There is so much research emerging about endometriosis, but one of the most interesting new areas is the link between stress, trauma, emotions and endometriosis. I have seen this with clients time and time again, that our emotional, spiritual health and previous experiences all accumulate and can impact the development of disease. This is especially true for endometriosis and now the research is showing the serious impact trauma can have on the risk of developing endometriosis.
There is so much we do not understand about endometriosis (despite the emerging research), but one of the most interesting connections that has been researched recently is the connection between childhood trauma and the increased risk of developing endometriosis. Essentially the emerging research suggests there are strong possible correlations between adverse childhood experiences (trauma) and endometriosis risk.
Learn more here about what endometriosis is.
Let’s start with what the research is saying…
A 2025 observational study (case-controlled) concluded that individuals with endometriosis were more likely to report previous emotional, physical and sexual trauma, concluding that these traumatic experiences and genetic predisposition were independently associated with endometriosis. Suggesting that the assessment of trauma (and genetic data) may be a useful tool in identifying those at greater risk of developing endometriosis. Other research such as this 2018 study also supports these findings, suggesting that women reporting severe to chronic abuse had a 79% higher risk of developing endometriosis.
So let’s look deeper into how trauma and endometriosis may be linked…
There is a connection between trauma and inflammatory responses and immune dysregulation
One of the proposed and possible reasons for this increased risk of endometriosis after trauma is the link between trauma and the immune and inflammatory responses in the body. Endometriosis is characterised as an inflammatory and immune disease therefore any triggered changes to the immune system directly can link to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Those who have experienced trauma and suffer from PTSD are more likely to have dysfunction of the immune system and increased inflammatory markers such as CRP. These markers are also seen to be raised in those with endometriosis.
Dysregulation of the HPA axis, stress response and endometriosis
There is a huge link between the dysregulation of the nervous system and endometriosis. Research shows that those with endometriosis are more likely to have lowered vagal tone and dysregulated communication between the brain and adrenal glands (HPA axis) which are suggested to be associated with the proliferation of endometriosis. There is a possible link here with trauma, as trauma essentially results in a chronic stress response in the body and dysregulation of the communication pathway from the brain to the adrenal glands (HPA axis). This dysregulation is also commonly seen in those with endometriosis, and is associated with increased inflammation, chronic pain and depression too. PTSD after trauma is also associated with this dysregulation of the HPA axis and changes in cortisol levels which are also found in those with endometriosis.
Interestingly 100% of our FUTURE WOMAN endometriosis clients have had a dysregulated cortisol awakening response, suggesting HPA axis dysregulation.
The cycle of trauma and endometriosis
The complex issue with endometriosis is that it in and of itself can cause trauma for the person experiencing it. It can be a cycle of physical and psychological pain which can create trauma responses such as increased cortisol, dysregulated cortisol patterns and HPA axis dysregulation. There is a continuing relationship between the pain and physical symptoms and the psychological impact that then has on the nervous system. And in turn this can proliferate endometriosis, causing a cycle of trauma and endometriosis progression.
What’s the way forward?
It is first important to note that not everyone with trauma will develop endometriosis and not everyone with endometriosis has a history of trauma too!
But what is important is that there are trauma-informed approaches to general endometriosis care as we cannot overlook the statistics and emerging research. Essentially this looks like a mind-body approach to endometriosis treatment. This is why our FUTURE WOMAN practitioners always use the Advanced Hormone test for endometriosis clients in order to see an insight into their stress hormone levels and patterns and HPA axis functioning, as well as inflammatory markers like oxidative stress too.
Endometriosis is a condition that needs a fully holistic and whole person approach and needs some 1:1 support from a practitioner too in order to ensure that we are approaching it from all aspects including underlying triggering infections.
Find out more about how we address endometriosis at FUTURE WOMAN.
