Can Endometriosis Cause Acid Reflux? The Answer Might Surprise You
When people talk about endometriosis, they often focus on pelvic pain, infertility, and heavy periods. But what about the digestive distress, acid reflux, and gut imbalances that many people with endo also struggle with? If you’ve ever found yourself clutching your stomach in pain from an endometriosis flare, only to have it worsen with heartburn, bloating, and nausea, you’re not alone. While the medical world rarely connects these two conditions, the reality is endometriosis and acid reflux (GERD) are often intertwined. Let’s dive into the lesser-known ways they’re connected—and how to finally get relief.
The Link Between Endometriosis and Acid Reflux (GERD)
Doctors often treat endometriosis and GERD as separate issues, but several underlying factors connect them:
1. Chronic Inflammation and Gut Health Disruptions
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, and inflammation doesn’t just stay in one part of the body—it wreaks havoc on digestion and gut health. Many people with endometriosis also struggle with:
-
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
-
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-
Leaky gut syndrome
-
Chronic bloating and indigestion
Because the gut and reproductive system are closely linked, the inflammation from endo can cause poor digestion, acid imbalances, and increased stomach acid sensitivity—leading to reflux.
2. Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance & Progesterone Fluctuations)
Endometriosis is driven by estrogen dominance, which can directly impact digestion:
-
Estrogen relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscle that prevents stomach acid from rising into your esophagus. When this muscle is weak, heartburn and acid reflux become more frequent.
-
Progesterone slows down digestion, leading to bloating, gas, and pressure on the stomach, which can push acid upward.
3. Chronic Pain and Nervous System Dysregulation
Living with endometriosis means living with chronic pain. Over time, this pain can over-activate the autonomic nervous system, increasing stress hormones like cortisol. High cortisol levels:
-
Trigger stomach acid overproduction
-
Slow down digestion and increase bloating
-
Worsen overall gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux
4. Endometriosis Lesions on the Diaphragm or GI Tract
For some people, endometriosis spreads beyond the pelvic area. When lesions are present on:
-
The diaphragm, they can restrict breathing and increase pressure on the stomach, making reflux worse.
-
The intestines or stomach lining, they can slow down digestion and disrupt gut function, increasing acid reflux symptoms.
5. Medications & Diet Choices That Make It Worse
-
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) are commonly used for endometriosis pain but can irritate the stomach lining and worsen acid reflux.
-
Diets high in inflammatory foods (processed sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods) can trigger both endo flares and reflux episodes.
What Can You Do? Relief for Acid Reflux During an Endo Flare
The key to managing both endometriosis and GERD is reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and protecting gut health. Here’s what helps:
🌿 1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet (Gut & Endo Friendly Foods)
✅ Best Foods for Endo + Acid Reflux:
-
Warm herbal teas (ginger, chamomile, marshmallow root, slippery elm)
-
Mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and zucchini
-
Cooked leafy greens (spinach, kale)
-
Bone broth and lean proteins (wild-caught salmon, organic chicken)
-
Probiotic-rich foods (sauerkraut, dairy-free yogurt, fermented foods)
-
Alkaline foods (coconut water, aloe vera juice, bananas)
🚫 Foods to Avoid:
-
Citrus, tomatoes, fried foods, processed sugar, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and gluten
🧘🏽♀️ 2. Stress & Pain Management
-
Diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the digestive tract.
-
Heat therapy (KUSHIE Menstrual Pain Relief Belt) soothes cramps without irritating the stomach.
-
Acupuncture & gentle yoga help regulate digestion and pain.
💊 3. Adjust Medications & Supplements
-
If NSAIDs trigger reflux, switch to:
-
Turmeric supplements (anti-inflammatory without gut irritation)
-
Magnesium glycinate (helps with cramping + acid reflux relief)
-
Natural remedies for acid reflux:
-
Slippery elm or marshmallow root (coats the stomach lining)
-
Raw honey (soothes the esophagus)
-
Aloe vera juice (neutralizes acid)
📖 4. Track Symptoms & Triggers
Keeping a daily symptom tracker can help you pinpoint what makes your endo and acid reflux worse. If you’re looking for a structured way to do this, KUSHIE has created a custom Symptom Tracker designed for people managing endometriosis and digestive health issues. Get yours here! 💛
When to See a Doctor
If your acid reflux is constant, worsening, or impacting your daily life, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist AND an endometriosis specialist. Sometimes, persistent GERD can lead to more serious issues like esophageal damage, so it’s important to seek help if symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Relief
Endometriosis is already painful and exhausting, and adding acid reflux to the mix makes it even worse. While doctors may not always connect these two conditions, understanding the link can empower you to make changes that truly help. Whether it’s switching up your diet, trying a natural reflux remedy, or tracking your symptoms to find your triggers, small changes can make a big difference.
✨ Have you experienced acid reflux with endometriosis? Share your story in the comments or tag @shekushie to join the conversation! 💛
Sources:
American College of Gastroenterology
Endometriosis Foundation of America
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(For educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice.)