Lifestyle changes such as diet, physical activity and stress management may help reduce pain and improve quality of life for people with endometriosis, according to a new review of more than 100 studies.
The research, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests that everyday habits may play a supporting role alongside medical treatment for this chronic condition. However, the authors emphasize that lifestyle changes are not a replacement for clinical care.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain, fatigue and, in some cases, infertility. It affects about 10% of women of reproductive age and is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed after years of symptoms.
Researchers from Semmelweis University analyzed a wide range of international studies examining how lifestyle factors influence symptom severity. Because the paper is a review, it draws from existing research rather than testing a new intervention directly.
“Physical activity and other lifestyle factors do not replace medical treatment, but they can support it,” said Dóra Boroncsok, a PhD candidate at Semmelweis University and first author of the study.
The findings suggest that regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise, strength training and practices such as yoga or stretching, may help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life. General recommendations include at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, though the review notes that even smaller amounts may be beneficial.
Diet also appears to play a role, particularly patterns that emphasize whole, minimally processed foods. The researchers highlight a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, which includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish and olive oil, and tends to limit red and processed meat. Some studies included in the review linked this type of diet to reduced pain and improved digestive symptoms.
At the same time, the evidence points to differences in dietary patterns rather than single foods or nutrients. Diets higher in red and processed meat and lower in plant-based foods were associated with a higher risk of endometriosis in some studies, though the review notes that these findings are not consistent across all research.
The authors also examined specific nutrients and supplements, including vitamins C, D and E, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and zinc. While some studies suggest potential benefits, the evidence remains limited and inconsistent, and more controlled trials are needed before firm recommendations can be made.
“A key message is that patients can actively contribute to improving their condition,” said Dr. Gábor Sobel, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Semmelweis University and senior author of the study.
The review also points to the role of sleep and stress management, both of which may influence inflammation and pain perception. In addition, researchers note that reducing exposure to certain environmental chemicals that can interfere with hormones may be another area worth further study.
The paper highlights emerging areas of research as well, including a fasting-mimicking diet designed to trigger some of the biological effects of fasting. However, this approach has not yet been studied in endometriosis and remains experimental.
Because the findings are based on a mix of study types, including observational research and smaller clinical trials, the authors caution that the evidence is not strong enough to establish cause and effect. Instead, the review provides a broad picture of how lifestyle factors may interact with the condition.
Taken together, the research suggests that while lifestyle changes are unlikely to cure endometriosis, they may offer a way to help manage symptoms and improve day-to-day quality of life when used alongside medical care.
The authors report that this research received no external funding.