Endometriosis could be diagnosed by blood test, research suggests

Endometriosis could be diagnosed by blood test, research suggestsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Symptoms can include heavy periods and pain in the stomach, lower back or pelvic areaPublishedJust nowEndometriosis could be diagnosed by a blood test for hormone differences instead of surgery, new research suggests.The condition - which affects one in 10 women in the UK - is when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it. It can cause severe and debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy periods, fatigue and infertility. The charity Endometriosis UK says the average waiting time for a diagnosis in Scotland is more than 10 years, and new research from the University of Edinburgh hopes to simplify this process.The researchers, external found differences in a group of androgens – so-called male hormones, which are also present in females – compared with those without the condition.This could simplify diagnosis of the disease, which is currently confirmed through surgery.More stories from Edinburgh, Fife & EastMore stories from ScotlandHowever, researchers added that the findings would need to be tested in a larger and more diverse population.They also said more research was needed to compare the method with other conditions that showed hormonal imbalances, so it was easier to identify endometriosis.Endometriosis is driven by female hormones - oestrogen and progesterone - linked to the menstrual cycle. But research into the role of androgens, such as testosterone, has been limited.Scientists looked at hormone levels in the blood of 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 women without the condition. Researchers found that those with endometriosis had a distinct hormone fingerprint, including high levels of some androgens.This was used to differentiate between those with and without endometriosis, correctly identifying more than 95% of endometriosis patients.The research team is now looking for industry partners to help develop a...