Proteomic Analysis of Menstrual Blood

In plain language

The first published proteome of menstrual blood, by researchers at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, using samples from healthy volunteers collected mainly on tampons. From two mid-period samples it identified 1,061 proteins, of which 385 were not found in published venous blood or vaginal fluid proteomes, supporting menstrual blood as a distinct body fluid with its own protein content.

Key numbers

1,061

Proteins identified in menstrual blood

385

Not found in published venous blood or vaginal fluid proteomes

What it means

Early evidence that menstrual blood is a distinct body fluid, not just blood. Many of its proteins fit endometrial biology: tissue breakdown, immune activity and matrix remodeling.