Endometriosis — Diet, Science, and a New Vision for Care

The Woman's Handbook Podcast: How to Endometriosis

Endometriosis is often described as a gynaecological condition, but leading researchers are revealing just how much broader and more complex the picture really is. In this episode, we bring together voices from nutrition, molecular science, pain research, and psychology to explore how endometriosis affects the whole body, and why the future of care lies in a truly multi-disciplinary approach.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why women with endometriosis may face higher risks of cardiovascular disease and how diet and lifestyle could help (Dr Siew Lim).

• The vision for personalised, precision medicine in endometriosis, inspired by advances in cancer research (Prof Caroline Ford).

• Groundbreaking evidence from the first randomized controlled trial showing dietary change can reduce endometriosis pain (Prof Holly Harris).

• How psychological therapies and addressing mental health are essential for living well with endometriosis (Prof Antonina Mikocka-Walus).

• What new research reveals about pain mechanisms, including neuropathic features, and how this could lead to better-targeted treatments (Dr Lydia Coxon).

Guest Bios:

Dr Siew Lim (Monash University, Accredited Practising Dietitian) [Jump to 00:37]

Dr Lim discusses how endometriosis is not just a gynaecological condition but one with systemic health implications, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease. She explains how inflammation links endometriosis to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. Despite the popularity of “endo diets” on social media, she highlights a stark reality: there are no randomized controlled trials yet on diet and endometriosis (interview given before Professor Harris presented her data). She calls for urgent research, while suggesting that anti-inflammatory dietary patterns — similar to the Mediterranean diet — may offer benefits. She also cautions against restrictive exclusion diets, emphasizing a focus on colourful, plant-forward nutrition and evidence-based supplement use.

Professor Caroline Ford (UNSW, Scientific Director at the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute) [Jump to 12:15]

Professor Ford shares her inspiring vision for transforming endometriosis care through precision medicine, borrowing lessons from cancer research. She reflects on the chronic underfunding of women’s health, the recent AUD 50 million philanthropic investment, and how international collaboration can finally accelerate progress. Her focus is on recognising endometriosis as a spectrum of subtypes rather than one disease, paving the way for personalised treatment, from surgery to immunotherapy. She also explains how cancer biology overlaps with endometriosis, and how genomic technologies and stratification could revolutionise care. Ford’s conversation radiates hope for a future where endometriosis patients have tailored, effective, and science-backed treatments.

Professor Holly Harris (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre, USA) [ Jump to 28:22]

Professor Harris presents the results of the first randomized controlled dietary intervention trial in endometriosis. Over 100 women participated, with half assigned to a standard diet and half supported to follow the Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet — rich in fruit, vegetables, and omega-3s, while limiting red meat and processed foods. After 12 weeks, the intervention group reported a significant reduction in non-menstrual pelvic pain. This groundbreaking evidence directly supports dietary change as a way to reduce endometriosis symptoms, moving beyond anecdote and social media trends. Her work provides a much-needed evidence base for lifestyle interventions in endometriosis.

Dr Lydia Coxon (University of Oxford, EndoCaRe Centre) [Jump to 44.25]

Dr Coxon shares cutting-edge research into the mechanisms of endometriosis pain, drawing on neuroimaging, sensory testing, and clinical profiling. Her work suggests that many women experience neuropathic-like pain features, which helps explain why symptoms don’t always match the visible extent of disease. By identifying pain subtypes and biomarkers, Coxon and her team aim to develop more precise ways of targeting treatments, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Her insights underscore the importance of recognising pain as its own disease dimension in endometriosis, requiring tailored management strategies.

Professor Antonina Mikocka-Walus (Deakin University, Health Psychologist) [Jump to 58:36]

Professor Mikocka-Walus brings the lens of psychological health and self-management to endometriosis care. She explains how chronic pelvic pain is not only physical but also profoundly affects mental health, resilience, and quality of life. She advocates for the use of therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as evidence-based tools that can reduce distress, improve coping, and enhance well-being. She stresses that managing endometriosis requires a biopsychosocial approach, where psychological care is integrated alongside medical and surgical interventions.

A New Era for Endometriosis

From systemic health risks and nutrition science, to precision medicine, novel pain research, and psychological support, these expert insights illustrate a new era for endometriosis care.

The future lies in collaboration, evidence, and recognising endometriosis as a complex, whole-body condition that demands a personalised and multi-layered approach.

Key Takeaway: Endometriosis is not just about the pelvis. It is about the whole person: body, mind, and future health.

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