Matcha and Endometriosis: Can Green Tea Help With Symptoms?

Endometriosis is a painful, chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, treatment options are often limited, invasive and frustrating. If you’re dealing with pelvic pain, fatigue, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances, you’re probably looking for natural ways to support your body too.

Meet matcha green tea. While it’s not a cure, matcha is packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and hormone balancing properties that may help manage some of the symptoms of endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding organs. Endometrium behaves just like the uterine lining, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during each menstrual cycle. But, unlike the way uterine lining is shed during the menstrual cycle, endometrium has nowhere to go and with nowhere to go, it can cause:

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Painful periods

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Digestive issues like bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea

• Fatigue and low energy

• Fertility challenges

One of the biggest underlying issues for people with endometriosis is chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance, which is where matcha comes in.

How matcha may help with endometriosis symptoms

1. Reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a key driver of endometriosis pain and symptoms. The immune system reacts to misplaced endometrial-like tissue by triggering an inflammatory response, which can lead to pain, swelling, and adhesions.

• Matcha contains high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Research suggests that EGCG may help slow the growth of abnormal tissue like endometrium.

• The polyphenols in matcha also help reduce oxidative stress & free radicals. Both of which are often elevated in people with chronic inflammatory conditions.

2. Supports hormone balance

Estrogen dominance aka having too much estrogen relative to progesterone, is common in people with endometriosis and if not balanced, can worsen symptoms.

• Matcha may help regulate estrogen levels by supporting liver detoxification. The liver is responsible for metabolizing excess estrogen.

• Studies show that green tea catechins have also been shown to influence hormone regulation and estrogen metabolism.

While matcha doesn’t directly lower estrogen, it supports the body’s ability to maintain balance, which is key for managing your endometriosis symptoms.

3. Boosts energy and reduces fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of endometriosis. When you combine chronic pain, poor sleep, and inflammation, it can be hard to feel energized throughout the day.

• Matcha provides a steady energy boost with its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine. Unlike coffee, matcha’s slow release caffeine prevents jitters and crashes.

• L-theanine promotes calm focus and reduces stress, which may be especially helpful for those dealing with pain related fatigue.

4. Supports gut health

Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea are incredibly common with endometriosis, like most other endo symptoms, these often occur due to inflammation or estrogen imbalance affecting gut function.

• Matcha contains prebiotics that help nourish good gut bacteria, supporting digestion and reducing bloating.

• The antioxidants in matcha have been shown to reduce gut inflammation, which may help ease discomfort.

Since gut health is closely linked to hormonal balance and immune function, drinking matcha offers a gentle way to support overall well being.

5. Helps with stress and mental well being

Living with a chronic condition like endometriosis is mentally exhausting. Medical conditions with no quick fix or easy cure often lead to increased stress, anxiety, and possibly feelings of depression.

• The L-theanine in matcha promotes relaxation, it helps to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and may help you unwind at the end of a long day.

• Matcha’s antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which has been linked to anxiety and mood imbalances.

A daily matcha ritual is a simple, grounding practice that helps to reduce stress and support your emotional well being.

Adding matcha to your daily routine is easy, delicious and can have a lot of variety.

• Matcha latte – blend matcha, hot water, your favorite milk and optional sweetener for a creamy, delicious start to your day.

• Matcha smoothies – Add matcha to a hormone balancing smoothie with flax seeds, berries, and almond butter.

• Iced matcha lemonade – Refreshing, hydrating and energizing. Add ginger for a flavor kick and extra gut support.

• Baking & cooking with matcha – try cookies, energy bites, pasta, butter, mousse… the possibilities are endless!

You may also like:

• 5 Ways Matcha Green Tea May Help Women With PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

• The benefits of drinking matcha for women’s health

• Balancing Hormones Naturally: Matcha as a Source of Phytoestrogens

• At What Age Should Children Drink Matcha Green Tea? Here’s What the Experts Say | Matcha & Kid’s Health Benefits

• Matcha For Hair Loss: No Supplements Needed

• Does Matcha Green Tea Affect Thyroid Function?

The bottom line

Matcha green tea isn’t a cure for endometriosis, but it offers a natural way to support inflammation reduction, hormone balance, and energy levels. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance, adding a cup or two of matcha a day may make a difference. As always, talk to your doctor before making any major dietary changes, especially if you’re undergoing treatment for endometriosis.

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes

Resources:

Wang, C. C., Xu, H., Man, G. C., Zhang, T., Chu, K. O., Chu, C. Y., Cheng, J. T., Li, G., He, Y. X., Qin, L., Lau, T. S., Kwong, J., & Chan, T. H. (2013). Prodrug of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (Pro-EGCG) as a potent anti-angiogenesis agent for endometriosis in mice. Angiogenesis, 16(1), 59–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10456-012-9299-4

Kamal, D. A. M., Salamt, N., Zaid, S. S. M., & Mokhtar, M. H. (2021). Beneficial Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Female Reproductive Disorders: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(9), 2675. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092675

Khan, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2018). Tea Polyphenols in Promotion of Human Health. Nutrients, 11(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010039