A new study led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh has identified a distinct hormone pattern in women with endometriosis, which they say could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment of the condition. The findings, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, reveal that individuals with endometriosis exhibit a unique “fingerprint” of androgens—often referred to as “male” hormones—compared to those without the condition.
Study Details and Key Findings
The research analysed hormone levels in blood samples from 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 women without the condition. The team focused on androgens, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens produced by the adrenal glands. They discovered that women with endometriosis have significantly higher levels of an 11-oxygenated androgen called 11-ketotestosterone.
Using this unique hormone signature, the researchers were able to correctly identify more than 95% of endometriosis patients in the study. This breakthrough could pave the way for a simple, non-invasive blood test, replacing the current diagnostic process that takes an average of nine years in the UK and often requires surgery for confirmation.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Douglas Gibson, principal investigator from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Reproductive Health, stated: “These findings mark a significant breakthrough in our understanding of endometriosis. Traditionally seen as an oestrogen-driven disorder, our research challenges this view by showing different androgen levels in the condition. We are optimistic that this new insight will lead to earlier diagnosis and the development of innovative new treatments for those affected by endometriosis.”
Dr. Susan Bodie, director of innovation development and licensing at Edinburgh Innovations, the university’s commercialisation department, added: “This is an exciting discovery that addresses an important unmet need in the field of women’s health. Edinburgh Innovations would encourage partners who can help develop this proprietary technology, so it can reach women who currently wait years for an endometriosis diagnosis, to get in touch.”
Impact on Diagnosis and Treatment
Endometriosis affects approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. The condition occurs when cells similar to the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body, leading to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue. It is driven by oestrogen and progesterone, but research into the role of androgens has been limited until now.
The team is seeking industry partners to develop a diagnostic blood test based on these findings. They also believe the insights into androgen roles could open new therapeutic targets for the condition. Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, commented: “Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, yet has historically been under-researched and under-funded. For too long, those with endometriosis have faced unacceptably long waits for diagnosis, and it currently takes an average of over 9 years to get a diagnosis in the UK. Without a diagnosis, treatment cannot be accessed and the disease may progress. A reliable, non-surgical diagnostic test is much needed, long-awaited, and could help drive down diagnosis times to just a few months. These early results are promising, however larger trials will be essential to validate these findings. This is exactly why investment in endometriosis research matters – and why we will be following the progress of this research with interest.”
Funding and Collaborators
The study was funded by Wellcome and the Medical Research Council. The research team included scientists from the Universities of Liverpool, Glasgow, and Birmingham.
