Menstrual Health Study 2.0

To understand factors that may contribute to individual differences in menstrual symptom experience. This information is crucial for developing interventions to manage menstrual symptoms effectively. Many people who menstruate experience symptoms such as cramps, low back pain, or changes in bowel frequency. However, we still don’t fully understand why these symptoms vary from person to person. By collecting blood, menstrual/vaginal fluids, urine, and stool samples, and learning about diet and symptoms, we aim to uncover the causes of these menstrual symptoms. This information could help researchers develop new methods to alleviate menstrual symptoms.

 

Study phase: N/A

Basic eligibility criteria:
Please contact the study coordinator for additional eligibility information.

(1) female aged 14-39 years

(2) onset of menarche > 2 years prior

(3) in good general health

(4) having regular menstrual cycles (24-38 days)

(5) willing to withhold using hormonal contraception and non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) and use an alternative method for birth control during the course of the study.

Additional information:

If you choose to participate, you will be asked to:

  • Complete online surveys.
  • Visit the research lab 3 times.
  • Self-collect vaginal swabs (similar to using a Q-tip) during study visits and at home.
  • Use disposable menstrual cups to self-collect vaginal/menstrual fluid.
  • Provide blood and urine samples during two of the study visits
  • Use urine test strips to track ovulation at home.
  • Optionally, self-collect two stool samples at home.

*This study does not involve the use of investigational drugs or devices.

Primary disease category: Healthy Volunteers

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Protocol number: STUDY00005466

Projected enrollment dates: September 2025 to May 2026

Official study title: Menstrual Health Study 2.0