Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Some people have few symptoms.
Menstrual-sample research
Researchers have found differences in shed cells and gene activity in menstrual samples from people with endometriosis. This may help explain the disease and guide the development of less invasive tests.
Results do not all agree. A 2026 study did not consistently reproduce earlier differences in immune-cell proportions. Larger studies are needed. These findings do not establish an Ösel test that can confirm or rule out endometriosis.
How it is assessed
Doctors consider symptoms, history, and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Surgery is sometimes needed. It is not always required before treatment can begin.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis involves tissue from the uterine lining within the muscle wall of the uterus. It can cause heavy periods, severe cramps, pelvic pain, or a feeling of fullness. It is different from endometriosis.
Menstrual-sample research
One small study found higher levels of two proteins in menstrual blood from people with adenomyosis. The study measured proteins called PGP9.5 and TGF-β1.
This was an early study in a selected group. The findings need testing in independent groups. They do not show that a monthly protein result can measure your pain or track the condition.
How it is assessed
Assessment may include a discussion of symptoms, an examination, and an ultrasound scan. MRI may help when more information is needed.
Uterine fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or on the uterine muscle wall. They may cause heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure. Many people have no symptoms.
Menstrual-sample research
Menstrual fluid has been used to study how the uterine lining sheds and repairs in people with heavy bleeding. That research may help explain bleeding, but it is not specific to fibroids.
The studies reviewed here do not establish a validated menstrual-sample test for fibroids. Changes in flow or inflammatory proteins should not be treated as a measure of fibroid growth.
How it is assessed
Ultrasound can help identify fibroids. Imaging gives information about their size and location that a menstrual sample cannot provide.
Endometrial polyps
Polyps are growths of the uterine lining. They may cause spotting between periods or heavier bleeding. Most are benign, and some cause no symptoms.
Menstrual-sample research
Studying shed cells could help researchers ask questions about the uterine lining. The evidence reviewed here does not establish a menstrual test that finds or classifies polyps.
A menstrual sample cannot be assumed to show where a polyp is or whether it is benign. Imaging and tissue assessment remain important when a polyp is suspected.
How it is assessed
Doctors may use ultrasound or hysteroscopy. A hysteroscope is a thin camera used to look inside the uterus. Removed tissue can be examined in a laboratory.
Chronic endometritis
Chronic endometritis is persistent inflammation of the uterine lining. It can cause spotting or pelvic discomfort, but it may have no noticeable symptoms. It is not the same as endometriosis.
Menstrual-sample research
A small study found higher levels of inflammatory proteins in menstrual fluid from people with chronic endometritis. The participants were receiving an infertility assessment.
Inflammatory proteins are also present during healthy menstruation. One raised marker does not prove an infection or chronic endometritis. The early study does not validate a home test or tell someone whether they need antibiotics.
How it is assessed
Assessment often includes a biopsy of the uterine lining to look for particular immune cells. Diagnostic thresholds vary between studies and clinics.
Endometrial hyperplasia & cancer
Endometrial hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the uterine lining. Some forms can progress to cancer. Endometrial cancer starts in this lining. Unusual bleeding can be a sign of either condition, but it can also have other causes.
Menstrual-sample research
Researchers are studying cancer-related DNA changes in vaginal secretions collected with a tampon. These are specific laboratory assays. Vaginal secretions and routine menstrual blood are not interchangeable samples.
These studies do not validate an Ösel cancer test. A monthly menstrual collection approach also cannot cover people who no longer have periods. A reassuring sample result must not be used to dismiss unusual bleeding.
How it is assessed
Ultrasound can raise concern about the lining. A biopsy can confirm hyperplasia or investigate suspected cancer. There is no standard routine screening test for endometrial cancer.
