Could you have endometriosis? key signs & actionable steps
Endometriosis is a complex, often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide. While it is commonly discussed in the context of fertility and menstrual pain, endometriosis is far more than a reproductive health issue — it is a chronic inflammatory disease that interacts with hormones, the nervous system, the immune system, and overall metabolic health.
This article is adapted from a presentation I delivered for a European health technology company focused on improving diagnostic tools for women with endometriosis. My goal here is to translate that information into clear, practical insights — so you can better understand what endometriosis is, how it commonly presents and what steps you can take if you suspect it may be affecting you.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial‑like tissue outside of the uterus. These lesions are estrogen‑dependent, meaning they respond to hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle. While lesions have been identified in many areas of the body, the pelvis is the most commonly affected region.
Classic symptoms include: Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) - Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) - Chronic pelvic pain - Bowel or bladder pain (pain with defecation or urination) - Infertility in some individuals
The underlying hallmark of endometriosis is chronic inflammation. Even though the exact cause of the disease is still not fully understood, we know that inflammation, estrogen signaling, immune dysregulation, and nervous system sensitization all play a role in symptom severity.
Because endometriosis is estrogen‑dependent, symptoms are most prominent during the reproductive years. Many patients notice worsening pain in the days leading up to their period, with some relief after menstruation ends.
How Endometriosis Commonly Presents
For many patients, endometriosis symptoms begin years before an official diagnosis is made. Pelvic pain is the most common presenting complaint, but symptoms can be widespread and sometimes confusing.
Importantly, endometriosis pain does not always stay confined to the pelvis. Back pain, abdominal pain, hip pain, and bowel symptoms are extremely common. Many patients are initially misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis, or musculoskeletal conditions before endometriosis is recognized.
This overlap is one reason why a comprehensive, whole‑body approach to care is so important.
Conventional Medical Treatment Options
Standard medical management of endometriosis typically follows a stepwise approach. Initial treatments may focus on symptom suppression rather than disease removal.
Common medical therapies include: Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen for pain - Hormonal birth control pills - Hormonal intrauterine devices (such as the Mirena IUD) - Progestins or gonadotropin‑releasing hormone (GnRH) agents
Regardless, excision surgery is considered the gold standard. Unlike ablation, excision aims to fully remove endometriosis lesions and has the highest likelihood of long‑term symptom relief.
However, recurrence is still possible — even after surgery. This is why post‑surgical care, including nutrition, nervous system regulation and pelvic health physical therapy play a critical role in long‑term outcomes.
Why Nutrition Matters in Endometriosis
Nutrition does not “cure” endometriosis — but it can meaningfully influence inflammation, hormone metabolism, gut health, and pain perception. For many patients, dietary changes become one of the few tools they can control in a condition that otherwise feels unpredictable.
Rather than focusing on rigid rules, many women benefit from simple, sustainable shifts:
Prioritize protein at each meal. Adequate protein supports blood sugar stability, muscle mass, and hormone metabolism—especially important during perimenopause and menopause.
Include anti-inflammatory fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish as these can reduce inflammatory prostaglandins and stabilize blood sugar.
Avoid pro-inflammatory foods such as red and processed meat, non-organic meat, dairy, gluten, high caffeine and alcohol intake as they can increase circulating estrogen and worsen hormonal imbalance.
Support gut health. Fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, and fermented foods may help with estrogen metabolism and digestive symptoms often mistaken for IBS.
Limit ultra-processed foods and refined sugars. Highly processed foods can worsen inflammation and blood sugar dysregulation, both of which are linked to pain flares.
Key micronutrients include vitamin D, vitamin C & E, magnesium, zinc, reservatrol, quercetin and curcumin as many of these help regulate immune response and may reduce lesion growth.
Eat consistently. Long periods of under-fueling can stress the nervous system and worsen pain sensitivity, particularly in those with chronic pelvic pain.
A Whole‑Person Approach to Care
Endometriosis is not just a gynecologic condition — it is a full‑body condition. Effective care often requires collaboration between medical providers, surgeons, pelvic health physical therapists, and nutrition‑informed practitioners.
Women benefit most when treatment plans address: Hormonal influences - Inflammatory load - Pelvic floor and musculoskeletal function - Nervous system sensitivity - Lifestyle and nutritional habits
This integrative approach is increasingly supported by research and reflects how endometriosis truly behaves in the body.
Final Thoughts
If you have endometriosis — or suspect you might — it is important to know that your symptoms are real, common, and deserving of comprehensive care. Education is a powerful first step but it should be paired with care from clinicians who are experienced in diagnosing and managing endometriosis.
This topic was originally presented to an international audience with the goal of reaching as many women as possible. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific symptoms or health concerns.
If you would like to listen to the full recorded presentation, you can access it here:
https://sensopad.eu/webinars/
