Systematic Review of the Correlation Between Red Meat Consumption and Endometriosis

Endometriosis, a chronic estrogen-dependent disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, is associated with symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility (Yamamoto, 2018, p. 2). Although the pathophysiology of endometriosis remains unclear, emerging evidence suggests that dietary factors, particularly red meat consumption, may influence its development. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing literature on the correlation between red meat consumption and the risk of developing endometriosis. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of studies published between 2000 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. We included observational studies that assessed the relationship between red meat consumption and laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis in premenopausal women. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, which appraises the selection process, comparability, and outcome measurement. A total of five studies with 165,490 participants were included. Two studies (Helier et al., 2007; Trabert et al., 2011) found no statistically significant correlation between red meat consumption and endometriosis. Conversely, three studies (Yamamoto et al., 2018; Parazzini et al., 2004; Dougan et al., 2024) identified a positive association, with increased red meat consumption correlating with an elevated risk of endometriosis, especially processed meats. The studies that reported positive correlations noted that the association was particularly strong among women with infertility. Study quality was generally strong, highlighting the reliability of the findings despite some inconsistencies across studies. Our findings suggest a potential link between red meat consumption and endometriosis, though the relationship is not uniform across all studies. While further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, dietary modifications, particularly reducing red meat intake, may help mitigate endometriosis risk and alleviate symptoms in susceptible populations.