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

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