Innovative Menstrual Hygiene Tech: AI-Enabled Sanitary Pads Detect Health Biomarkers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have pioneered a groundbreaking technology that allows menstrual blood to be analyzed directly within sanitary towels, providing a non-invasive and user-friendly health monitoring tool. Named MenstruAI, this system leverages integrated rapid test strips and artificial intelligence to identify key biomarkers in menstrual blood, opening new avenues for health tracking and early disease detection.

The device functions similarly to a home COVID-19 test. When worn, the sanitary towel contains a built-in sensor with a lateral flow assay that reacts to specific proteins in menstrual blood. After use, the pad can be photographed with a smartphone, and the accompanying app analyzes the color changes on the test strips to determine the concentration of biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor marker CEA, and CA-125. These markers are linked to inflammation, cancer, and endometriosis, respectively.

The prototype's design ensures only a controlled volume of blood interacts with the test components, preventing smearing or false results. The app’s machine learning capabilities enable quantitative assessment of protein levels, providing an objective health status overview.

This innovative approach could significantly impact women’s health care by offering an affordable and accessible method for regular health monitoring. It aims to be particularly useful in regions where traditional laboratory services are limited, potentially serving as a preliminary screening tool to prompt medical consultation.

Currently, the research team is conducting larger field studies to evaluate the system's reliability in real-world conditions, accounting for biological variability across menstrual cycles and individuals. Regulatory considerations, including biocompatibility, are also being addressed, alongside efforts to optimize user experience in collaboration with design experts.

While MenstruAI is not intended to replace clinical diagnostics, it provides a cost-effective means for early warning of health anomalies, enabling users to seek timely medical advice. This development underscores a commitment to enhancing equitable healthcare and breaking down barriers related to menstruation stigma. The project emphasizes that advancing women’s health should be a global priority, with innovative tools empowering individuals to take charge of their health.

For more detailed information, see the publication in Advanced Science: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.202505170