A revolutionary five-minute test developed by researchers at the University of Queensland is set to significantly reduce the lengthy delays associated with diagnosing endometriosis. Named the Simplified Adolescent Factors for Endometriosis (SAFE) score, this innovative tool employs a questionnaire designed to identify at-risk patients and expedite referrals for specialist evaluations.
Professor Gita Mishra AO, Centre Director of UQ’s Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, emphasized the potential impact of the SAFE score, stating that it could eliminate years of uncertainty for those suffering from this often debilitating condition. “The test uses six questions to detect girls or young women at risk of endometriosis and in need of further assessment,” Professor Mishra noted.
Endometriosis affects approximately 11 percent of women of reproductive age in Australia, characterized by tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus growing outside of it. This condition has no known cure and frequently leads to painful symptoms that can hinder quality of life. The SAFE score aims to address the average diagnostic delay of 6-8 years, with a focus on early identification—ideally in adolescents as soon as they begin menstruating.
The questionnaire prompts young women to disclose their experiences with pelvic pain, the necessity for treatment, reliance on painkillers, heavy menstrual bleeding, and any family history of endometriosis. The score operates on a point-based system, where a higher score indicates a greater likelihood of the condition being present.
The design of the SAFE score was informed by data from over 9,000 women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. This comprehensive research helped identify key risk factors associated with endometriosis. “This simple tool can be used in women of any age, but we have carefully chosen age-appropriate questions to target adolescents,” Professor Mishra said.
Delays in receiving a diagnosis can often be attributed to factors such as vague symptoms, a lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, and the normalization of menstrual pain. The typical pathway to diagnosis may require surgery; however, advancements are being pursued to enable detection via ultrasound or MRI. “We need to be able to detect endometriosis early because our research found most women were diagnosed in their late twenties, often when they are trying to conceive,” she added. Early diagnosis can significantly affect treatment strategies for fertility issues, as standard ovulation induction may not be as effective for women with endometriosis compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Next steps for the SAFE score include evaluating its practical application in clinical environments, particularly within general practice settings in Brisbane, as well as in endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of developing an accompanying app to facilitate the test.
March is recognized as Endometriosis Awareness Month, symbolized globally by the color yellow. The findings from this significant research are published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, marking a hopeful advancement in the fight against endometriosis and the quest for timely diagnosis and treatment.
