Going with the Flow: The Future of Healthcare Lies in Menstrual Blood...

As we dive into Women's Health Week (September 2nd - 6th), let’s talk about something that’s been overlooked for far too long—menstrual blood. We’re not just talking about it as a biological event, but as a game-changer in healthcare.

For years, menstrual blood has been cast aside, seen only as a monthly hassle or been treated as "embarrassing" through silly stigmas. But what if it could do more than just remind us to restock our favourite eco-friendly period care? What if it could actually help us diagnose health conditions without the need for needles or invasive tests?

That’s exactly what’s happening, thanks to innovators like Dr. Sara Naseri. Driven by the desire to make healthcare more accessible and less invasive, she created the Q-Pad, a smart menstrual pad that can detect health issues with just a drop of blood—your menstrual blood, that is. No needles, no vials, just you going about your day as usual.

The Q-Pad can currently check for HbA1c levels, which is crucial for monitoring diabetes. But the future holds even more promise—think HPV, thyroid issues, fertility tracking, and even early detection of menopause. All of this from a product we already use every month.

But this isn’t just about convenience; it’s about breaking down barriers in women’s health. For too long, medical research has focused on men, leaving women with a significant health gap. By turning something as routine as menstruation into a diagnostic tool, we’re finally seeing women’s health needs being addressed with the urgency they deserve.

The beauty of this innovation isn’t just in its functionality, but in its simplicity. Imagine getting valuable health insights without even having to leave your house. No more waiting rooms, no more anxiety over blood tests—just practical, accessible healthcare right at your fingertips (or rather, right in your underwear drawer).

And it’s not just the Q-Pad. Around the world, other innovators are following suit. In the UK, the Papcup is offering a non-invasive way to detect HPV, a virus linked to cervical cancer, using menstrual blood. Meanwhile, researchers are making strides in diagnosing endometriosis—a condition that affects 1 in 10 women—through the very same method.

This Women’s Health Week, let’s celebrate not just the progress we’ve made, but the potential that lies ahead. Menstrual blood, once dismissed as a nuisance, is now poised to revolutionise how we approach healthcare. It’s about time we see it for what it truly is—a powerful tool that could bring us closer to a future where women’s health is prioritised and personalised.

Here’s to going with the flow, in every sense of the word. Caring for women. Period.

Thanks for tuning in again this week GFZ's! 

Until next week, much love! 

Your GFZ fam 💚

GFZ Team xoxo