Researchers at ETH Zurich, a public university in Zurich (Switzerland), have unveiled MenstruAI — a non-invasive, electronic-free technology that transforms ordinary sanitary towels into health-monitoring test strips.
By analyzing menstrual blood, MenstruAI detects biomarkers associated with diseases such as cancer and endometriosis, empowering users with regular, accessible health insights.
More than 1.8 billion people menstruate worldwide, yet menstrual blood has long been overlooked by the medical community, noted Lucas Dosnon, first author and doctoral student on the project. ETH Zurich’s innovation challenges this status quo by recognizing menstrual blood as a rich source of diagnostic information. “To date, menstrual blood has been regarded as waste. We are showing that it is a valuable source of information,” said Dosnon.
How it works
MenstruAI is deceptively simple. Users wear a modified sanitary pad that contains a paper-based test strip, similar in principle to Covid-19 self-tests. As menstrual blood contacts the embedded strip, specific antibodies react with proteins in the blood, causing a color change. These changes can be read with the naked eye or captured and analyzed through a smartphone app using machine learning to quantify protein levels.
The prototype targets three biomarkers: CRP (a general inflammation marker), CEA (associated with various cancers), and CA-125 (linked to endometriosis and ovarian cancer). The researchers are also exploring other protein-based biomarkers.
The system’s elegant design embeds the test area in a flexible silicone chamber, ensuring consistent sample collection and avoiding smearing or test interference. Importantly, MenstruAI operates without electronic components or lab equipment, making it suitable for resource-limited settings. “The aim was to develop a solution that can be used in regions with poor healthcare provision and is cost-effective enough for broad population screening,” explained project lead Professor Inge Herrmann.
The potential for MenstruAI extends beyond convenience. It can act as an early warning system, prompting users to seek medical advice when abnormal readings appear. While not a replacement for clinical diagnostics, it supports proactive health management and long-term tracking, particularly for chronic or hard-to-detect conditions.
Testing in real world setting
Currently, the ETH team is preparing for a large-scale field study involving over 100 participants to assess MenstruAI’s real-world performance. The study will explore variations in menstrual blood composition, evaluate compatibility with lab standards, and address regulatory requirements for potential market release.
Design experts from Zurich University of the Arts are also involved to ensure the product is user-friendly and socially acceptable, reducing psychological barriers and addressing stigma. “It’s about making the technology not just technically sound, but also emotionally and socially accessible,” said Herrmann.
Despite initial skepticism and social stigma surrounding menstrual topics, the ETH team remains resolute. “Courageous projects are needed to ensure women’s health finally gets the attention it deserves,” Dosnon emphasized.
