Integrative Endometriosis Support

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowels, and other areas where it doesn’t belong. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth and often takes 7–10 years or more to receive an accurate diagnosis.

While endometriosis is best known for causing painful periods and ovulation, it’s much more than just “bad cramps.” This is a complex, full-body disease that can impact the immune system, nervous system, digestion, pelvic floor, and even cardiovascular health. Symptoms vary widely and may include chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, bowel or bladder issues, fatigue, and infertility.

Your symptoms are real.

You deserve to be heard.

You deserve to live well and thrive.

Understanding Endometriosis

Despite how common it is, there’s still a frustrating gap in modern medicine’s understanding of endometriosis—and no single known cause. But research is finally gaining momentum, and after years of being dismissed, endo is starting to get the attention it deserves.

Here’s what we do know:
Endometriosis is a chronic, whole-body condition that’s likely multifactorial, shaped by a combination of genetics, immune function, gut health, and environmental exposures. It’s not just a reproductive issue; endo can influence (and be influenced by) many systems in the body, including:

• Immune and inflammatory pathways

• Histamine sensitivity

• Circulatory and lymphatic health

• Gut and microbiome balance

• Hormonal regulation

• Mental and emotional well-being

Emerging research continues to reveal just how interconnected these systems are—and why endometriosis care must be just as multidimensional.

Types and Stages of Endometriosis

There are three main types of endometriosis, categorized into four established stages (with a potential fifth stage still being debated by researchers). The stages are based on the location, depth, and severity of tissue growth, but they do not reliably predict how much pain or disruption a person may experience.

Types of endometriosis:

• Superficial peritoneal endo (often Stage I or II): Thin, surface-level lesions on the pelvic lining.

• Ovarian endometriomas (typically Stage III or IV): Also known as “chocolate cysts,” these are fluid-filled cysts that form in or on the ovaries.

• Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) (usually Stage III or IV): Dense, fibrotic lesions that grow deep into tissue and can impact organs such as the bladder, bowel, and uterosacral ligaments.

• Diffuse or extra-pelvic endo (a proposed Stage V): Widespread endometriosis that affects multiple organs, sometimes found far from the reproductive system (e.g. diaphragm, lungs).

Pain Is Not a Reliable Indicator of Severity

One of the most misunderstood aspects of endometriosis is the disconnect between the amount of tissue growth and the level of pain or dysfunction someone experiences. For example, someone with Stage I endo may live with daily, life-altering pain, while another person with Stage IV endo might only discover it during fertility testing or imaging for unrelated issues.

This is why it’s so important to listen to patients—not just imaging or staging—and treat the whole person, not just the disease.

Endo + Chronic Inflammation

Endometriosis is widely recognized as an inflammatory disease. Research shows that many people with endo also experience changes in immune function. Natural killer (NK) cells, which normally help clear damaged tissue, may be less active. Other defense cells, like macrophages and T cells, don’t always work as they should.

At the same time, inflammatory signals such as cytokines and prostaglandins often run high. What’s still unclear is whether these immune shifts cause endo, or if the lesions themselves disrupt immune balance.

When inflammation persists, the body often responds by forming scar tissue. In endo, this scarring can build up over time, pulling on or blocking nearby organs. In advanced cases, it may even interfere with bowel, bladder, or reproductive function, sometimes requiring surgery to restore quality of life.

That’s why supporting immune health and reducing inflammation is such a key part of integrative endo care. By looking at a comprehensive personal history and family patterns, we can find ways to calm inflammation and help the body find a more sustainable balance.

Endo + Gut Health

Gut health is a cornerstone of endometriosis care, yet it’s often overlooked. Many people with endo know the feeling of “endo belly” – the painful bloating and discomfort that can make daily life tough. While not always, it often ties back to underlying gut imbalances.

Two patterns show up most often: dysbiosis, which is when the balance of good and bad bacteria is off (this can affect not only the gut but also the pelvis, vagina, and even the sinuses), and intestinal hyperpermeability, more commonly known as leaky gut. Research has found that people with endo may carry higher amounts of gram-negative bacteria like E. coli or Klebsiella, and some studies suggest these bacteria can even be present in the pelvic cavity itself.

Leaky gut is another key piece of the puzzle. Studies show it’s more common in those with endo, creating a cycle where a weakened gut lining drives inflammation, and inflammation worsens both gut and endo symptoms. Without support, that cycle is hard to break.

The hopeful news is that the gut can heal. When we restore balance and strengthen the gut lining, we create a healthier foundation – one that helps reduce inflammation and supports the body’s ability to better manage endometriosis.