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As research into degenerative disease treatment continues to increase, scientists are keen to explore new options. This includes investigating the possibility of using menstrual blood, which contains stem cells, to help people with chronic conditions.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as of 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Sadly, this number is estimated to increase to 13.8 million by 2060.
For many families, it is heartbreaking to see a loved one endure both the mental and physical adversities of any degenerative disease, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Arthritis, Polio and other illnesses.
While it may seem a bit unsettling for some, there have been recent developments that suggest period blood could be a game-changing medicine that treats a multitude of diseases and improves our overall quality of life.
Period Stem Cells regenerate Quickly
Period blood has menstrual blood-derived stem cells that are similar to the stem cells found in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood.
They operate in the same way as other stem cells, meaning they are able to make more cells like themselves and can also become other cells with different functions. They serve as the most adaptable building blocks in the human body.
However, the stem cells in period blood are unique in the fact that they have a higher proliferative capacity than bone marrow-derived stem cells, meaning they can self-renew faster than other stem cells. This makes them likely better for tissue repair and the formulation of regenerative medicine.
New Data May Help De-Stigmatize Periods
Menstrual blood is natural and nothing to be ashamed of, sadly it has been historically stigmatized as being “dirty” and “taboo” or a projection of “weakness” and “emotional instability.” In fact, it is this stigma that may be behind the lack of research in its promise within the medical field.
However, the conversations surrounding cycles may change when more people understand that menstrual blood can potentially treat a plethora of concerns.
Rather than extracting stem cells from human embryos, which has been controversial for years, menstrual stem cells could be a more beneficial option. Alice, PhD, a doctoral researcher that’s known as ditto.daily across Instagram, posted a video to explain how period stem cells go beyond what other stem cells are capable of.
“They (period blood stem cells) double in 19 hours, faster than bone marrow cells, which take 2-8 days!” the caption on Alice’s video reads. Additionally, period blood is far easier to access and has a lower risk of being rejected by our immune systems.
Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and University of Sunderland lecturer, reposted Alice’s video to build more awareness.
The biggest example of the regeneration process of period stem cells being successful lies within the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It has the ability to heal itself with the menstrual stem cells. The endometrium regenerates after shedding its own lining. It also repairs itself after childbirth.
Scientists Are In The Early Stages of Study
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While there is great promise for the future of period blood stem cells, there is still a long way for experts to go.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Experimental studies in animal models have shown successful treatment of stroke, colitis, limb ischemia, coronary heart disease and Duchenne muscle atrophy using menstrual blood stem cells.”
In this study, researchers also note that period blood stem cells could also be the future of treating some reproductive disorders. However, only the future will tell if menstrual blood stem cells will revolutionize the way we treat a plethora of diseases.
