Is it IBS or endometriosis affecting my gut?

Endometriosis can affect the bowel and nearby pelvic nerves, and the digestive symptoms it causes often follow a hormonal pattern—flaring around your period or ovulation and pairing with pelvic pain. Many patients also notice classic endometriosis clues alongside the GI changes, such as progressively painful periods, pain with sex, or pain with bowel movements (especially during menstruation).

IBS symptoms are more likely to track with food triggers, stress, and day-to-day variability, but IBS and endometriosis can absolutely overlap—so “it feels like IBS” doesn’t rule endometriosis out. The most helpful next step is a focused history that maps timing, triggers, and associated pelvic symptoms, and then a targeted evaluation to rule out other GI conditions while also assessing for endometriosis. If you’re stuck in the IBS-vs-endometriosis gray zone, our team can help you sort out what’s driving your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate path forward.