Researchers from the universities of Bristol and Exeter are launching a large-scale study called CycleTrack designed to advance understanding of heavy menstrual bleeding and associated conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids. The research project will establish what is described as the world’s largest bank of dried menstrual fluid samples, collecting biological materials alongside comprehensive health data from thousands of women across the UK.
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects up to half of women worldwide and can significantly impact physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Symptoms include periods lasting more than seven days, the need to change sanitary protection every one to two hours, passing large blood clots and signs of iron deficiency such as fatigue and dizziness. Researchers note that despite menstrual health being an important indicator of overall health, it remains poorly understood due to insufficient high-quality research data.
Participants will be recruited from two established birth cohort studies: Children of the 90s in south-west England and Born in Bradford in West Yorkshire. Volunteers will use a specialist app and detailed questionnaires to track symptoms, sleep, mood, energy levels and wellbeing while providing menstrual fluid samples over three menstrual cycles using specially designed period pads. By linking these samples with existing long-term health information and genetic data from the cohort studies, researchers aim to identify biological signals associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.
The project is part of a broader international initiative called The Missed Vital Sign, led by Wellcome Leap. Findings from the research could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis, more personalized treatment plans and improved methods of identifying health risks linked to heavy periods, including iron deficiency. Sample collection is scheduled to begin this month, with all data expected to be collected by end of November 2027 and preliminary findings anticipated by early 2028.
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