Revolutionary Menstrual Blood Test Enhances Endometriosis Detection

A groundbreaking menstrual blood test developed by researchers at Penn State University offers a significant advancement in the detection of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting nearly 200 million individuals worldwide. The test, which boasts a sensitivity five times greater than existing laboratory methods, aims to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, potentially alleviating severe symptoms such as pain and infertility.

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the organ, leading to debilitating symptoms that often remain undiagnosed for years. According to a study published in the *Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders* in 2022, the average delay in diagnosis for women in the United States can extend up to 12 years. Professor Dipanjan Pan, who leads the research team at Penn State, emphasizes the importance of early detection, stating, "Timely intervention is crucial for managing the disease effectively."

The innovative device developed by Pan and his team detects HMGB1, a protein linked to the progression of endometriosis, in menstrual blood. This method capitalizes on menstrual effluent, which has historically been overlooked as a viable source for diagnostic purposes due to social stigma. Pan notes that menstrual blood could provide a more accessible and non-invasive means of identifying biological markers for the disease.

The device operates similarly to a pregnancy test, indicating the presence of HMGB1 through a color change on a test strip. The research team utilized a novel technique to create nanosheets from borophene, a two-dimensional material, which enhances the test's sensitivity. "Borophene is biocompatible and biodegradable, making it suitable for medical applications," explains Pan, who holds multiple professorships at Penn State, including positions in nuclear engineering and materials science.

The study detailing this advancement was published on July 17, 2025, in *ACS Central Science*, highlighting the research team's findings and future plans to scale up the technology for clinical use. The approach not only aims to improve sensitivity further but also hopes to extend its diagnostic capabilities to other conditions, including HPV and cervical cancer.

This research was supported by several institutions, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. The team includes co-first authors Satheesh Natarajan and Ketan Dighe, along with several other contributors who have been recognized for their efforts in advancing women's health technologies. The findings represent a significant step forward in utilizing menstrual blood for diagnostic purposes, promoting a shift in how women's health is approached in clinical settings.

As the study progresses towards clinical trials, Professor Pan and his team remain optimistic about the potential impact of this technology. "By integrating such tests into personal care products, we could empower women to monitor their health discreetly and effectively," he adds. This innovative approach not only addresses the needs of patients in rural or resource-limited settings but also aims to destigmatize menstrual health issues, paving the way for a more inclusive and impactful dialogue around women's health diagnostics.