HELPING YOU MAKE SMART AND DISCERNING CHOICES
The Basics
From being viewed traditionally as a waste produce, menstrual blood is now recognised as a valuable source of health information.
Biomarkers are used clinically as objective indications - rather than symptoms perceived by a patient - that can be both measured accurately and reproduced for diagnostics and treatment effectiveness.[1]
Laboratory and at-home tests
The collection of menstrual blood has enabled testing data to be obtained for a variety of conditions, both with requiring samples to be sent to a laboratory and more simple at-home tests.[2]
These include diabetes and metabolic health, evaluating hormones related to fertility, thyroid function, and potential indicators for conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian and cervical cancer. [3]
History and Background
In the last decade, research on menstrual blood as a diagnostic tool has increased since earlier scientific investigation dating back to the 1960s. In 2007, stem cells were identified within menstrual blood.
good news
Utilising menstrual blood can be a convenient, low-cost alternative to traditional blood tests via at-home health monitoring.
Private doctors and health clinics
While at-home tests provide convenient insights, they are generally used for screening or monitoring, and significant symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor.
The NHS does not currently use at-home menstrual blood testing as a routine screening method.
However, private doctors and health clinics in the UK are increasingly using at-home menstrual blood testing and related female hormone testing kits.
Menstrual Diagnositcs - reference texts and further reading
[1] Strimbu K, Tavel JA. What are biomarkers? Curr Opin HIV AIDS. 2010 Nov;5(6):463-6. doi: 10.1097/COH.0b013e32833ed177. PMID: 20978388; PMCID: PMC3078627.
[2] Zaheer A, Komel A, Abu Bakr MB, Singh AK, Saji AS, Kharal MM, Ahsan A, Khan MH, Akbar A. Potential for and challenges of menstrual blood as a non-invasive diagnostic specimen: current status and future directions. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024 Jun 10;86(8):4591-4600. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002261. PMID: 39118774; PMCID: PMC11305704.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/06/menstrual-blood-test-alternative-cervical-screening-hpv
This article is for informational purposes only.
For medical advice or a diagnosis, consult a qualified professional health care provider.