Transforming Menstrual Pads into At-Home Hormone Tests

Health technology is increasingly focusing on bodily fluids for wellness insights, including blood, urine, and even saliva. At the CES 2026 event, menstrual blood was added to this list by health tech startup Vivoo, which introduced the FlowPad—a pad priced around $4 to $5 that doubles as a home hormone test. This innovation allows users to check levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by either directly inspecting the pad or utilizing the Vivoo app for further analysis.

The Evolution of the FlowPad

Originally, Vivoo was dedicated to monitoring vaginal pH levels using liners that changed color in response to different vaginal discharge conditions. Vivoo’s CEO, Miray Tayfun, highlights the journey of evolution from these initial liners to today’s advanced period pads. These pads are engineered with microfluidic channels that ingeniously collect blood samples, showcasing FSH levels through a visible window.

The FlowPad’s design incorporates a dual-layer system. The first layer acts as a capillary channel, drawing in and cleaning the blood. The second layer, infused with reactive agents, interacts with the blood to measure FSH levels. Users simply continue with their usual activities, knowing that the pad is working discreetly. Once time for a change, the results can be seen in a window akin to pregnancy or COVID-19 tests.

Addressing Practical Concerns

A key advantage is that it leverages a product menstruating individuals already require, while making hormone testing accessible. Yet, the rapid drying of blood posed a design challenge since previous tests often required adding a dilution solution. Vivoo’s innovation managed to mimic this dilution process within a thin wearable design.

According to Tayfun, the intention was to create an affordable hygiene product—costing no more than $30 per menstrual cycle. There's no intent for this to be a lifelong product but rather a valuable interim tool. Utilization of the pad is particularly recommended on the second or third day of one's menstrual cycle, and it can be employed for continuous or intermittent use, pointing towards varied applications like fertility insights or hormone balance checks.

Potential User Demographics

The FlowPad is anticipated to aid those interested in understanding their FSH levels, offering insights into fertility, irregular cycles, and hormonal patterns. It's especially beneficial for individuals planning to conceive, managing hormonal conditions such as PCOS, or experiencing the transition to menopause, generally spanning ages 30 to 45.

Integrating Menstrual Technology

This isn't the first introduction of menstrual tech to the market; previous innovations include pads with embedded biosensors for tracking flow and reproductive health details. The demand for home-based hormone tracking kits is growing as more individuals recognize their health potential.