The Truth About Cortisol and Endometriosis: A Hormonal Perspective

By Sam Beau Patrick, Authority in Natural Hormone Options

Endometriosis, a condition once affecting one in 10 women, now impacts two in 10 fertile women. That’s a staggering statistic—a doubling of cases in just two decades. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the future of our species. Fertile women are the cornerstone of procreation and with endometriosis that challenge is just that little bit harder. Without them, humanity quite literally ceases to exist. It’s a biological reality we can’t ignore.

But why are more women struggling with endometriosis now compared to 20 or 50 years ago? Hormones hold the answers, and two major players stand out: high estrogen and high cortisol.

The Fertility Factor: Hormonal Imbalances at the Core

In my career, I’ve identified three key factors consistently linked to endometriosis:

1. High Estrogen: Aside from endo also Often linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
2. High Cortisol Levels: The result of chronic stress.
3. Dietary or Inflammatory Triggers: Foods like dairy, sugar, soy, or other allergens that disrupt hormonal balance.

In Australia alone, PCOS contributes to 75% of infertility cases and endometriosis 50%. But infertility isn’t just a female issue—it’s shared equally. For every woman struggling, there’s often a male partner with low testosterone, poor sperm count, or nutrient deficiencies like low zinc.

The hormonal picture is complex, but endometriosis paints an especially painful and difficult one. The endometrial tissue (the delicate tissue that lines the uterus) migrates out of the uterus into the pelvic cavity.

The tissue responds to normal monthly fluctuating hormone levels which leads to engorged endometrial patches throughout the pelvic cavity. These ultimately, respond as the normal endometrial tissue, and bleeds. This leads to excruciating spasms and pain.

How Stress Fuels the Endometriosis Epidemic

Let’s talk cortisol. Women today are more stressed than ever. It’s not just the mental load—it’s the societal pressure to "have it all."

Back in the 1980s, women entering the workforce were celebrated for taking on admin roles or assistant positions. But as we moved into the 90s and 2000s, the benchmark shifted: women were expected to pursue degrees, build high-powered careers, and balance everything else—family, friendships, fitness, and fun.

Ask many women in their 30s today what they wanted to be as kids, and the answer is often, “I wanted to be a princess, married with three kids.” But now? They’re juggling careers as psychologists, CEOs, or specialists while also striving for motherhood, body goals, and happy relationships.

Is it any surprise that their cortisol levels are through the roof? Chronic stress doesn’t just wreak havoc on mental health; it throws hormones like estrogen out of balance, leading to high estrogen (or estrogen dominance), a key driver of endometriosis.

The Painful Reality of Endometriosis

Endometriosis isn’t just a “bad period.” It’s a chronic condition where endometrial tissue—the delicate lining of the uterus—grows outside of it, spreading to places like the bladder, ovaries, or pelvic cavity.

When hormones like estrogen rise, this tissue swells, engorges, and causes intense pain. Over time, it creates sticky, inflammatory patches that can attach to organs and make every menstrual cycle agonizing.

And let’s not forget: if you’ve never had a period, it’s impossible to fully understand this pain. It’s not just physical—it’s emotional and mental.

But here’s the kicker: while surgery or medication may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause. The real solution starts with lifestyle changes and addressing the hormonal imbalances that triggered the condition in the first place.

The Hormonal Domino Effect

When estrogen is out of balance, everything feels off. Women with high estrogen often experience:

• Overthinking: Obsessing, over-texting, and low self-esteem.
• Physical Symptoms: Weight gain, cellulite, and IBS.
• Reproductive Issues: Lumpy or cystic breasts, heavy periods, and painful endometriosis flare-ups.

What’s worse, external factors amplify these issues. Poor gut health, exposure to xenoestrogens (from hygiene products, plastics, or even carpets), and inflammatory foods like dairy can push estrogen dominance into overdrive.

The Dairy and Hormone Debate

Let’s address the elephant in the room: dairy. No other animal consumes another species’ milk. It simply doesn’t make sense. Our bodies aren’t designed to break down cow’s milk, and doing so can mimic estrogen, further disrupting hormonal balance. Switching to plant-based milks can have a profound impact on reducing inflammation and supporting hormonal health.

A Path Back to Balance

So, what can we do? Endometriosis is not a life sentence. With the right approach, women can manage their symptoms naturally and regain control. Here’s how:

1. Saliva Testing: Blood tests often miss key hormonal imbalances. Saliva testing gives a more accurate picture. Click here to find out more.
2. Stress Reduction: Cortisol control is crucial. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are powerful tools.
3. Dietary Shifts: Eliminate dairy and inflammatory foods. Incorporate plant-based, hormone-balancing meals.
4. Environmental Detox: Ditch products with xenoestrogens—think natural skincare, cleaning products, and BPA-free plastics.
5. Gut Health Support: A healthy gut helps eliminate excess estrogen. Regular bowel movements are key.

The Bigger Picture

Today’s girls are being pushed into career paths and life choices earlier than ever—often based on societal expectations, not personal desires. The result? They’re mimicking lifestyles they think they should have, not the ones that truly make them happy.

Endometriosis is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that we need to slow down, assess our choices, and guide women back to natural solutions that empower their bodies.

Through my programs, resources, and hormonal expertise, I help women navigate these challenges. From hormone-balancing meal plans to actionable strategies, I’m here to support you in reclaiming your health and happiness.

Let’s start with a simple truth: balance is possible. Together, we can get there.

If you would like to measure your cortisol, estrogen and other hormones click here.

Let me know your thoughts below x

Sam Beau Patrick is a hormone authority, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for women’s health. Explore her programs and resources here.

Sam Beau Patrick

The Authority on Natural Health & Hormones