What is endometriosis?
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez
Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition that affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. As registered dietitians, we work with many women navigating this diagnosis, and one of the most common questions we receive is: What exactly is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium—the lining of the uterus—grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can implant on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, and even the bladder. Unlike the normal uterine lining that sheds during menstruation, these misplaced tissue patches have no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and adhesions. The result? Painful periods, pelvic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and sometimes fertility challenges.
While the exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic, hormonal, and immune system factors. Diagnosis can be delayed for years, as symptoms are often mistaken for regular menstrual discomfort or other conditions like IBS.
So, why does this matter from a nutrition perspective? As dietitians, we focus on how food and lifestyle can help manage symptoms. Although nutrition can’t cure endometriosis, it can play a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting hormone balance. Anti-inflammatory foods—like leafy greens, berries, omega-3-rich fish, and whole grains—can help ease discomfort. On the flip side, limiting processed foods, red meat, and excess caffeine may help reduce symptom flares.
Recent research has also highlighted the importance of gut health in managing endometriosis. An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to systemic inflammation and hormone imbalances, both of which can worsen symptoms. Including probiotic-rich foods to support a healthier gut and may help reduce flare-ups over time. In addition to nutrition, lifestyle factors such as stress management, sleep quality, and physical activity play an important role. We aim to empower women with endometriosis to take control of their health through evidence-based, compassionate care that fits their individual needs.
Every woman’s experience with endometriosis is different, and managing it requires a personalized, holistic approach. Remember, nutrition is a powerful tool that can support your journey toward feeling better—one bite at a time.
In this blog series, we will explore nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle to support endometriosis. Stay tuned!
Interested in learning more about how we support endometriosis, we’d love to work with you! Click this link to schedule a complimentary Meet + Greet session. We look forward to finding individualized solutions to fit your needs.
Published: June 30th, 2025
This blog post was written by Amanda Sikkema, a dietitian at Katie Chapmon Nutrition. Amanda works with clients virtually and is accepting new clients.
