Hey Reader!

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I’m super excited for today’s topic – the overlap between endometriosis and gut isssues – because there’s much we can do to improve endometriosis symptoms by improving digestion and vice versa.

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Today we’re going to get into why endo puts you at higher risk for IBS and SIBO, why the conventional recommendations for these are just going to keep you stuck, plus what to do instead.

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Lots to cover, so let’s get into it!

Announcements:

• If you missed it, I created a free 10 min training on the first thing I teach all of my clients so they can live bloat-free without ever having to start another restrictive diet again. Check it out here!​
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• And if you’re ready to get started now, I am currently enrolling 1:1 clients for September. Learn more and apply here!​

Endometriosis is one of those conditions that’s far more common than most people realize – affecting about 1 in 4 women – yet it often takes up to 12 years to diagnose. This is because period discomfort (no matter how severe) gets brushed off as “normal,” there isn’t a reliable diagnostic tool, and symptoms are often misunderstood.

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In a nutshell, endometriosis is when the tissue cells that normally line the uterine wall grow outside of it – on places like the bladder, intestines, or even the rectum. This tissue then produces its own estrogen, which fuels inflammation and causes pain and heavy bleeding.

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And while people are typically born with endo, it doesn’t always “turn on” until something triggers it – like your first period, a virus, or even a major stressor (similar to an autoimmune condition, though it’s not currently classified as one).

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Since symptoms are tied to hormonal shifts, they usually flare cyclically around ovulation or your period. Here are some of the most common ones to look for:

• Constipation and slow motility
• Lower belly bloating (aka “endo belly”
• Chronic inflammation + pain in the back or hips
• Shooting pain down the legs during your period
• Severe cramping, nausea, or vomiting
• Heavy bleeding (sometimes tied to adenomyosis, which is when adhesions grow into the uterine wall)

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So how does this connect to the gut? Well…

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👉 93% of people with endo also have IBS.​
This is partly because one of the most common spots for endometrial adhesions is in the recto-vaginal space.

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👉 Endo also increases the risk for SIBO.​
It slows gut motility, ramps up inflammation, and keeps the nervous system stuck in “fight-or-flight”—all of which make digestion harder and open the door for bacterial overgrowth.

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This is why so many of my clients with endo feel little to no progress after trying elimination diets, random “gut healing” supplements from TikTok, or multiple rounds of antibiotics.

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Instead of putting them through yet another plan full of the same-old strategies, I support these clients by:

• Calming the nervous system first (because digestion only works when the body feels safe)
• Supporting gut-healing foundations and getting the bowels moving before addressing deeper root causes
• Using functional stool testing to see the full picture
• Introducing supplements or changes at a pace that feels doable and realistic

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This steady, intentional approach is what helps clients finally see lasting relief—without living in constant flare-and-crash cycles.

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Next week, I’m going to unpack what often shows up on a GI-MAP for clients with endo and which functional, root-cause interventions make the biggest impact.

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Talk soon! xoxo Grace @ Nutrition with Grace​ ​​​​​ ​ ​ P.P.S. Ready to stop DIYing your gut health plan and find relief from your bloat that ACTUALLY lasts?? ​ That's exactly what we do inside The Heal Your Gut Blueprint - a program that will guide you step-by-step to resolving your IBS and SIBO for good without restriction! ​ ​Click here to fill out a no-obligation application and let's see if we're a mutually good fit 🥰 ​ Not sure if The Heal Your Gut Blueprint program is right for you? Hit reply and tell me what's been hard lately - I’ll give you honest, no-pressure support to help you decide. 💜 ​ ​ ​ Remember: this email is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. ​ New here? Sign up to receive all our gut health resources in our newsletter!

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