How Do you Treat Endometriosis Naturally?

As more women seek to minimize the harsh side effects of hormonal treatments, the medical community is slowly shifting toward an interdisciplinary approach that combines medical management with evidence-backed complementary therapies.

To be free of the pain of endometriosis a woman needs to make her own informed choices of the treatment options she follows. However, the emphasis here is that she needs to be informed. As many doctors do not provide advice about other options using natural and alternative treatments, then many women are not provided with this advice to be able to make informed choices.

Having access to natural treatments can help you avoid some of the negative outcomes and side-effects that are common with medical treatments. Natural remedies can be a great support and assist in supporting the body whether used solely or as an addition to medical treatment. This approach can help you rely less on conventional therapies if you choose the option to include alternative remedies.

First we look quickly at why information and advice about using safe natural treatment options are not given more ‘air-time’ and promoted more frequently.

Why is there no meaningful research into natural treatments to help endometriosis?

There is actually a growing body of scientific research into natural and holistic treatments for endometriosis, but it is severely limited compared to conventional medical research.

Large-scale, gold-standard human trials cost millions of dollars. Pharmaceutical companies fund most medical research to patent and sell new drugs. Because natural substances (like herbs, vitamins, or dietary changes) cannot be patented, there is little profit motive for private entities to fund expensive clinical trials.

However, there is more and more research suggesting these approaches can be helpful and that some natural approaches, like meditation, yoga and natural remedies can in fact, be essential for managing chronic pain.

Why is there no funding for research into natural treatments to help endometriosis?

Lack of Profitability: Natural remedies, vitamins, dietary changes, and herbal supplements cannot be patented. Pharmaceutical companies and private investors heavily favor synthetic drugs because patents guarantee a financial return on research investments.

However, patient advocacy is shifting priorities, and some organizations are beginning to support broader anti-inflammatory and pain-management studies

What the Existing Research Actually Shows

Despite these hurdles, researchers are actively looking into how natural therapies can target the root mechanisms of endometriosis, specifically inflammation, oxidative stress, and estrogen dominance

A comprehensive review published in PubMed highlighted that several plant-derived compounds successfully inhibit the proliferation of endometrial lesions and reduce chronic pelvic pain in preclinical settings

As more patients seek to minimize the harsh side effects of hormonal treatments, the medical community is slowly shifting toward an interdisciplinary approach that combines medical management with evidence-backed complementary therapies.

'Expert excision of Endo implants removes disease, but lack of disease does not equal good health. Diet, lifestyle, mindset and integrative therapies need to be addressed in the treatment plan to get the best possible outcomes. '

Dr. Andrew Cook MD

What are the Different Natural Treatments for Endometriosis?

Deciding to use natural therapies to help with endometriosis symptoms encompass dietary modifications, alternative therapies and range of self-help remedies.

In this article we look at a variety of clinically trusted non-pharmacological or surgical treatments for endometriosis. Many of the options listed below have shown promise during scientific research.

Alternative Treatments for Endometriosis

The following is a compilation of natural remedies and holistic practices aimed at reducing the pain and inflammation of endometriosis.

Please note - always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. This is especially important if you're prescribed medication as some of these may interact with your meds.

Clinical Options

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a specialized form of physical treatment that focuses on relaxing, lengthening, and coordinating the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic region to ease pain and dysfunction. You can read a full description of PFPT HERE

A 2017 study found that an eight-week physio programme is very effective for decreasing pain and abnormalities in posture related with endo.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps manage endometriosis by changing how your brain processes chronic pain, reducing stress, and improving your daily quality of life.

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. It has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain conditions, including endometriosis, by helping you develop coping strategies and reduce stress.

A review of the scientific literature in 2022 found that CBT provided an improvement in pain and depression scores, as well as reduced stress perception.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

This approach helps you accept the reality of living with a chronic illness while committing to actions that align with your personal values, reducing the emotional struggle against symptoms

Supplements

These are supplements that have been subject to research to help with endometriosis

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A 2020 review found that curcumin has shown potential in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in endometriosis.

The same study noted that curcumin can directly affect processes like cell invasion, adhesion, cell death (apoptosis) and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in endometrial lesions.

This suggests that incorporating curcumin into the diet could be beneficial for preventing and managing endometriosis. However, there haven't been enough studies focusing on how curcumin interacts with endometriosis to confidently recommend it as a treatment.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine is an antioxidant and precursor to glutathione. The theory is that oxidative stress contributes to inflammation and persistence of endometriotic tissue.

N-acetylcysteine is a dietary supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that NAC supplementation may help reduce inflammation, the oxidative stress process detailed above and pain associated with endometriosis. It may also improve fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis-related infertility.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent that has been used traditionally to alleviate menstrual pain and discomfort. It also has benefits of helping to reduce nausea when drunk as a tea infusion.

Some research suggests that ginger supplementation or consumption may help reduce pelvic pain and inflammation in women with endometriosis, though more rigorous research is needed. Ginger can be consumed fresh, as a tea or in supplement.

Vitamin C with Vitamin E

Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that may help reduce chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, and pain during intercourse for individuals with endometriosis, especially when combined with vitamin E

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a herb that has been traditionally used to support liver health and detoxification. Some research suggests that milk thistle supplementation may help improve liver function and reduce inflammation in women with endometriosis.

A clinical trial published on PubMed Central found that a 280 mg daily dose of silymarin, when paired with standard hormonal treatments (such as dienogest), effectively reduced the size of endometrioma lesions and minimized pelvic pain over 12 weeks

Omega-3 Oils

Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as oily fish (salmon, mackerel, trout), flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce pain associated with endometriosis.

An intensive review of 64 people with endometriosis who underwent a laparoscopy (with blood tests before and after) found that compared with 74 women without endo, those with the condition found a relationship between two different types of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids could determine the severity of a patient's endometriosis.

Caution – do not use excess doses of omega 3 as it can thin the blood and may cause bleeding during surgery. Omega 3 can also reduce cortisol levels so caution should be taken if you suspect you have low cortisol levels.

Quercetin

Quercetin is found in fruits, vegetables and herbs that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A 2023 study found that quercetin offers various health benefits, including affecting key factors related to endometriosis like cell growth, cell death, invasiveness, inflammation and oxidative stress. Quercetin-rich foods include apples, onions, berries and green tea.

Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract)

Research published on PubMed and via the manufacturer Horphag Research demonstrates that it safely downregulates inflammatory pathways without altering estrogen levels or disrupting the menstrual cycle.

Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract derived from French maritime pine bark that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A small 2007 study found that pycnogenol supplementation may help reduce symptoms of endometriosis. It also found it to be more effective in women with smaller endometriomas.

Studies suggest that 60 mg daily may alleviate pain and improve overall well-being.

CBD

CBD is a non-intoxicating 'cannabinoid' derived from cannabis plants. It has gained interest in recent years for its potential therapeutic effects on pain, inflammation and anxiety. There are limited studies regarding CBD but feedback from women is generally favourable.

Some research suggests that CBD supplementation may help alleviate pelvic pain and improve quality of life in women with endometriosis. However, more studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of CBD for managing endometriosis symptoms.

Serrapeptase

There are no specific studies looking at the benefits of using serrapeptase to help endometriosis but there is current research that validates its usefulness for inflammation. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme derived from bacteria in the digestive tract of silkworms that research suggests may help reduce inflammation and swelling.

DIETARY OPTIONS

Anti-inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet is a healthy eating style focused on whole, minimally processed foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. It helps lower chronic inflammation which is one of the key drivers of endometriosis pain. The aim is to limit processed foods, added sugars, refined carbohydrates and trans fats.

Research suggests that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce pain and manage symptoms for many people with endometriosis, though large-scale clinical proof remains limited.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet, characterised by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish and olive oil, has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved overall health. As a natural treatment for endometriosis, following a Mediterranean diet may be associated with less severe symptoms.

Low-FODMAP Diet

A low FODMAP diet limits specific hard-to-digest sugars that cause gut gas and bloating, helping relieve the digestive pain and "endo belly" linked to endometriosis

The low-FODMAP diet is an eating plan that restricts foods containing certain types of carbohydrates and sugars that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine.

While originally developed to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), some people with endometriosis have reported improvements in gastro symptoms, such as bloating and discomfort, when following the low-FODMAP diet.

However, scientific studies appear limited. One encouraging experiment with 62 women with endo saw the participants split into three groups. One group followed a low-FODMAP diet, one group an "endometriosis diet" and one control group. Those in the diet groups reported lower pain scores and better quality of life after 6 months.

ADDITIONAL SELF-HELP REMEDIES

TENS unit

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has shown promise in providing relief from pain associated with endometriosis for some individuals.

TENS works by delivering mild electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin, which can help block pain signals from reaching the brain and stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

A 2007 study followed 21 women during four menstrual cycles and evaluated TENS for its pain-relieving effects. It found that it significantly dropped the average pain score among participants and corresponded with a reduction in medication among them.

Heat therapy

Heat therapy methods include using heating pads, hot water bottles or warm baths. Applying heat is a non-invasive option for managing pelvic pain which is tried-and-tested.

According to a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health, the most common alternative method used to help with endometriosis pain was heat therapy. Nearly 74% of the 357 study participants reported using a heating pad for symptom relief.

For more advice about using the natural approach to help with endometriosis this article give more advice

FAQs

What Is the Most Successful Treatment for Endometriosis?

There is no single treatment that has success with endometriosis as everyone is different and the stage of the disease also is important.

Medical conventional treatments such as hormonal medications, surgery and pain management can offer temporary relief but having repeated surgeries is common with endometriosis.

The most successful approach often involves a combination of treatments involving excision surgery from and endometriosis specialist to remove the disease combined with a program of self-help remedies for well-being.

What Vitamins Help with Endometriosis?

Research has found that vitamins such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) and NAC may help reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis. Serrapeptase is also gaining in popularity for its anti-inflammatory benefits

What Helps to Shrink Endometriosis?

The medical approach is to use hormonal treatments like birth control pills, GnRH agonists and progestins can help shrink endometriosis lesions and reduce symptoms. If drug treatment does not resolve symptoms that surgery is the next option to remove endometrial tissue.

The use of and anti-inflammatory diet and targeted supplements like Serrapeptase can provide relief for some and help to reduce symptoms of pain and gut distress

How Do you Treat Endometriosis Naturally?

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