Studies
Current Endometriosis Research
Understanding endometriosis requires access to reliable, up-to-date research. This section is for those who want to explore the evidence behind current knowledge — including ongoing and completed studies, opportunities to participate in research, and a structured view of how the scientific landscape is developing.
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Clinical studies seeking participants
EndoSolve
OnaWave Medical is developing a novel, non-invasive and painless method for faster diagnosis of endometriosis through analysis of subtle bioelectric rhythms in the pelvis. Built on research from University of Galway and supported by the European Innovation Council.
Endogreet
A potential non-hormonal treatment approach using Tigovit, a green tea extract, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study at MedUni Vienna. Green tea extract has shown promise in reducing both pain and inflammation around endometriosis lesions.
99 publications
Variation in endometriosis aetiology, potential impact on lesion heterogeneity and the consequences for research and treatment
PII: S2949838426000022Review proposing that endometriosis lesions develop through multiple routes: retrograde menstruation, embryonic stem cell remnants, stem cell recruitment, and genetic/epigenetic modifications. Different genetic risk combinations may predispose individuals to different routes of lesion development, contributing to disease heterogeneity. Advocates for molecular profiling and patient-derived organoid models to advance research.
Jun 1, 2026
Gut Microbiota Alterations and Reproductive Tract Dysbiosis in Endometriosis: A Systematic Review
DOI: 10.3390/medicina62020351Systematic review examining the dual role of gut microbiota in endometriosis: on one hand reflecting underlying disease processes, as well as potentially influencing disease progression in parallel. Microbial alterations are associated with changes in estrogen metabolism, immune modulation, and metabolic pathways that may favor chronic inflammation and sustained lesion activity. While microbial signatures have been identified, causality remains unclear. Authors call for mechanistic studies to assess whether targeting gut microbiota could serve as an adjunctive diagnostic or therapeutic approach.
Feb 10, 2026
Gut microbiota as a key regulator in endometriosis: mechanisms, therapeutic opportunities, and future perspectives
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1730739Review synthesizing evidence that gut microbiota dysbiosis drives endometriosis through three pathways: immunoinflammatory dysregulation via increased LPS levels, enhanced estrogen metabolism, and aberrant lipid metabolism. Animal studies confirm causality - antibiotic-treated mice showed reduced lesions while fecal transplants from healthy mice prevented disease. Highlights dietary modification, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as therapeutic opportunities.
Jan 30, 2026
Cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults
PMID: 41548880Cochrane systematic review analyzing 21 randomized controlled trials (2,187 adults) on cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain. Notably, only 4 of 21 studies met the EMA's recommended minimum of 12 weeks for chronic pain conditions. Across THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, and combined formulations (sprays, oral, inhaled, topical), no reliable evidence was found that cannabis reduces neuropathic pain more effectively than placebo. For THC/CBD combinations, 268 vs 197 per 1,000 patients reported "much improved" - a small difference with low certainty. Neurological side effects (dizziness, somnolence, cognitive impairment) and psychiatric events were more frequent with active treatment. Evidence quality rated very low per GRADE criteria; authors call for larger, longer trials with broader inclusion criteria.
Jan 19, 2026
Parthenolide attenuated the endometriosis-like lesions by activating autophagy and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activity
PMCID: PMC12867106Preclinical study examining parthenolide (PTL), a natural compound from feverfew. In cell models, PTL inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, GSDMD) while enhancing autophagy. In mice, PTL significantly reduced the number, surface area, and weight of ectopic lesions. The dual mechanism — activating autophagy via AMPK/ULK1 pathway while inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream effectors — suggests potential as a non-hormonal therapy with fewer side effects than conventional hormone-based treatments.
Jan 1, 2026
Endometriosis: From Genes to Global Burden
PMID: 41516028Bioinformatics study combining gene expression data from the Turku Endometriosis Database with Global Burden of Disease 2021 data. Identified upregulated genes (FOS, DES) and pain-related genes (NGF, BSN). Women with endometriosis showed the highest rates of total years lived with disability (19.98%), with anxiety contributing 17.21% and major depression 8.12%. The identified genetic markers related to pain provide a biological basis for the profound physical suffering, while the DALYs and YLDs data quantify the devastating impact on mental health - underscoring the importance of adopting a holistic, psychosomatic approach to managing endometriosis.
Dec 23, 2025
Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Outcomes Among 1182 Patients Over 25 Years
PMID: 41419079Systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies examining surgical outcomes in 1,182 thoracic endometriosis patients over 25 years. Pneumothorax recurrence occurred in 28.2% of cases, with 14% requiring reoperation. Complications appeared in approximately 31% of patients, including prolonged air leaks in 24%. The authors highlight a clinically meaningful burden of postsurgical recurrence and call for standardized treatment protocols.
Dec 17, 2025
Long-term risk of psychiatric disorders in women with endometriosis: A retrospective cohort study
PMID: 41308609Women with endometriosis show significantly elevated risks for depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. Notably, postoperative hormonal therapy did not reduce psychiatric risk, highlighting the need for integrated gynecologic and psychological care.
Nov 21, 2025
Dichloroacetate for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain (EPiC1): a single-arm feasibility study
First in-vivo study of dichloroacetate (DCA) for endometriosis-associated pain. DCA targets altered metabolic pathways in peritoneal mesothelial cells that favor lesion formation and survival. Results support funding for a larger placebo-controlled randomized trial (EPiC2).
Nov 1, 2025
Endopaedia Knowledge Map
Visual representation of curated scientific papers across research categories
Bubble size reflects number of papers. Double border indicates recent additions.
Natural Compounds
31 papers
Mechanisms
20 papers(+1 new)
Pain & Sensitization
14 papers
Comorbidities
12 papers
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
10 papers
Epidemiology
9 papers
Microbiome
6 papers(+2 new)
Interventions
6 papers
Diagnostics & Biomarkers
5 papers
Genetics & Genomics
4 papers
Surgical Techniques
3 papers
Devices & Physical Care
2 papers
Open Knowledge Map
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