Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — May 2025
Finding the best nutrition can be difficult but when you have a hormonal disorder or a disease, it can be even more complicated. Then add trying to conceive on top of it. So how do you make sure you’re living a healthy lifestyle? We’ve broken down what foods to avoid and what to eat if you have endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that’s typically found in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows on the outside of it. It’s a condition that causes inflammation, often triggered by a hormone imbalance and too much estrogen. It impacts one in nine people with uteruses, and symptoms range from mild to severe.
Symptoms can include extreme pelvic pain, cramping, bloating, pain in other parts of the body, pain with bowel movements, and pain during intercourse. Pain during menstruation is common. However, endometriosis pain tends to be more chronic and severe, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life.
Foods to avoid
- Excess added sugar can disrupt both hormonal balance and trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
- Highly processed carbs, like white bread, potato chips, and other highly processed foods should be avoided. Since these are rapidly processed in the body, like excess sugar, the same applies as above.
So, what should I eat?
- Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, are rich in vitamin B and minerals like calcium. They can play a key role in regulating sugar, hormones, thyroid function, and fat metabolism.
- Healthy fats can help balance hormones and encourage fertility. These fatty acids include avocado, nut butter, chia seeds, extra virgin olive oil, and fatty fish, like wild salmon when possible.
- Immune system boosters, like ginger and garlic, are known to promote good immunity.
- Foods that support liver health, such as beets, lemon, lime, cabbage, and carrots.
Summary
It’s important to note that each person is unique in how they tolerate certain foods. Get the best suggestions for you from your reproductive endocrinologist or healthcare provider.
While not food related, it’s also good to get rid of toxic household and personal care products when dealing with any sort of hormone imbalance. There are many non-toxic brands to choose from.
Progyny is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.