Irritable bowel syndrome and endometriosis: diagnosis, similarities, and nutritional management

Cordula Henggeler
British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) · 2023 · vol. 32(21) , pp. S14–S20 · doi:10.12968/bjon.2023.32.21.s14 · PMID:38006584 · W4388996868
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-09 ⓘ

This paper reviews diagnostic challenges, overlapping symptoms, and nutritional management strategies, including the low FODMAP diet for IBS and a Mediterranean diet for endometriosis, for patients with these conditions.

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Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and endometriosis pose significant challenges to affected individuals. IBS, which is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, affects 5-10% of the population, while endometriosis affects 1 in 10 of those assigned female at birth. Despite distinct origins, symptom often overlap, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Diagnosing IBS and endometriosis requires a comprehensive approach. Nutritional management for IBS emphasises self-help strategies, nutritional changes and gut-brain axis modulation. The low FODMAP diet, which reduces the intake of foods containing specific types of carbohydrate, can be effective but requires the support of trained health professionals. For the management of endometriosis, a Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants shows promise. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common with endometriosis and an individualised approach is recommended. Furthermore, vitamin D status assessment is advised. Collaboration between health professionals and dietitians is vital for tailored interventions, to enhance the wellbeing of individuals with IBS or endometriosis. A holistic approach holds promise in symptom management for both conditions.

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosisirritable_bowel_syndrome

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Gastrointestinal Microbiome Gastrointestinal Microbiome Gastrointestinal Microbiome Gastrointestinal Microbiome Gastrointestinal Microbiome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (17)

Source provenance

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