Anti-inflammatory diet as an element supporting the treatment of selected gynecological diseases - literature review

Sabina Kowalczyk-Guzikowska, Dorota Olanin, Zofia Winczewska, Anna Bartnicka, Karolina Karabin, Agnieszka Drosdzol–Cop
Ginekologia polska · 2026 · doi:10.5603/gpl.113813 · PMID:42862077 · W7221508148
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This literature review examines the potential of anti-inflammatory diets, particularly the Mediterranean diet, to alleviate symptoms and improve hormonal profiles in endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, and PMS/PMDD as adjunctive treatments.

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This literature review examines the role of low-grade chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of several gynecological conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, and endometriosis. The authors evaluate the potential benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet characterized by increased omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and polyphenols, noting that the Mediterranean diet is the most well-documented model for reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. While available data suggest these dietary interventions may improve hormonal profiles and alleviate pain or somatic discomfort across these diseases, the evidence quality remains variable and such diets should only serve as adjuncts to standard treatment rather than replacements. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for anti-inflammatory dietary support, though the paper's main focus encompasses multiple gynecological conditions alongside endometriosis.

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Abstract

Low-grade chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many gynecological diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and endometriosis. The aim of this paper was to present the assumptions of the anti-inflammatory diet and review the current state of knowledge about its potential importance in these diseases. An anti-inflammatory diet based on increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and polyphenols, while reducing the intake of pro-inflammatory foods, has the potential to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and alleviate clinical symptoms. The Mediterranean diet has the best documented dietary model with anti-inflammatory effects. Available scientific data indicate the beneficial effect of dietary interventions on the hormonal and metabolic profile of PCOS, pain severity in uterine fibroids and endometriosis and the exacerbation of somatic and affective discomfort in PMS/PMDD. However, the quality of scientific evidence remains variable, and an anti-inflammatory diet should be considered an adjunct to standard treatment, rather than an alternative to it. Further randomized clinical trials are required to conclusively define the role of individual components of the anti-inflammatory diet in this disease group.
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Abstract

Low-grade chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many gynecological diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and endometriosis. The aim of this paper was to present the assumptions of the anti-inflammatory diet and review the current state of knowledge about its potential importance in these diseases. An anti-inflammatory diet based on increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and polyphenols, while reducing the intake of pro-inflammatory foods, has the potential to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and alleviate clinical symptoms. The Mediterranean diet has the best documented dietary model with anti-inflammatory effects. Available scientific data indicate the beneficial effect of dietary interventions on the hormonal and metabolic profile of PCOS, pain severity in uterine fibroids and endometriosis and the exacerbation of somatic and affective discomfort in PMS/PMDD. However, the quality of scientific evidence remains variable, and an anti-inflammatory diet should be considered an adjunct to standard treatment, rather than an alternative to it. Further randomized clinical trials are required to conclusively define the role of individual components of the anti-inflammatory diet in this disease group.

Keywords

dietanti-inflammatory agentsinflammationpolycystic ovary syndrome

References

- Wilk-Sikora K, Drosdzol-Cop A. Endometriosis in adolescent: a review of current diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines and expert consensus. Ginekol Pol. 2026; 97(2): 146–153. - Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al. ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Group . ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Hum Reprod Open. 2022; 2022(2): hoac009. - Ansariniya H, Yavari A, Javaheri A, et al. Oxidative stress-related effects on various aspects of endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2022; 88(3): e13593. - Sienko A, Cichosz A, Urban A, et al. The effect of two anti-inflammatory dietary components, omega-3 and resveratrol, on endometriosis. Ginekol Pol. 2024; 95(7): 573–583. - Neri LCL, Quintiero F, Fiorini S, et al. Diet and Endometriosis: An Umbrella Review. Foods. 2025; 14(12). - Piecuch M, Garbicz J, Waliczek M, et al. I Am the 1 in 10-What Should I Eat? A Research Review of Nutrition in Endometriosis. Nutrients. 2022; 14(24). - Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Fathi S, et al. Efficacy of the omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: An umbrella meta-analysis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2022; 111: 109104. - Huang Li, Shi L, Li M, et al. Oxidative stress in endometriosis: Sources, mechanisms and therapeutic potential of antioxidants (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2025; 55(5). - Svensson A, Brunkwall L, Roth B, et al. Associations Between Endometriosis and Gut Microbiota. Reprod Sci. 2021; 28(8): 2367–2377. - Finicelli M, Di Salle A, Galderisi U, et al. The Mediterranean Diet: An Update of the Clinical Trials. Nutrients. 2022; 14(14). - Fu J, Zheng Y, Gao Y, et al. Dietary Fiber Intake and Gut Microbiota in Human Health. Microorganisms. 2022; 10(12). - Abreu Y Abreu AT, Milke-García MP, Argüello-Arévalo GA, et al. Dietary fiber and the microbiota: A narrative review by a group of experts from the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Rev Gastroenterol Mex (Engl Ed). 2021; 86(3): 287–304. - Ojo O, Ojo OO, Zand N, et al. The Effect of Dietary Fibre on Gut Microbiota, Lipid Profile, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021; 13(6). - Herkiloglu D, Gokce S. Correlation of monocyte/HDL ratio (MHR) with inflammatory parameters in obese patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Ginekol Pol. 2021; 92(8): 537–543. - Rudnicka E, Suchta K, Grymowicz M, et al. Chronic Low Grade Inflammation in Pathogenesis of PCOS. Int J Mol Sci. 2021; 22(7). - Gautam R, Maan P, Jyoti A, et al. The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025; 17(2). - Krzyżanowski J, Paszkowski T, Woźniak S. The Role of Nutrition in Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids. Nutrients. 2023; 15(23). - Martire FG, Costantini E, Ianes I, et al. Nutrition and Uterine Fibroids: Clinical Impact and Emerging Therapeutic Perspectives. J Clin Med. 2025; 14(20). - Martire FG, Costantini E, Ianes I, et al. Premenstrual Syndrome and Nutritional Factors: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Clinical Implications. J Clin Med. 2026; 15(3). - Oboza P, Ogarek N, Wójtowicz M, et al. Relationships between Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Diet Composition, Dietary Patterns and Eating Behaviors. Nutrients. 2024; 16(12). - Bartnicka A, Karabin K. Gut microbiota and diet in endometriosis: a missing link in therapy? Ginekol Pol. 2026; 97(5): 349–351.

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