00:01Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.
00:07These cells can respond to hormones and lead to inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
00:12For many people, diagnosis can take years because the condition is currently confirmed through surgery in the UK.
00:19Now, researchers say a new study could offer a different approach.
00:23The team was led by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and included researchers from the University of Liverpool.
00:28They studied hormone levels in the blood of 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 women without the condition.
00:37Their analysis focused on androgens and identified a distinct hormone fingerprint among those with endometriosis.
00:45Using this hormone signature, they correctly identified more than 95% of participants with endometriosis in the study.
00:53Dr Douglas Gibson from the University of Edinburgh said the findings challenged the traditional view of the condition such as
01:00only oestrogen driven.
01:01He said the research could support earlier diagnosis and future treatments.
01:06Endometriosis UK's chief executive, Emma Cox, said a reliable non-surgical diagnostic test is much needed,
01:14but added that larger trials will be essential to confirm the results.
01:17Researchers also said understanding the role of androgens could help identify future treatment targets.
01:22The condition is thought to affect around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK.
