Last week I explained what the microbiome is: the balance of good and bad bacteria. If you missed the post, you can read it here.

This week, I’d like to share with you what we know about the microbiome for women with endometriosis. Because their microbiome differs from other women and this has a direct impact on the progression of endometriosis.

Women with endometriosis have been found to have more E. coli/Shigella in their gut microbiome, their vaginal microbiome and even in the endometrial tissue.

Bacteria like E.coli/Shigella produce endotoxins that trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation.

Increased inflammation is the perfect environment for endometrial tissue to attach itself to organs in your pelvic cavity.

Women with endometriosis have been found to have less lactobacillus strains in their gut microbiome, their vaginal microbiome and even in the endometrial tissue.

Bacteria like lactobacillus produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH and makes it difficult for many bacteria (the ones we don’t want) to survive.

So low levels of lactobacillus increase the pH (in your gut, in your vagina and within the endometrial tissue), creating a wonderful environment for bad bacteria to thrive.

Next week we will explore how the typical microbiome of women with endometriosis impacts the progression of your disease.