A new blood test that identifies a unique hormone pattern linked to endometriosis could transform the diagnosis of the condition, with researchers reporting an accuracy rate of more than 95 percent in detecting the disease.

The findings offer hope for millions of women worldwide who often face years of uncertainty before receiving a diagnosis. Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million people globally and is commonly diagnosed only after extensive medical examinations or surgery.

The condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fertility problems and other complications. Current diagnostic methods typically include pelvic examinations, ultrasound scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine the pelvic organs.

According to the World Health Organization, diagnosing endometriosis can take up to 12 years in some cases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to specialist care remains limited. In the United Kingdom, patients wait an average of more than nine years before receiving a confirmed diagnosis.

Researchers believe the newly developed blood test could significantly shorten that timeline by identifying a distinctive hormonal signature found only in women with the condition.

The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, examined blood samples from 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 women without the disease. Instead of focusing solely on estrogen, which has long been associated with endometriosis, the researchers investigated the role of androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone and plays an important role in reproductive health, muscle development and bone strength.

Particular attention was given to 11-oxygenated androgens, hormones produced by the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.

The research revealed that women with endometriosis consistently displayed a distinct hormonal fingerprint, including elevated levels of 11-ketotestosterone, an androgen involved in muscle development and reproductive organ growth.

Using this hormone profile, researchers were able to distinguish women with endometriosis from those without the condition with an accuracy exceeding 95 percent.

Douglas Gibson, co-author of the study from the University of Edinburgh, described the findings as a significant advance in understanding the disease. He said the discovery could pave the way for earlier diagnosis as well as the development of new treatment options for patients.

Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, welcomed the research, saying women have faced unacceptably long waits for diagnosis for many years. She noted that delays often postpone treatment and allow the disease to progress, making symptoms more difficult to manage.

Although additional research and larger clinical trials will be needed before the blood test becomes part of routine medical care, experts believe the findings represent an important step toward faster, less invasive diagnosis. If validated in future studies, the test could reduce the need for surgical procedures and help patients begin treatment much earlier in the course of the disease.

Men are significantly more likely than women to experience the dreaded marathon phenomenon known as “hitting the wall,” according to a large international study that analysed the performances of more than 870,000 runners over a 26-year period.

The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, examined the results of 873,334 finishers in the Berlin Marathon between 1999 and 2025. Researchers found that although men generally complete marathons faster than women, they are much more likely to suffer a dramatic slowdown during the later stages of the race because of less consistent pacing.

According to the study, men are almost twice as likely overall to experience a sudden decline in speed during a marathon. In some performance categories, they were found to be up to six times more likely than women to “hit the wall,” a term commonly used to describe severe physical exhaustion caused by depleted energy stores.

Researchers said the findings point to differences in race strategy rather than physical ability alone. Men were more likely to begin races at an aggressive pace, increasing the risk of fatigue before reaching the finish line.

The study concluded that “men, regardless of performance level, are more prone to aggressive pacing and catastrophic deceleration.” The authors suggested that greater willingness to take risks and higher levels of confidence may encourage many male runners to start faster than they can realistically sustain over the full 42.195-kilometre distance.

Women, on the other hand, displayed more controlled pacing throughout the race. Researchers found they were better at regulating their effort from start to finish, reducing the likelihood of a significant loss of speed during the closing kilometres.

The report described women as showing “superior self-pacing abilities and greater resistance to decision-making fatigue,” characteristics that can be particularly valuable during endurance events.

Maintaining a steady pace is widely regarded as one of the most important factors in marathon performance. Running too quickly during the opening stages can rapidly consume the body’s glycogen reserves, leaving athletes without enough energy to sustain their speed in the final part of the race.

The researchers noted that pacing is “the most critical tactical determinant of performance” in marathon running, making strategic decision-making just as important as physical fitness.

The findings could influence how coaches and runners prepare for long-distance races. Rather than focusing solely on speed, the study suggests that adopting a realistic race plan and maintaining a consistent pace throughout the event may improve overall performance and reduce the chances of a late-race collapse.

With marathon participation continuing to grow worldwide, the researchers believe a better understanding of pacing strategies could help runners of all abilities achieve stronger and more consistent results.