Exploring and Validating Biomarkers in Menstrual Blood

This study aims to find out whether menstrual blood can provide similar useful biological information to a standard blood sample taken from a vein in the arm as well as uterine biopsies and vaginal swabs.

Menstrual and reproductive health have historically been under-represented in research, and menstrual blood remains an under-studied biological sample despite its potential value for understanding women's health.

Women aged 18 years and over who are currently menstruating may be invited to take part. Participants will attend a study visit during their menstrual period, where they will provide a menstrual blood sample collected using a menstrual cup and a small blood sample from a vein in the arm.The samples will be sent to a research laboratory and analysed to compare the biological information they contain.

Some samples may also be processed to extract DNA and isolate cells for research purposes.

The study is low risk and is not expected to provide a direct medical benefit to participants. However, it may help improve understanding of whether menstrual blood could be used more widely in future women's health and fertility research. Participants will not receive individual results, as the tests are for research purposes only and are not designed to provide clinical information about their health.