible for millions of women managing reproductive conditions. The rich composition of menstrual blood suggests that it would be highly effective in female reproductive health diagnostics.

Non-invasive diagnostics reduce the need for painful and uncomfortable procedures, encouraging more women to engage in regular health monitoring. Research indicates that non-invasive tests can increase patient compliance by providing easier access to health assessments. Additionally, these types of tests are less costly than traditional ones, making them accessible to a wider population. The advantages of non-invasive diagnostics align with the potential of menstrual blood as a resource for early detection of reproductive conditions. Nonetheless, for these diagnostic methods to be broadly adopted, the FDA approval process is essential.

Just like for any other diagnostic test, preclinical testing is required to measure the non-invasive diagnostic’s initial safety and efficacy. If promising, an investigational device exemption or IDE is submitted. The IDE is a ‘regulatory submission’ that permits a device to be clinically trialed on humans. These clinical trials assess the diagnostic’s accuracy by comparing it to other existing methods. Following this step, manufacturers must go through a process of premarket submission which the FDA evaluates. After approval, the device keeps on being monitored for safety. Successfully navigating the FDA approval process is key for implementing menstrual blood diagnostics in clinical practice. 

With the FDA's role established, it is also critical to explore how these advancements can impact women's health research and healthcare access. In a world where women and girls account for 63% of HIV cases finding the potential in menstrual blood for non-invasive health diagnostics can fill significant gaps in women’s health research, which has historically been underrepresented in clinical studies. In addition, non-invasive tests can improve healthcare access for unprivileged populations, empowering women from all over to take control of their reproductive health. These steps are ones we need to take in order to achieve global access to healthcare. 

The exploration of menstrual blood as a diagnostic tool reveals its promising applications and significant implications for women’s health. Assessing the potential of menstrual blood in non-invasive health diagnostics illustrates its rich biomarker composition, highlights the advantages of non-invasive diagnostics, and emphasizes the need for continued research in women’s health. Overall, the research shown in this essay supports the thesis that menstrual blood can serve as a valuable resource for women’s health diagnostics. Future research should focus on paving the way for bigger  implementation in clinical settings. This should be done ensuring that all women gain access to quality reproductive healthcare.