On Point | Podcast Week of Wonder: The truth about your period
Jul 16, 2025
Bethany Samuelson-Banno, a hematology expert at Oregon Health and Science University, and Emily Hoppus, a menstrual health researcher at FHI 360, dive into the underexplored world of menstrual health. They discuss the historical neglect of menstrual research, emphasizing the untapped potential of menstrual fluid for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis. Innovative techniques for analyzing menstrual blood may revolutionize women's health diagnostics. The conversation also advocates for breaking the stigma around menstruation and enhancing funding for research.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Emily Hoppus' Long Diagnostic Journey
- Emily Hoppus experienced severe menstrual pain from age 13 and struggled to get a diagnosis for years.
- Her condition was dismissed as normal period pain until she encountered a doctor suggesting hormone contraceptives and later surgery.
Complexity of Menstrual Fluid
- Menstrual fluid is a complex mixture of blood, endometrial tissue, cervical mucus, and vaginal secretions.
- It reflects the shedding of the uterine lining and includes important biological materials from multiple reproductive tract sources.
Menstrual Fluid Reflects Uterine Health
- Changes in menstrual fluid composition can reveal dynamic biological processes in the uterus over the cycle.
- Measuring components like blood clotting factors may provide clues to menstrual health and disorders.