Endometriosis: More Than Bad Period Pain

Guess what, I’ve never had a period before (don’t act so surprised), so what would I know about them? After working with many women over the years, I’ve heard firsthand just how debilitating endometriosis can be. Period don’t sound like much fun at the best of times, but endometriosis takes it to the next level.

When women come to me looking for help with endometriosis, I usually begin by explaining that it’s not just another period problem. Unlike conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), which are primarily hormonal, endometriosis has more to do with immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. This crucial fact is often overlooked in mainstream treatment approaches.  In fact, endometriosis is now being recognised as an autoimmune-like disorder, which means that treating the immune system and not just managing hormones can lead to life-changing results.

So, what exactly is endometriosis?

Let’s start by reinforcing what I said earlier – endometriosis is NOT just a bad period. It is a chronic inflammatory condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, attaching to areas it shouldn’t – such as the bowels, bladder, ovaries, and even, in rare cases, the brain. Unlike normal endometrial tissue, which sheds during a period, this misplaced tissue has nowhere to go, causing severe pain, internal scarring and inflammation that can persist throughout the cycle, not just during menstruation. You heard me, women with endometriosis don’t just suffer on their period, but can often experience ongoing pelvic pain, digestive issues, fatigue and even fertility challenges. Essentially, the body treats these growths like wounds, triggering an immune response. The result? A relentless cycle of pain, inflammation and hormonal disruption that can significantly impact daily life. Let’s not forget to add on an excruciating period (which can sometimes lead to women fainting or vomiting from the pain).

The band aid approach

The good news? Endometriosis is FINALLY being recognised as an autoimmune-like condition, and not a bad period or hormonal condition. The bad – there’s still a long way to go - it can take 5-7 years to even be diagnosed with endometriosis.

The ‘gold standard’ medical treatments for endometriosis are surgery to remove the lesions and hormonal suppression (such as the pill or an IUD). While these can be helpful – especially for fertility and pain management – they don’t address the root cause, or why the condition is happening. Now that it is finally being recognised as an autoimmune-like disorder, simply supressing hormones or removing lesions doesn’t tackle the underlying immune dysfunction.  And, in some cases, these lesions grow back! In fact, 50% of women who have surgery experience regrowth of lesions, leading to an ongoing cycle of pain and repeat procedures.

Getting to the root cause

You don’t have to choose between conventional medicine and functional medicine – they can work together! Whether you’ve had surgery or are using hormonal treatments, let’s look at how you can support your body.

1.     Reduce inflammatory foods

Gluten, dairy and even eggs can contribute to inflammation and immune dysfunction in some women, exacerbating symptoms of endometriosis. These foods can trigger an immune response, leading to increased pain, bloating and fatigue. A low-histamine diet can also be beneficial, as histamine intolerance is common in those with endometriosis and can contribute to inflammation, migraines and digestive distress.

2.     Support detoxification and hormonal balance

The body needs to efficiently clear excess oestrogen and inflammation, as both can fuel the growth of endometrial lesions. Supporting liver function and overall detoxification pathways is crucial in this process. I often recommend N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) - a powerful antioxidant that aids in liver detoxification, reduces oxidative stress, and has even been shown in studies to decrease the size and severity of endometriosis lesions. Additionally, NAC plays a role in boosting glutathione levels, which is essential for immune regulation and reducing systemic inflammation.

3.        Prioritise gut and immune health

Since endometriosis is now being recognised as an immune-related condition, focusing on gut health, nutrient optimisation, and stress reduction can be key to managing symptoms. The gut plays a crucial role in immune function, and imbalances in gut bacteria have been linked to increased inflammation and hormone dysregulation, both of which can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms. Supporting gut health with probiotics, fibre-rich foods, and digestive enzymes can help modulate immune responses and improve overall well-being. Additionally, reducing toxic load—such as minimising exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products—can support hormonal balance. Addressing bacterial imbalances, particularly conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or leaky gut, may also reduce systemic inflammation and improve symptom management.

Endometriosis can be extremely debilitating, and women deserve more than just a band aid approach. Understanding the root cause, and getting to the bottom of it, can help you regain control over your health.

If you are tired of being told “just take the pill” or that “painful period are normal,” let’s talk. There are options beyond simply masking the symptoms.