A new study from the University of Edinburgh suggests endometriosis could be diagnosed with a simple blood test, potentially replacing the need for surgery.
Researchers analyzed blood from 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 without. They discovered a distinct hormone fingerprint linked to the condition, specifically involving a group of androgens previously overlooked.
This hormonal signature allowed them to correctly identify over 95 percent of patients with endometriosis.
"These findings mark a significant breakthrough in our understanding of endometriosis," said Dr. Douglas Gibson, the study's lead. "We are optimistic that this new insight will lead to earlier diagnosis and the development of innovative new treatments."
Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million reproductive-age women globally. The condition, characterized by chronic pelvic pain and other debilitating symptoms, currently requires invasive laparoscopic surgery for diagnosis. The average wait for a diagnosis is seven to ten years.
The study, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, provides crucial insights into the role of androgens and could point to future therapeutic targets.
Separately, researchers at Oxford University are investigating a non-invasive SPECT-CT scan as another potential diagnostic tool for the disease.