The impact of endometriosis on dietary choices and activities of everyday life: a cross-sectional study Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What was reviewed?
This systematic review evaluated the impact of dietary interventions on pain perception in women diagnosed with endometriosis. It explored the connections between dietary changes and the alleviation of symptoms, particularly chronic pain, and assessed the potential of specific dietary patterns and nutrients to influence disease progression and symptom severity. The review included evidence from various studies highlighting the role of diets such as gluten-free, Mediterranean, and anti-inflammatory diets, along with the incorporation of specific nutrients and probiotics.
Who was reviewed?
The review included studies examining women diagnosed with endometriosis, focusing on their dietary habits, pain management strategies, and overall quality of life. The population spanned diverse stages of endometriosis and varying symptom severities, with dietary interventions as a common self-management approach.
What were the most important findings?
The review identified several key dietary patterns and nutrients that positively influenced pain perception and symptom management in women with endometriosis. A gluten-free diet was associated with symptom relief in patients experiencing gastrointestinal-related pain, while the Mediterranean diet showed benefits in reducing inflammation and pain severity due to its high content of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyphenols. Anti-inflammatory diets also gained traction, particularly in severe cases of endometriosis, where eliminating saturated fats and processed meats improved symptom management.
Major microbial associations (MMAs) of endometriosis were also highlighted, particularly the role of probiotics like Lactobacillus in alleviating pain and potentially modulating the gut microbiome to reduce systemic inflammation. The findings emphasize the therapeutic potential of dietary supplements such as curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The findings suggest that dietary interventions and supplements can serve as non-invasive and complementary strategies for managing endometriosis-related symptoms, particularly chronic pain. By modulating systemic inflammation and influencing the gut microbiome, specific dietary patterns and nutrients may provide a tailored approach to alleviating symptoms. The review underscores the importance of integrating nutritional guidance into endometriosis management protocols.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.