Dietary Fiber in Endometriosis: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Potential Clinical Benefits-Up-to-Date Review.

Background

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder. It is associated with hormonal dysregulation, pelvic pain, and a reduced quality of life. Dietary factors may influence disease development and symptom severity.

Objective

This article aims to summarize current evidence on the role of dietary fiber in endometriosis and to discuss the underlying biological mechanisms and clinical implications.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was conducted using peer-reviewed original research articles and review papers published in English. Studies examining dietary fiber intake, fiber-rich dietary patterns, and their associations with endometriosis risk, symptoms, estrogen metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammation.

Results

Observational studies suggest that higher dietary fiber intake, particularly from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, may be associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis. Interventional evidence remains limited. However, available studies indicate that fiber-rich dietary patterns may contribute to pain reduction and improvements in quality of life.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that dietary fiber may play a supportive role in the prevention and management of endometriosis through multiple interconnected biological pathways. Nevertheless, the limited number of high-quality interventional studies highlights the need for further well-designed clinical trials to clarify the therapeutic potential of fiber-rich diets as an adjunct to standard endometriosis care.