Revolutionary women's flags: Menstruai discovers diseases early!

Revolutionary women's flags: Menstruai discovers diseases early!

Zürich, Schweiz - on May 28, 2025, the World Menonary Day, a groundbreaking innovation of the ETH Zurich was presented: the women's bandage "Menstruai", which serves to identify diseases in menstrual blood at an early stage. According to Vol enables this technology to analyze specific biomarkers in the blood and to point out possible health problems such as endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

The bandage works by taking a picture of their used bandages with a smartphone so that the data can be evaluated via an app. This app uses machine learning to evaluate the color intensity on a test strip that is delivered with the bandage. The color strips indicate the concentration of various biomarkers such as CRP, CEA and CA-125, which are also recorded in the test. These biomarkers are crucial because they can be increased in inflammation or certain types of cancer.

functionality and application

The prototype of the Menstruai is a non-electronic, paper-based rapid test strip, which both delivers visual results and can be evaluated digitally. This is particularly important to promote use in regions with weak health care, where there is often no access to laboratory devices. "Menstruai" thus represents an inexpensive and easy-to-applicable early warning system, which shows the need for a visit to the doctor, but does not replace any existing diagnoses, as 20 minutes .

The researchers have already carried out a feasibility study with volunteer participants and plan a larger study to test the applicability in everyday life.

background to menstrual health

The topic of menstrual health is becoming increasingly important. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized it in 2022 as the central health and human rights topic. Menstruation health includes physical, psychological and social well -being in connection with the menstrual period. Thieme Connect emphasizes that about two billion people worldwide, whereby the conditions vary greatly. In many countries, especially in the global south, poor hygiene conditions and social taboo lead to girls often cannot go to school during their menstruation.

activists are calling for more information and access to menstrual products in order to counteract stigmatization. In Germany, around 50 % of women accept their menstruation, while the other half often struggles with it. Through initiatives that work for menstrual equality, attempts are made to combat the associated stigma. The introduction of products such as Menstruai could be a significant step towards a fairer healthcare system.

The technical progress of the menstruai bandage could not only help to recognize diseases at an early stage, but also make contributions to overcoming stigmatization and promote the discussion about menstrual health globally.