Jane Varney, MD, discusses how a low FODMAP diet mediates gut symptoms caused by endometriosis

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Jane Varney, MD, senior research dietitian at Monash University, discussed the relationship between endometriosis and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and how a low FODMAP diet can alleviate these symptoms, ultimately improving quality of life for affected women.

Varney began by explaining that GI symptoms are extremely common in women with endometriosis, with approximately 75% of patients reporting issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habits, and painful defecation. These symptoms can lead to significant daily discomfort and are often mistaken for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), resulting in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. The chronic nature of these symptoms also amplifies pain and negatively impacts overall quality of life.

To address this, Varney and her team explored the potential of the low FODMAP diet—a dietary approach already well-established as effective for managing IBS symptoms. Despite its proven efficacy in IBS, very little evidence existed for its use in women with endometriosis who also suffer from poorly controlled gut symptoms.

This gap prompted a randomized controlled trial involving 35 women with endometriosis and ongoing GI complaints. Participants were randomly assigned to either a low FODMAP diet or a nutritionally equivalent control diet that was not low in FODMAPs. After 28 days, participants crossed over to the other dietary intervention.

According to Varney, the study results were promising. After just 2 weeks on the low FODMAP diet, women experienced clinically and statistically significant reductions in GI symptoms. These improvements included reduced abdominal pain, less bloating, improved stool consistency, and enhanced quality of life. By the end of the 4-week intervention, 60% of participants had shown a positive response to the low FODMAP diet.

Varney emphasized that this is one of the first studies to provide concrete evidence for a dietary approach that alleviates gut symptoms in women with endometriosis. She advised that the low FODMAP diet be undertaken in a structured, 3-step process under the guidance of a dietitian, to ensure nutritional adequacy and correct identification of symptom-triggering foods.

Importantly, other causes of GI symptoms—such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease—should be ruled out before beginning this dietary intervention. Overall, the findings represent a significant advancement in non-pharmacological treatment options for endometriosis-related GI distress.

No relevant disclosures.

Reference

Low FODMAP diet can ease GI symptoms of those with endometriosis: Study. Monash Univeristy. June 23, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025.