Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur known for his extreme longevity pursuits, has revealed that he is storing his girlfriend's menstrual blood in his freezer as part of a self-described women's health study. The 48-year-old posted a photo on X showing Kate Tolo, his 30-year-old girlfriend, with the caption: “Kate’s period blood is in my -80 °C freezer. Around 10 mL.” This disclosure has sparked a mix of curiosity and skepticism about the couple's unconventional approach to medical research.
Background and Context
Johnson, who boasts of being “the most biologically measured person ever,” has a history of sharing intimate details about his and his family's health data. In 2023, he posted a comparison of nocturnal erection metrics between himself and his teenage son, Talmage, on X, stating, “His duration is two minutes longer than mine. Raise children to stand tall, be firm, and be upright.” He also previously infused himself with a liter of plasma from his son, whom he calls his “blood boy.”
Tolo, who has a background in fashion, and Johnson, whose expertise lies in technology, are not credentialed medical researchers. They co-own a company called Immortals that sells supplements, and according to the Wall Street Journal, “The company is on the verge of launching products for women.” This has led some to question whether the menstrual blood study is more about marketing than science.
The Study and Its Claims
Johnson has stated that Tolo is collecting “14 million data points on her menstrual cycle,” which he touts as a “world first for female health.” Her protocol involves “100+ tasks a day” and “50+ devices,” monitored by a “12 person medical team.” Tolo takes regular urine samples, swallows a temperature pill, blows into a metabolism tracker, and at exactly 9.42 pm, she must “insert techno tampon device.” The Independent asked for more details about the techno tampon, but Johnson only said, “We will be sharing more on that soon.”
Tolo, who has polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, hopes to find treatments for her symptoms. She told the Wall Street Journal, “I’m really doing it because I think that this is our path toward women being understood in the world and being seen.” Johnson echoed this sentiment, noting that “Women are not well understood medically.” Indeed, it wasn’t until 1993 that US law required women and minorities to be included in clinical research, and period products were tested using saline solution instead of human blood until 2023.
Reactions and Skepticism
While the initiative aims to destigmatize menstruation and raise awareness about women’s health, experts urge caution. “It’s important to remember that Tolo (who has a background in fashion) and Johnson (whose background is in tech) are not exactly highly credentialled medical researchers,” said a commentator. The lack of formal credentials, combined with the commercial interests of their supplement company, raises questions about the scientific validity and potential conflicts of interest.
Tolo responded to Johnson’s post with “Thanks for looking after me bby,” indicating her consent. However, the couple’s methods have drawn both praise for addressing a neglected area and criticism for potential exploitation. As one observer noted, “I don’t know if the techno tampon will end up being a giant step forward for womankind, but it might well provide a healthy boost to the Immortals balance sheet.”
Broader Implications
The story highlights the growing trend of biohacking and DIY health research, where individuals with resources and influence can drive public conversation on medical topics. While Johnson’s efforts may bring attention to understudied areas like menstrual health, they also underscore the need for rigorous scientific oversight and ethical considerations in such endeavors.
As the couple continues to share their journey, the public remains divided. Some applaud their openness and willingness to explore uncharted territory, while others question the motivations behind the study. Regardless, the conversation around women’s health has been amplified, and the debate over who gets to conduct research and how is more relevant than ever.
