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Tal Varsano: Plasma Proteomic Signature of the Human Menstrual Cycle
Tal Varsano/LinkedIn
Apr 17, 2026, 03:35

Tal Varsano: Plasma Proteomic Signature of the Human Menstrual Cycle

Tal Varsano, Business Development Manager at Olink Proteomics, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper by Iben Riishede et al. published in Nature Medicine:

“Nature Medicine | April, 2026

Large-scale, Olink Proteomics plasma profiling reveals 198 proteins that vary systematically across the menstrual cycle, enabling the development of a 75-protein signature that accurately predicts cycle phase from a single blood sample. These findings establish the menstrual cycle as a major driver of systemic proteomic variation, extending beyond reproductive hormones to include immune, vascular, and metabolic pathways and inform biomarker discovery in women’s health.

Title: ‘Plasma proteomic signature of the human menstrual cycle’

In this study leveraging UK Biobank, investigators used the Olink Explore 3072 platform to quantify ~3,000 plasma proteins in 2,760 women, generating a high-resolution, systems-level map of menstrual cycle biology.

Key findings:

  • 198 proteins exhibit cyclical variation, forming distinct temporal patterns aligned with menstrual phases
  • Proteins include hormones, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix regulators, many enriched in endometrial tissue
  • Identification of previously unrecognized proteins with tightly timed expression across the cycle
  • Links to reproductive disorders including endometriosis, leiomyoma, and abnormal uterine bleeding
  • A multi-protein score outperforms stradiol in predicting menstrual cycle timing

This study highlights how Olink-enabled proteomics can:

  • Provide a systems-level atlas of female physiology
  • Improve biomarker discovery and interpretation in women’s health
  • Enable cycle-aware precision medicine approaches, where molecular context is critical

As large-scale proteomics becomes more integrated into clinical research, accounting for biological rhythms such as the menstrual cycle will be essential for accurate study design, data interpretation, and translational impact.”

Title: Plasma proteomic signature of the human menstrual cycle

Authors: Iben Riishede, Line Rode, Pia Rengtved Lundegaard, Søren Albertsen Rand, Lars Dyrskjøt, Ole Halfdan Larsen, Charlotte Kvist Ekelund, Anja Pinborg, Stefan Stender, Jonas Ghouse

Tal Varsano

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abnormal uterine bleeding biomarker Cytokines Endometrial Tissue endometriosis Estradiol Female Physiology Fertility Fertility News hormones human menstrual cycle' immune leiomyoma menstrual cycle menstrual cycle biology menstrual cycle timing metabolic pathway Plasma predicts cycle phase reproductive health Reproductive Medicine Tal Varsano vascular Women’s Health
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