August 2025

Blood Sugar, Hormones and Endometriosis: What You Need to Know

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 7 women, yet it remains underdiagnosed and deeply misunderstood. If you’re living with endometriosis, you know it’s far more than “just bad periods.” It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that can impact your hormones, fertility, energy, digestion, and quality of life in ways that are often invisible to others.

What many people don’t realise is that blood sugar and hormonal balance play a meaningful role in how endometriosis behaves in the body. By gently supporting your metabolism and maintaining stable blood sugar levels, you may be able to ease some symptoms and regain a greater sense of control over your well-being.

Let’s explore the connection between blood sugar, hormones, and endometriosis, and some practical ways to support your body with care and compassion.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes scar tissue. This tissue responds to hormones — especially estrogen — which is why symptoms usually flare at particular points in your cycle.

While each experience is different, many people with endometriosis may face: 

  • Intense pelvic pain or cramping
  • Heavy or irregular bleeding 
  • Pain during intimacy 
  • Digestive challenges like bloating or constipation 
  • Fatigue that feels hard to shake 
  • Mental Health Difficulties 
  • Difficulties with fertility 

It’s important to know that endometriosis isn’t just about estrogen. It’s also increasingly recognised as an inflammatory and metabolic condition, which means looking at the bigger picture, including blood sugar and insulin regulation, can be an essential part of the puzzle. 

The Link Between Blood Sugar and Hormones

When we eat, our blood sugar rises, and our body releases insulin to bring it back down. But when those levels spike and crash repeatedly — which can happen with irregular meals or high-sugar foods — it can lead to insulin resistance. In this state, cells stop responding appropriately to insulin. This can also be at work when someone is chronically stressed, suffers anxiety, or has a "deer in the headlights" type of personality.

Glucose is released to "fight the bear" or Run, and leads to abdominal adiposity, and insulin resistance.

Why Does This Matter for Endometriosis?

1. Estrogen Dominance
Higher insulin levels can interfere with hormone metabolism, contributing to excess estrogen activity, which can intensify endometriosis symptoms. For a condition that already thrives in an estrogen-dominant environment, this can be particularly challenging.

2. Chronic inflammation
Frequent blood sugar spikes can trigger more inflammation in the body. When you’re already dealing with an inflammatory condition, this can make symptoms feel harder to manage.

3. Weight and hormone imbalance
Carrying excess weight can increase estrogen and inflammatory markers in the body, potentially worsening endo-related discomfort. It can also create a cycle that’s hard to break, but understanding how blood sugar plays into that cycle gives us more options to interrupt it gently. 

4. Mast Cell Activation 
Emerging research suggests that mast cell activation may play a role in endometriosis-related pain and inflammation. If you experience symptoms like flushing, itching, bloating, or sensitivity to smells and stress, it might be worth exploring. 

For some, simple strategies like a low-histamine diet or support nutrients like quercetin or vitamin C (under professional guidance) may help reduce flares and discomfort. 

How to Support Blood Sugar and Hormone Balance with Endometriosis

The good news? There are small, manageable steps you can take to support your body, without perfection, restriction, or pressure. Everyone’s journey is different, but here are a few gentle principles that can help: 

Eat regular, balanced meals. 
Skipping meals or waiting too long between them can lead to crashes that make symptoms worse. Aim for nourishing meals that include protein, healthy fats, and fibre-rich carbs to keep you feeling satisfied and steady. 

Example: grilled chicken with roasted veggies and quinoa, or eggs with avocado on wholegrain toast. 

Focus on fibre
Fibre helps regulate estrogen by supporting elimination through the digestive system. It also slows sugar absorption and keeps you fuller for longer. 

Move your body
Even light movement — like walking, stretching, or low-impact strength work — can improve insulin sensitivity and help reduce inflammation. Go with what feels good in your body, not what feels forced. 

Don’t skimp on Protein. 
Protein is your best friend for balancing blood sugar. Include a source of lean protein at every meal and snack. Aim for 20g at meal times and 10g for snacks.

Manage stress 
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can throw hormones and blood sugar further out of balance. It can also worsen endometriosis symptoms. Small daily rituals like deep breathing, journaling, or quiet time can make a real difference. 

Consider supplements (if recommended)
Some women may benefit from supplements like magnesium, omega-3s, or targeted vitamins such as Curcumin, Quercetin, Vitamin C, and Zinc to help reduce inflammation and support hormonal health. Always check with your healthcare provider to find what’s right for you. 

Why This Matters

Endometriosis is complex, and there’s no single fix. But there are small steps you can take each day to feel more balanced, supported, and empowered in your own body. 

Blood sugar is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a powerful one. By supporting your metabolism, nourishing your body, and tuning into your own needs with kindness, you can start to soften some of the daily challenges that endometriosis brings. 

Above all, please remember: you are not alone. 

If you’d like support in nourishing your body, easing symptoms, and feeling more energised, we’re here to help.