Researchers at ETH Zurich have unveiled MenstruAI, a groundbreaking diagnostic platform that transforms menstrual blood into a powerful tool for non-invasive health monitoring.

At the heart of the innovation is a smart sanitary pad embedded with a paper-based biosensor, much like a COVID-19 test strip.

This sensor detects crucial biomarkers such as:

- CRP (C-reactive protein) – a marker for inflammation,

- CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) – linked to certain cancers,

- CA-125 – commonly associated with ovarian cancer and endometriosis.

To use the system, individuals take a photo of the used pad with a smartphone.

The MenstruAI app, powered by machine learning and image analysis, then interprets color changes in the sensor to deliver personalized health insights.

This low-cost, accessible innovation could revolutionize women’s health diagnostics, especially in underserved or remote areas where regular screenings are unavailable.

It offers a discreet, private, and empowering alternative to conventional tests.