A potential new test using menstrual blood could one day offer a simpler, non-invasive way to detect endometriosis, according to research published in Nature.
Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic structures. It is estimated to affect around one in 10 women of reproductive age globally and is commonly associated with severe menstrual pain, fatigue and fertility problems.
One of the most persistent challenges in managing the condition is delayed diagnosis. Many patients wait years—often seven to ten—before receiving a confirmed diagnosis, with symptoms frequently misunderstood or normalised.
Researchers say this gap in detection contributes to ongoing pain and long-term health impacts.
The new study explores whether menstrual blood could be used to identify indicators of the condition, potentially replacing or reducing reliance on laparoscopy, a surgical procedure currently used
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