Endometriosis blood test breakthrough
Analysis based on 14 articles · First reported Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026
The potential for a non-invasive diagnostic test could significantly reduce diagnosis times and healthcare costs, benefiting diagnostic companies and pharmaceutical firms developing treatments. However, the findings require validation in larger trials, so immediate market impact is limited.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a distinct hormonal signature in women with endometriosis, characterized by elevated levels of 11-oxygenated androgens such as 11-ketotestosterone. This discovery could lead to a simple blood test for diagnosis, replacing the current average nine-year wait and invasive surgery. The study, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, correctly identified over 95% of endometriosis patients in a sample of 159 affected women and 57 controls. The team is seeking industry partners to develop a diagnostic test. Endometriosis UK and the Medical Research Council have called for larger trials to validate the findings. The research was funded by Wellcome and the Medical Research Council.
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