World’s largest menstrual fluid biobank 'transformational'
A new UK study will seek to help women get faster, better treatment, for heavy menstrual bleeding
A new UK study will seek to help women get faster, better treatment, for heavy menstrual bleeding, through creating one of the world’s largest biobanks of menstrual fluid.
Researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol will collect real-time symptom and health data from thousands of participants in two leading UK birth cohort studies, Children of the 90s and Born in Bradford. Participants will provide menstrual fluid samples over three cycles, using specially designed period pads. They will also use a daily tracking app and complete detailed questionnaires.
The study, called CycleTrack aims to improve the lives of the millions affected by heavy menstrual bleeding by creating the world’s largest biobank of menstrual fluid for people in their mid-30s.
By combining these samples, with long-term health and genetic data, researchers hope to identify biological signals linked to variation in periods and related conditions. The findings could support earlier diagnosis, better care plans and new tools to identify risks such as iron deficiency.
The research is part of The Missed Vital Sign, a program led by Wellcome Leap, which contributes to a broader global effort ,to reduce the time it takes a woman to get effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding from 5 years to 5 months.
Up to 50% of women worldwide experience heavy periods, which can significantly affect physical, emotional and social wellbeing. With periods being a normal part of life for half the population, researchers say this vital work will also help improve understanding of menstrual health more broadly and inform future school and workplace guidance.
Professor Gemma Sharp, from the University of Exeter, said: “We know that menstrual health is a key indicator of overall health, but a lack of high-quality data means it remains poorly understood and under-supported in healthcare. We also know that heavy periods can affect many aspects of daily life - for example, our recent research revealed an association between heavy periods, school attendance and lower GCSE attainment - so we urgently need new ways to support the millions of women affected by heavy periods more promptly and effectively,”
Children of the 90s participant, Alice, said: "My heavy, painful periods started at 15. I assumed it was "normal". I wore "super plus tampons", doubled up on "night time pads" and would still leak onto my trousers. I started wearing leggings underneath trousers as added protection. I avoided sitting down on public transport.
"By 24, the pain became so unbearable, I would struggle to stand or walk. I lost my sense of self, my quality of life and work was almost impossible. I developed Endometriosis and had multiple surgeries. Research like this helps destigmatise periods, develops greater awareness of women's issues and helps progress advancements in women's health".
About heavy menstrual bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with a person's physical, emotional, social and/or quality of life. It can occur with or without an underlying medical condition, such as fibroids or hormonal disorders.
Common symptoms include:
• Bleeding lasting longer than seven days.
• Needing to change sanitary protection every one to two hours.
• Passing large blood clots.
• Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, including fatigue and dizziness.
About Children of the 90s
Based at the University of Bristol, Children of the 90s, also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), is a long-term health research project that enrolled more than 14,500 pregnant women in 1991 and 1992. It has been following the health and development of the parents, their children and now their grandchildren in detail ever since. It receives core funding from the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust and the University of Bristol.
About Born in Bradford
Born in Bradford, based within the Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR) at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is an internationally recognised research programme which aims to find out what keeps families healthy and happy by tracking the lives of over 60,000 Bradfordians. We use this information to work with the local authority, health, education and voluntary sector providers across Bradford district to develop, implement and evaluate ambitious programmes to improve population health. You can find out more about our research programme at www.borninbradford.nhs.uk