More and more studies in recent years point to a connection between nutrition and endometriosis, one of the most common and complex gynecological diseases. Alongside medication and surgical treatments, it is becoming clear that dietary adjustments may reduce pain, improve energy and even affect the course of the disease.
According to Prof. Noam Smorgick, head of the gynecology division at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, "Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which there is a spread of uterine lining tissue in various areas outside the uterus, mainly in the pelvis. Endometriosis lesions create an inflammatory response around them, which may cause pain, impaired quality of life and infertility".
She adds that today there is also an emphasis on nutrition as part of the treatment: "The diet suitable for endometriosis patients is based on reducing the inflammatory response and assisting in the excretion of excess estrogen from the body. It is important that patients who wish to incorporate dietary adjustments consult a dietitian with specific expertise".
The hormonal connection: Why does this happen?
Shir Alfi Seger, a clinical dietitian, explains that one of the main factors in the disease is hormonal imbalance:
"One of the main physiological effects of endometriosis is excess estrogen. When this hormone is not properly broken down and cleared from the body, it encourages the proliferation of inflammatory lesions, affects pain levels, an irregular cycle and even fertility".
According to her, the liver and the gut also play a significant role: "The liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen, and if it is overloaded, estrogen remains active in the bloodstream. At the same time, an imbalance in the gut microbiome may lead to the reabsorption of hormones – a condition that worsens symptoms".
What do the studies say?
A review published in 2026 in the scientific journal Nutrients presents a holistic approach to treating the disease, which includes not only medication but also nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress reduction. Among the prominent findings:
A Mediterranean diet may reduce pain and improve digestive system function
Supplements such as omega 3, vitamins C, D and E, magnesium and probiotics may ease symptoms
Processed food, sugar, alcohol and saturated fats may worsen inflammation
Another study from 2023, which included 470 women, found that:
There was an 18 percent reduction in pain levels
An improvement of about 25 percent in energy, sleep and quality of life
A reduction of up to 31 percent in pelvic pain intensity
What should you eat?
What should you eat?
The dietary recommendations focus on two main principles: Hormonal balance and reduction of inflammation.
Among the recommended foods:
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower
Leafy greens such as spinach and parsley
Dietary fiber from oats, legumes and seeds
Probiotic foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut
Healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil
In addition, it is recommended to include omega 3, reduce sugar and processed food, and add anti inflammatory spices such as turmeric and ginger.
A recipe booklet as a gift
Tal Menachem, CEO of the Endometriosis Israel Association, which published a recipe booklet tailored for those suffering from the disease, explains that "The recipe booklet combines evidence based nutritional knowledge from professionals alongside recipes that were born from the daily experience of women living with endometriosis. We see this knowledge as valuable knowledge, accumulated and meaningful, no less important than medical knowledge".
With every donation to the association in April, the recipe booklet will be included and all proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the association's activities. The booklet can be purchased by contacting the association through the website endoisrael.org