Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two of the most common gynecological disorders, but they are usually considered distinct conditions with different causes and symptoms. However, research suggests there may be some connections between them:

1. Overlapping Symptoms
Both conditions can cause irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, and infertility.
Women with either condition often experience hormonal imbalances, although in different ways.

Chronic inflammation is a key feature in both disorders.

2. Hormonal Imbalances
PCOS: Characterized by high androgen (male hormone) levels, which can lead to irregular cycles, excess hair growth, and insulin resistance.
Endometriosis: More associated with high estrogen levels and progesterone resistance, leading to abnormal tissue growth outside the uterus.
Some women have features of both conditions, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

3. Increased Risk of Coexistence
Some studies suggest PCOS and endometriosis can coexist in a subset of women.

A 2021 review found that women with PCOS may have an increased risk of endometriosis, possibly due to chronic inflammation and hormonal dysregulation.

Some women with PCOS also develop pain symptoms typical of endometriosis, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnosis.

4. Inflammation as a Common Factor
Both conditions involve chronic low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to pain, metabolic issues, and fertility problems.

Inflammation in PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance, while in endometriosis, it is driven by immune dysfunction and abnormal tissue growth.

5. Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Factors
PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which can increase estrogen production—potentially worsening endometriosis symptoms.
Some women with endometriosis also exhibit insulin resistance, even though it’s not a defining feature of the disease.

6. Fertility Issues
PCOS can lead to anovulation (lack of ovulation), making conception difficult.
Endometriosis can cause scar tissue and inflammation, making implantation harder.
Women with both conditions may have greater challenges with fertility compared to those with just one.

Bottom Line
While they are distinct disorders, PCOS and endometriosis can share symptoms and biological mechanisms, including hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances.
Some women may be misdiagnosed with one condition when they actually have both.
Treatment approaches that target inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal balance may help manage symptoms of both conditions.

Lifestyle strategies you can implement right now:

If you’re dealing with PCOS, endometriosis, or both, the key is to reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and support metabolic health.

1. Optimize Your Diet
→ Cut Out Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Avoid: Sugar, refined carbs (white bread, pasta), processed foods, seed oils (soy, canola), alcohol.
Why? These foods spike insulin, increase estrogen dominance (bad for endometriosis), and worsen inflammation.

→ Go Low-Carb or Mediterranean Diet
Best Choices:
Protein: Eggs, grass-fed meat, wild fish, poultry.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts, omega-3-rich fish.
Fibrous Veggies: Cruciferous (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) help detox excess estrogen.

Why? A low-carb or Mediterranean diet lowers insulin resistance (key in PCOS) and reduces inflammation (key in endometriosis).

2. Master Your Hormones
→ Regulate Estrogen Naturally

For Endometriosis: Excess estrogen fuels tissue overgrowth.
Eat flaxseeds, broccoli, and turmeric (help detox estrogen).
Avoid soy products (can mimic estrogen).
Consider supplements like DIM (diindolylmethane) to improve estrogen metabolism.

For PCOS: Balance androgens by stabilizing blood sugar.
Cinnamon and berberine help control insulin.
Spearmint tea (2 cups/day) lowers androgens and improves ovulation.

3. Heal Your Gut
Both conditions are linked to leaky gut and microbiome imbalances.
Best gut-healing foods: Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut), bone broth, and fiber from veggies.
Avoid gut disruptors: Processed dairy, gluten, and excessive caffeine.

4. Move, but Smartly
Strength training & walking = best for PCOS insulin resistance.
Yoga & pilates = best for endometriosis pain relief.
Avoid excessive cardio, which can increase stress hormones.

5. Lower Inflammation Naturally
Curcumin (from turmeric) = Anti-inflammatory & reduces pain in endometriosis.

Omega-3 (fish oil or flaxseed) = Lowers androgens in PCOS & reduces inflammation.

Magnesium = Helps with PMS, pain, and insulin resistance.

6. Biohacks & Cheap Fixes
Intermittent fasting (12-16 hours) = Lowers insulin in PCOS, reduces inflammation in endo.

Cold therapy (ice baths, cold showers) = Reduces systemic inflammation.

Sunlight exposure (Vitamin D boost) = Regulates hormones & improves immune function.

7. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors
Plastics (BPA), synthetic fragrances, pesticides mess with hormones.
Use glass/stainless steel, natural beauty products, and organic foods when possible.

Final Takeaway:
PCOS needs insulin control → Low-carb diet, strength training, cinnamon, berberine.
Endometriosis needs estrogen detox → Cruciferous veggies, DIM, turmeric, omega-3.
Both need inflammation reduction → Curcumin, fasting, magnesium, cold therapy.
You don’t need expensive treatments to start healing—food, movement, and simple biohacks are enough to see serious results.