Menstrual Blood: An Underexplored Biological Resource with Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential – A Review

Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, JSS College of Nursing, India

*Corresponding author: Dr. Rashmi P, Assistant Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, JSS College of Nursing, Mysuru, India, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: December 30, 2025

Published Date: March 04, 2026

Citation: Rashmi P. (2026). Menstrual Blood: An Underexplored Biological Resource with Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential – A Review. Mathews J Nurs. 8(1):67.

Copyrights: Rashmi P. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Menstrual blood has long been dismissed as physiological waste; however, accumulating scientific evidence now recognizes it as a biologically valuable fluid enriched with viable cells, signaling molecules, and regenerative factors. Recent research has identified menstrual blood–derived stem cells (MenSCs), along with immune cells, cytokines, and growth factors, highlighting their considerable promise in diagnostics and therapy. Notably, MenSCs have shown potential applications in conditions such as endometrial disorders, inflammatory diseases, and tissue regeneration, including emerging evidence in endometriosis and ischemic tissue repair. Menstrual blood collection is non-invasive, ethically acceptable, painless, and repeatable, offering clear advantages over conventional stem cell sources. This review critically consolidates existing literature on the composition, biological roles, diagnostic applications, and therapeutic prospects of menstrual blood, while addressing socio-cultural perspectives, ethical considerations, existing challenges, and future research directions.

Keywords: Menstruation, Menstrual Blood, Menstrual Blood–Derived Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Biomarkers, Women’s Health.