Can a gluten-free diet reduce the symptoms of endometriosis? (Part 1)

Endometriosis occurs when the cells of the internal wall of the uterus (endometrium) move away from their original position and migrate, mostly into the abdominal cavity, equally responding to hormonal control, even during the menstrual cycle.

The most frequent symptoms are pelvic pain, particularly in the perimenstrual phase; painful menstruation; pain during sexual intercourse, accentuated in the pre- and post-menstrual period; irregularities of menstrual cycles, severe intestinal problems and infertility.

In a 2012 study, which followed patients suffering from endometriosis for 12 months, it showed that 75% of them declared a significant reduction in symptoms with a gluten-free diet; 25% said they had not noticed any worsening of their symptoms. None had reported a worsening of symptoms.

Kostantinos N. et al. Effectiveness of dietary intervention in the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review Reproductive sciences 2022

Doctor Elena Martucci

Biologist Nutritionist Specialist in Food Science