PCOS vs Endometriosis: What You Need to Know

Do you have heavy periods, fatigue, or bloating? Both endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by abnormal tissue growth and have similar symptoms. These conditions bring about symptoms that affect menstruation and may cause pain, inflammation, and fertility problems. PCOS and endometriosis differ slightly in how they develop. Keep reading to learn more about PCOS vs endometriosis and how to manage the symptoms.  

What is Endometriosis?

During your cycle, your uterine lining, also called your endometrium, thickens in preparation for an egg to be fertilized. When that does not happen, your uterus sheds this lining it has been building, which you see as your period. 

In endometriosis, your body mistakenly grows uterine tissue in places it does not belong, often in the fallopian tubes or elsewhere in your pelvic region. Over time, this growth begins to irritate the surrounding tissue, causing the buildup of scar tissue and adhesions, which can bind organs and tissues together, limiting their movement. 

Endometriosis is caused by abnormal cellular activity. This means that your cells could be behaving abnormally in response to a scar, it could be transforming regular cells into endometrial cells, or endometrial cells may get stuck in other parts of your body, just trying to do their job and grow naturally.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

One of the biggest indicators that you’re experiencing endometriosis is frequent pelvic pain, or pain during sex, bowel movements, and urination. That’s because all of those adhesions and scarring don’t allow tissue to move the way it is supposed to. 

The rest of the symptoms overlap with those of PCOS, like:

• Painful or heavy periods 
• Digestive problems like nausea or diarrhea
• Fatigue 
• Infertility 
• Bloating 

It’s also possible to not experience any symptoms, or to write off the more general symptoms like fatigue or nausea as being caused by something else. 

What is PCOS?

In the case of PCOS, your follicles don’t release eggs from your ovaries as often as they should, and the immature eggs get trapped within a bubble of inflammation called a cyst. The exact cause of this is unknown, but can be partially attributed to hormone imbalance. Excess androgen hormones can occur naturally or be due to lifestyle factors. 

High levels of androgens are closely tied to chronic diseases like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and low-grade inflammation, which means the severity of your PCOS can often be lessened just by losing weight. There’s also a genetic basis for PCOS, so if you have a close relative who is diagnosed with PCOS, you’re more likely to develop it. 

Symptoms of PCOS

The easiest way to identify PCOS vs endometriosis is to evaluate your menstrual cycle. You may have periods that are separated by longer than a month, that occur too often, that last longer than a week, or you may frequently miss periods. 

Another hallmark of PCOS is hirsutism. This is when your body has too much androgenic hormone, causing severe acne, coarse abnormal hair growth on the face and neck, darkening in your body creases, hair loss, and weight gain. 

Other general symptoms include:

• Infertility 
• Painful periods or heavy flow 
• Skin tags 
• Weight gain 
• Fatigue

What You Can Do to Improve Your Symptoms

1. Eat Whole Foods 

Whole foods are your best bet when experiencing menstrual issues. Foods rich in healthy fats like fish or olive oil, leafy green veggies, whole grains, and fruit will help you keep your body healthy and minimize inflammation. 

Highly processed foods, meats, and dairy tend to worsen inflammation so try to avoid them whenever possible. 

2. Improve Your Insulin Resistance 

PCOS is closely tied to obesity and insulin resistance, often forming a self-perpetuating cycle: PCOS causes weight gain and then weight gain increases the severity of your PCOS. You can improve your insulin resistance by eating healthy, exercising, losing weight, and reducing stress. 

Another way to improve your insulin resistance is by taking inositol. Inositol improves your body’s ability to process both glucose and fatty acids. We recommend Liposomal Ovarian Inositol + by Codeage because it combines two types of inositol to support hormone balance, insulin sensitivity, and ovarian function. It also includes 5-MTHF folate, which supports reproductive and metabolic health.

3. Exercise and Stress Management

A sedentary and stressful lifestyle can wreak havoc on your body, causing the development of chronic diseases, hormone imbalance, and metabolic problems. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of active time per day and think about adopting a mindfulness practice like meditation, journaling, or yoga. 

4. Reduce Inflammation 

Since PCOS is largely driven by inflammation, consuming antioxidants is a great way to reduce one of the biggest causes of inflammation: oxidative damage. 

​PCO Px by Restorative Formulations contains antioxidants like chaste tree and saw palmetto to promote hormonal balance, menstrual regularity, and improved insulin sensitivity. It also provides key B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate (5-MTHF) as well as D3, which support mood, metabolism, and reproductive health. These nutrients, alongside other antioxidants and adaptogens, help regulate stress and inflammation for broader endocrine support.

5. Try Gland Extracts

Since this approach is relatively new, there isn’t a ton of research into how successful it is. The idea behind it is ​that extracts from bovine ovary, adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands may provide the nucleotides and peptides needed to effectively balance hormone function. 

We like Symplex® F by Standard Process because it is formulated to support women’s endocrine health by combining gland extracts with calcium, which plays a role in hormone secretion and signaling, and sodium, which supports adrenal function and fluid balance — both helpful in maintaining stable hormone levels and attenuating the stress response.

Conclusion

Living with PCOS or endometriosis can be overwhelming, especially when your symptoms affect everything from your period to your energy, mood, and fertility. The good news? You have more power than you think. 

By fueling your body with nourishing foods, moving in ways that feel good, managing stress, and adding the right supplements, you can start to feel more balanced and in control. Whether it’s tackling inflammation, supporting your hormones, or just finding small ways to feel better each day, there are effective options to improve your quality of life. 

Frequently Asked Questions

PCOS vs Endometriosis 

PCOS is largely caused by obesity and has a genetic factor, whereas Endometriosis is caused by abnormal cell growth. Both cause menstrual disturbances and can be improved with the right lifestyle changes, habits, and supplements. 

Is PCOS an autoimmune disease?

It is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease but evidence is emerging that your own immune system may play a role in the development and perpetuation of PCOS and related inflammation. 

How to improve PCOS symptoms 

Eat whole foods, exercise regularly, reduce your stress, and consider supplements containing Inositol and B vitamins to improve your symptoms.