A groundbreaking study has identified a unique hormonal signature in individuals with endometriosis, a discovery that researchers believe could revolutionise how the debilitating condition is diagnosed and treated.
Scientists, spearheaded by a team at the University of Edinburgh, observed distinct variations in a group of androgens – often referred to as "male" hormones – among those affected by endometriosis compared to healthy individuals.
This significant finding opens the door to a potentially simple, non-invasive diagnostic method, a stark contrast to the current reality where diagnosis in the UK typically takes an average of nine years and necessitates surgical confirmation.
Endometriosis is characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the womb lining growing outside the uterus. These misplaced cells react to hormonal fluctuations, leading to chronic inflammation, severe pain, and the formation of scar tissue.
The condition 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.
The latest study saw scientists look at hormone levels in the blood of 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 women without the condition.
Their analysis focused on androgens, including 11-oxygenated androgens – a group of hormones produced by the adrenal glands – and found those with endometriosis have a distinct hormone “fingerprint”.
This includes high levels of an 11-oxygenated androgen called 11-ketotestosterone.
By using the unique hormone “signature”, the researchers were able to correctly identify more than 95% of endometriosis patients taking part in the study.
Endometriosis is thought to affect around one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK.
The study’s principal investigator, Dr Douglas Gibson – from the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Health, said: “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.”
The team is looking for industry partners to help develop a diagnostic blood test for endometriosis, based on the study’s findings.
They also said the study’s insights into the role of androgens could offer a route for future therapeutic targets for the condition.
Dr Susan Bodie, director of innovation development and licensing at Edinburgh Innovations – the university’s commercialisation department, said: “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.”
Emma Cox, CEO of the charity Endometriosis UK, said: “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.”
The study is funded by Wellcome and the Medical Research Council and is published in the European Journal of Endocrinology.
The research team included scientists from the Universities of Liverpool, Glasgow and Birmingham.
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