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Endometriosis and a Low FODMAP Diet
Endometriosis and the FODMAP Approach*
The FODMAP approach* was designed to help manage digestive symptoms related to IBS. It involves eliminating high FODMAP foods for a limited period of time and then following a specific reintroduction protocol to identify foods that trigger digestive symptoms and their thresholds of tolerance.
A recent clinical study evaluated the effects of a low FODMAP diet on digestive symptoms in women with endometriosis. 35 women with endometriosis reporting digestive symptoms were randomized into two groups. They followed either a low FODMAP diet or a diet based on the Australian Food Guide for 28 days. They then took a break, and followed the alternative diet for another 28 days. Most of the food was provided to the participants during the study.
The study results indicate that 60% of participants experienced a clinically significant improvement in their gastrointestinal symptoms while following a low FODMAP diet, compared to 26% of women following a diet based on the Australian Food Guide. A low FODMAP diet was associated with improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, and quality of life after two weeks, and symptoms continued to improve for the remainder of the diet. These results are encouraging news for women with endometriosis, as they offer a dietary option supported by scientific evidence.
Conclusion
Considering the high prevalence of endometriosis and the fact that most affected women report significant digestive symptoms, the FODMAP approach could have a positive impact on the lives of many women. However, further research is needed to evaluate the benefits of the FODMAP approach for endometriosis in a larger population and over a longer term. Patients seeking more information are encouraged to consult a dietitian experienced with the low-FODMAP diet.
*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.
Sources
De Araugo (2024) Nutrition Interventions in the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Scoping Review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics; 38:1–16
Horne and et Missmer (2022) Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Endometriosis. British Medical Journal; 379:e070750.
Deepak Kumar, Appleby-Gunnill et Maslin (2023) Nutritional Practices and Dietetic Provision in the Endometriosis Population, With a Focus on Functional Gut Symptoms. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics; 36 (4): 1529–1538.
Nabi et al (2022) Endometriosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Frontiers in Medicine; 9: 914356.
Varney et al (2025) Clinical Trial: Effect of a 28-Day Low FODMAP Diet on Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated With Endometriosis (EndoFOD)—A Randomised, Controlled Crossover Feeding Study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics; 61:1889–1903.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
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