What’s New: Endo Edition
Endometriosis has become a bit of a buzzword over the last few years and honestly, it’s about time! Awareness is finally catching up and I’ve loved watching this conversation grow.
Personally, I have loved hearing my partner come home from work and tell me that the men he works with were chatting on their lunch breaks about their sisters, partners and daughters with endometriosis. Even reaching out to me to ask how they can better support the women in their lives.
With more government funding going into education and healthcare within this space, we’re finally seeing a flood gate of research that’s reshaping what we know about endometriosis and how we can better support those living with it. So, let’s unpack what’s new and clear up a few common misunderstandings.
Endometriosis is a Women’s Condition
Endometriosis isn’t limited to women. It has now been found in some cis men and AMAB (assigned male at birth) (3), showing just how complex and systemic this condition really is.
1 in 9 Affected
We’ve long heard that endometriosis affects 1 in 9 people, but that number is shifting. New data suggests it’s now 1 in 7 assigned female at birth (1). This increase isn’t because endometriosis is becoming more common, it identifies a greater awareness and that diagnosis is improving, which is a huge step forward.
Affects Reproductive Organs
For a long time, it was believed that endometriosis only affected the reproductive organs, bladder or bowel. Endometrial-like tissue has now been found in the brain, musculoskeletal system and can appear almost anywhere in the body (4). This reinforces the understanding that endometriosis is a whole-body condition which can influence many systems at once.
It’s Just Endo
While endometriosis can cause significant pain and discomfort, it often exists alongside other inflammatory or systemic conditions such as digestive or mental health challenges (2). Whether it’s the inflammation from endo worsening those symptoms or visa versa, it’s a reminder to always look at the bigger picture rather than one diagnosis alone.
It’s Your Hormones
Hormones do play a big role, especially oestrogen but we now understand that endometriosis is much more than a hormonal issue. It’s a multi-system inflammatory disease, which involves treating inflammation, immune health, the nervous system and hormone balance together.
The Diagnosis
The average time to be diagnosed has improved! From an average of 7 years to 6.5 years (1). While it is still too long, this is a significant improvement, and it is great to see women getting answers sooner.
Endometriosis treatment benefits from a multi-modality approach. Naturopaths, nutritionists, acupuncturists, pelvic health physiotherapists, women’s health doctors and gynaecologists all have a role to play in supporting people.
The more we understand about endometriosis, the better equipped you are to ask questions, explore options and feel confident in your treatment choices. If you’d like to learn more about how naturopathy can support endometriosis. From inflammation and hormones to energy and digestion keep an eye out for upcoming blog and Instagram posts.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2023). Endometriosis. Cat. no. PHE 329. Canberra Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Accessed October 25, 2025. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/endometriosis-in-australia/contents/how-common-is-endometriosis
Vannuccini, S., Lazzeri, L., Orlandini, C., Morgante, G., Bifulco, G., Fagiolini, A., & Petraglia, F. (2018). Mental health, pain symptoms and systemic comorbidities in women with endometriosis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 39(4), 315-320. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2017.1386171
World Health Organization (WHO. (2023). Endometriosis. Accessed October 25, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
Ye, H., Shen, C., Quan, Q., Xi, M., & Li, L. (2023). Endometriosis of the skeletal muscular system (ESMS): a systematic review. BMC Women's Health, 23(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02184-8
