Columbia Technology Ventures

Method for predicting menstrual cycle timing from a single biospecimen

This technology is a statistical method for determining the time within a menstrual cycle that a biospecimen was collected that can be used to aid in research studies and clinical medical practices.

Unmet Need: Accurate method for determining menstrual cycle timing from a biospecimen

Current methods for determining the timing of a biospecimen during the menstrual cycle involve self-reporting, which can be unreliable and result in the exclusion of menstrual cycle timing from both research studies and clinical medicine. Failure to consider these cyclical changes can impact the ability to identify potential treatment effects as well. The current literature also lacks a way of obtaining objective assessments of menstrual cycle timing through observable biological measurements.

The Technology: Objective assessment for determining menstrual cycle timing from a biospecimen

This technology can determine the time on the menstrual cycle of a biospecimen using a statistical approach. This method involves comparing hormone levels to a reference population to produce reliable results and may enable menstrual cycles to be considered in research studies.

Applications:

  • Assess timing of a biospecimen within patient’s menstrual cycle
  • Validation method for other menstrual cycle timing approaches
  • Statistical approach for estimating the timing of other cycles
  • Fertility monitoring
  • Tool for endocrine research
  • Personalized health apps
  • Medication efficacy evaluation
  • Hormone disorder diagnosis

Advantages:

  • Reliable
  • Provides an objective assessment
  • Cost-effective

Lead Inventor:

Lauren Houghton, Ph.D.

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: