Study of menstrual blood: the scientific bet to detect diseases in women
The study of menstrual blood has been considered by scientists as a true "research mine", as few laboratories today have implemented tests to study this complex fluid.
TL;DR
- Menstrual blood is being studied as a valuable research resource by biotech startups.
- The goal is to create faster, more economical, less invasive, and more accurate diagnostic tests for diseases like endometriosis.
- Menstrual blood contains proteins, hormones, bacteria, endometrial tissue, and cells from the reproductive tract and vaginal cavity.
- This fluid provides access to molecular characteristics not found in other bodily fluids.
- Researchers are investigating menstrual blood for biomarkers of endometriosis, endometrial cancer, adenomyosis, and autoimmune conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- The potential also extends to detecting diabetes and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.