METHODS FOR DETECTING ENDOMETRIOSIS

The method of the present invention is directed towards detecting endometriosis in a mammalian subject. This method comprises the following steps taking a sample from the mammal, measuring the level of sphingomyelin (SM) or phosphatidylcholine (PC), or combinations thereof, in the sample, comparing the measured levels of SM or PC, or combinations thereof, to predetermined levels, and diagnosing the mammal based on the comparison. This method may also comprise the following steps: taking a sample from the mammal, measuring the level of F11 Receptor (F11R) in the sample, comparing the measured level of F11R to a predetermined level, and diagnosing the mammal based on the comparison.