Exploring and Validating Biomarkers in Menstrual Blood (NCT07638085) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Exploring and Validating Biomarkers in Menstrual Blood
United Kingdom100 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:Are female and aged 18 years or over Experienced menarche but not menopause Are willing and able to provide a menstrual blood sample collected using a menstrual cup Are willing to provide a self-administered vaginal swab Are willing and able to undergo collection of a peripheral venous blood sample Are able to understand the study procedures and requirements Are able and willing to provide written informed consent Are willing for their samples and associated study data to be used for the research purposes described in the study documentation Participants may be recruited from participating fertility clinics.
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Exclusion Criteria:
* Are male or 17 years or younger Not experienced menarche or experienced menopause Currently pregnant Have an active vaginal, pelvic or systemic infection that may affect safe participation or sample integrity
Have a known allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to the menstrual cup material Have any medical, anatomical or physical condition that would make use of a menstrual cup unsafe or impractical Have any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator or delegated clinician, would make participation unsafe, inappropriate or unsuitable Are unable or unwilling to provide written informed consent
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.