Millions of women worldwide experience pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility due to endometriosis, a poorly understood gynecological disease. Despite the condition’s prevalence, current treatments for endometriosis provide limited relief and often require invasive diagnostic procedures. A recent study found that bacteria in the gut may be instrumental in diagnosing and treating endometriosis.

Researchers analyzed stool samples from women with and without endometriosis to investigate links between gut bacteria and the disease. Then, they tested the potential therapeutic effects of key metabolites produced by gut bacteria using animal models.

They identified a distinct pattern of bacteria-derived metabolites in the stool of women with endometriosis that closely resembled those found in inflammatory bowel disease. One metabolite, 4-hydroxyindole, was considerably lower in women with the condition. Notably, this compound prevented the development of endometriotic lesions and reduced pain in the animal models.

These findings suggest that gut bacteria play a critical role in the progression of endometriosis and that 4-hydroxyindole could be a promising non-invasive diagnostic marker and therapy for the disease. Learn how gut bacteria influence many other aspects of human health in this episode featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.