UNDERSTANDING ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, and other pelvic structures. It affects approximately 1 in 9 Australian women of reproductive age, yet on average takes 7–10 years to diagnose.
The condition is driven by oestrogen and chronic inflammation, which means that what you eat can genuinely make a difference. Research increasingly shows that a targeted anti-inflammatory diet for endometriosis can reduce symptom severity, support hormonal balance, and improve quality of life.
While diet cannot cure endometriosis, it is a powerful, evidence-based tool in your management plan — and one of the few things you can take control of every single day. A specialist endometriosis dietitian in Perth can help you build a sustainable, practical approach.
RECOGNISING THE SIGNS
Pelvic Pain
Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), deep pelvic aching, or chronic pain outside of menstruation
Heavy Periods
Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), spotting between periods, or irregular cycles are common
Bladder & Bowel Changes
Painful urination or bowel movements, especially during menstruation, linked to endo lesions on the bowel or bladder
Mood Changes
Chronic pain and hormonal fluctuations can contribute to anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue
Fertility Difficulties
Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of difficulty conceiving in Australia, affecting up to 50% of those with infertility
Fatigue
Persistent, debilitating tiredness that interferes with daily life and is not relieved by rest alone
Bloating
Severe abdominal bloating (called "endo belly"), constipation, diarrhoea, or nausea — often worse around your period
Painful Intercourse
Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia), particularly with deep penetration, is a hallmark endometriosis symptom
Endometriosis presents differently in every person. If you experience any of the following — especially in a cyclical pattern — it's worth speaking to your GP and a specialist endometriosis dietitian in Perth.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
ENDOMETRIOSIS NUTRITION STRATEGIES
6 Evidence-Based Dietary Strategies for Endometriosis
There is no single endometriosis diet, but robust research points clearly toward reducing systemic inflammation and supporting hormonal balance. Here are the cornerstones of a dietary approach recommended by our Perth dietitians:
01.
Prioritise Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), extra-virgin olive oil, berries, leafy greens, and turmeric all carry anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce endometriosis-associated pain and lesion activity.
03.
Support Your Gut Microbiome
There is growing research into the "estrobolome" - gut bacteria that regulate oestrogen clearance. A high-fibre diet from diverse plant foods, plus fermented foods like kefir and yoghurt, supports a healthy gut microbiome and oestrogen metabolism.
05.
Optimise Iron, Vitamin D & Key Nutrients
Heavy menstrual bleeding commonly leads to iron deficiency in people with endometriosis. A dietitian can help optimise dietary iron absorption alongside vitamin D, B12, and magnesium — nutrients that support energy, immunity, and pain sensitivity.
02.
Reduce Red & Processed Meat Intake
Studies link higher red and processed meat consumption to increased endometriosis risk. Replacing these with legumes, tofu, eggs, and oily fish can make a meaningful long-term difference.
04.
Manage Endo Belly with a Low-FODMAP Approach
Many people with endometriosis also experience IBS-like symptoms. A dietitian-guided low-FODMAP trial for endometriosis can significantly reduce bloating, gas, and gut discomfort - improving quality of life.
06.
Limit Refined Sugar & Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods and refined sugars promote systemic inflammation and can worsen oestrogen imbalances. Transitioning to whole, minimally processed foods is one of the highest-impact dietary changes you can make for endometriosis management.
PERTH ENDOMETRIOSIS DIETITIAN
How Our Perth Dietitians Help You Manage Endometriosis
Dietary management of endometriosis is not one-size-fits-all. Our accredited practising dietitians (APDs) take a thorough, personalised assessment of your symptoms, cycle, nutritional status, medical history, and relationship with food — then build a realistic plan that fits your life.
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Comprehensive symptom, cycle and dietary assessment
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Personalised anti-inflammatory meal planning for endometriosis
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Low-FODMAP assessment and guided reintroduction for endo belly
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Iron, vitamin D & micronutrient deficiency management
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Oestrogen balance and gut-hormone axis strategies
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Pre- and post-surgical nutrition support
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Co-ordination with your GP, gynaecologist & allied health team
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Ongoing support, accountability and plan refinement
PERTH ENDOMETRIOSIS DIETITIAN
Book an Endometriosis Dietitian in Perth
Our Perth dietitians currently see clients at the following locations. Telehealth appointments are also available Australia-wide.
Please note, we still see non-fertility patients in our private rooms within Fertility Specialists and Genea.
Promotion Health - Claremont
Phone: (08) 9284 4405
9 Leura Avenue
Claremont WA 6010
(opposite Claremont train station)
Fertility Specialists WA - Claremont
fertilitywa@cityfertility.com.au
Level 1, 4/278 Stirling Hwy,
Claremont WA 6010
Fertility Specialists WA - Applecross
Phone: 1300 392 393
fertilitywa@cityfertility.com.au
Level 1, 764 Canning Hwy,
Applecross WA 6153,
Genea Perth - Wembley
Phone: (08) 9389 4200
Level 2, 190 Cambridge Street,
Wembley WA 6014,
* We are covered by all major private health funds. Medicare rebates are available for clients referred by their GP on a Chronic Disease Management (EPC) plan and Department of Veterans Affairs programs.
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