Exploring food choice across the menstrual cycle
Researchers at the University of Bristol are exploring how food choices might be linked to the menstrual cycle in women who have heavy periods. This online study asks you to complete questionnaires about your eating habits and wellbeing over four days during your cycle. You'll also do two easy finger-prick blood tests at home. The study aims to understand more about this connection, and your participation could help future research into heavy menstrual bleeding. You'll receive an Amazon voucher for taking part and can get some health marker results back if you wish.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, run by researchers at the University of Bristol, is looking into how the food choices women make might change throughout their menstrual cycle, especially for those who experience heavy periods. Heavy periods, also known as heavy menstrual bleeding, can affect many aspects of a woman's life, and understanding more about how diet might fit into this picture could be really helpful.
The researchers want to gather information about what people eat and how they feel at different points in their cycle. This isn't a study where you'll be told what to eat or given any new treatments. Instead, it's about observing and recording your normal habits to see if there are any patterns.
By taking part, you'll be helping scientists gain a better understanding of the relationship between diet, the menstrual cycle, and heavy periods. This kind of research is important because it can lay the groundwork for future studies that might explore new ways to support women experiencing these symptoms. After the study, you'll also get a full explanation of what the researchers were hoping to find out.
Key takeaways
- Exploring food choices in women with heavy periods.
- Online study, takes about 2 hours over 4 days.
- Involves questionnaires and two home finger-prick blood tests.
- Receive a £25 Amazon voucher and a chance to win more.
- Can get some health marker results back.
- Helps advance understanding of women's health.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged between 18 and 45 who live in the UK.
To join, you need to experience heavy periods, which means things like having to change sanitary products very often (every 2 hours or less), needing double protection, or passing large blood clots. Your periods should also be fairly regular, lasting at least 3 days with at least 12 days between bleeds, and you shouldn't have bleeding between periods.
You also need to eat meat, be willing to try certain foods (like steak, chicken, pizza), and have a smartphone to download a research app. However, you can't take part if you have conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or have an eating disorder. There are also specific health reasons related to the finger-prick blood tests that might mean you can't join, for example, if you have a bleeding disorder or a strong fear of blood.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman aged 18-45 and live in the UK?
- Do you experience heavy periods (e.g., changing products every 2 hours, large clots)?
- Are your periods fairly regular (at least 8 in the last year, 3+ days long, no bleeding between periods)?
- Do you eat meat and have a smartphone?
- Are you NOT pregnant, trying to conceive, or diagnosed with PCOS or endometriosis?
- Are you comfortable with a simple finger-prick blood test at home?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study is entirely online and will take about 2 hours in total, spread out over 4 days during your menstrual cycle.
First, you'll answer some questions about yourself and your periods. Then, you'll have a quick video call with a researcher to make sure everything is clear. During the study, you'll answer a daily question about whether you're having your period. On two specific days (one when you're on your period and one when you're not), you'll do a simple finger-prick blood test at home and send it to a lab. On the evenings of those blood test days, and the following evenings, you'll spend about 15 minutes answering questions about food choices and your wellbeing. Once you've completed all parts, you'll fill out a final questionnaire. At the end, you'll get a debrief explaining the study's aims and have a chance to ask questions.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research CentreCity onlyBristol, England
- University of BristolApproximateBristol, England
Common questions
How long will I need to spend on the study?
The total time commitment is about 2 hours, spread over 4 days during your menstrual cycle.
Do I need to go anywhere for the study?
No, this study is entirely online and can be completed from your home.
Will I get paid for taking part?
You'll receive a £25 Amazon voucher for completing the full study, and enter a draw for an extra £50 voucher.
What happens if I start the study but don't finish?
You'll receive a voucher proportionate to the amount of the study you completed.
Can I get my blood test results?
Yes, you'll have the option to receive reports on 4 health markers from your finger-prick blood tests.
How to find out more
Jody Salton
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.