Endometriosis Books

This collection of books covers an array of topics on endometriosis, including diet and nutrition, surgery, disease management, holistic treatment options, and much more. The titles have been arranged according to their main focus but often there is an overlap in subjects. Reviews have been provided for books I have personally read, but I've also included titles which I have not read that have received good reviews from doctors and patients. Of course, there are many excellent books for endometriosis that may not be listed. Though it is unfortunate that many of these titles do not use inclusive language, read as many as you can to expand your understanding of this complex condition. You can use your local library to access many of these titles for free.

Endometriosis 101

The Endo Patient’s Survival Guide: A Patient’s Guide to Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain by Andrew S. Cook, MD - This patient’s companion to living with and overcoming endometriosis covers topics like seeking help, getting an initial diagnosis, choosing treatment options, and achieving optimal relief and wellness.
Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis by Amy Stein DPT and Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch - This informational, multidisciplinary-approached book was written by leading endometriosis specialists. They provide their clinical expertise through a whole mind and body approach including diet, physical therapy, excision surgery, and mindfulness. I recommend this book. I found the bulk of information to align with other endometriosis specialists and current studies, which makes it a helpful comprehensive resource. However, I feel that it comes from a privileged perspective and minimizes the potential serious side effects of hormonal contraceptives and hormone medications.
Living Well with Endometriosis: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know by Kerry-Ann Morris - This is a complete guide to the side effects and treatments, both conventional and alternative, for endometriosis, from the founder of the Unveiling Endometriosis Project, who also has endometriosis.
The Doctor Will See You Now: Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis by Tamer Seckin, MD - This comprehensive text hopes to raise awareness among other physicians and among general readers, particularly patients who will now have the knowledge necessary to become powerful self-advocates.
100 Questions and Answers About Endometriosis by David B. Redwine, MD - The only text available to provide both the doctor's and patient's views, this gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, and provides sources of support from both the doctor’s and patient’s viewpoints.
Googling Endometriosis: The Lost Centuries by David B. Redwine, MD - This comprehensive history of endometriosis spans from 1825 BC to 1899 AD, supplying an unsurpassed history which has not been previously investigated. Dr. Redwine is internationally recognized as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

The Patient Perspective

Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women's Pain by Abby Norman - Putting her own trials into a broader historical, sociocultural, and political context, Norman shows that women's bodies have long been the battleground of a never-ending war for power, control, medical knowledge, and truth. She has dedicated her time to health activism and endometriosis awareness. I highly recommend her book for validation, information, and inspiration. For me, this book read as a memoir, medical history, and disease overview. Few books show such honesty and clearly illustrate the insidious nature of endometriosis like Abby's.
Private Parts: How To Really Live With Endometriosis by Eleanor Thom - Part memoir, part guide book, and part survival guide, Private Parts retraces the author's own journey with endometriosis, offering practical, down-to-earth, and friendly advice covering everything from what actually happens in an internal exam to finding the right specialist for you.
Alone in the Crowd: Living Well with Endometriosis by Ania G - Psychologist, Certified Holistic Heath Counselor, endometriosis patient, and Chernobyl survivor, Ania writes of her personal journey with endometriosis and how she developed various holistic and medical methods for successful disease management.
Endometriosis: It's Not in Your Head, It's in Your Pelvis by Bethany Stahl - Bethany shares her insights into navigating healthcare, choosing a doctor, and being chronically ill with endometriosis. The books includes a symptom checklist, surgery checklist, and examples of the financial cost of endometriosis.
Heal Endometriosis Naturally: Without Painkillers, Drugs, or Surgery by Wendy K Laidlaw - Wendy, a women’s health consultant, nutritional therapist, psychotherapist, and endometriosis advocate, shares her roadmap detailing the 12 basic principles she uses to treat her endometriosis naturally.
Living with Endometriosis: The Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options by Samantha Bowick - Written by an experienced author who has lived with endometriosis for years, this includes expert advice drawn from doctors and researchers, along with tips for recognizing symptoms and getting the most effective help possible.

Surgery

Stop Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain: What Every Woman and Her Doctor Need to Know by Andrew S. Cook, MD and Robert Franklin, MD - This book provides extensive information about the realities and the myths of endometriosis and pelvic pain. Endometriosis specialists explain why so many patients are misunderstood and misdiagnosed, why most endometriosis surgery is done so poorly, the principles and correct techniques for effective endometriosis surgery, and how to find the best doctors and healthcare providers. I highly recommend this book. This is a must-read for those considering surgery. It provides essential information that you should know before making a decision about surgery and when choosing surgical methods. Be advised that the book was published in 2012 so some information may be outdated.
Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis by Amy Stein DPT and Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch - This informational, multidisciplinary-approached book was written by leading endometriosis specialists. They provide their clinical expertise through a whole mind and body approach including diet, physical therapy, excision surgery, and mindfulness. I recommended this in the Endo 101 Section above as well. Since it is written by an excision specialist, the descriptions and details on surgery are very informative. It’s important to understand the benefits and risks of the available surgical approaches. I recommend this book to anyone considering surgery.

Diet and Nutrition

Endometriosis: A Key to Healing Through Nutrition by Dian Shepperson Mills and Michael Vernon - Drawing upon years of research, the authors show how the right diet can provide the key to optimum health in overcoming endometriosis. It includes an explanation of how endometriosis affects the body, advice on how to cope with it, an account of the key role played by nutritious and healthy food, and information on foods that are harmful as well as foods with healing qualities. I highly recommend this book. Since most doctors are not well-versed in diet and nutritional therapy, I found this book essential in understanding the connection between disease and diet. It details the science behind the methods and provides an in-depth look at endometriosis. I felt empowered by learning these tools for self-care.
The Endometriosis Health and Diet Program: Get Your Life Back by Andrew Cook, MD and Danielle Cook, MS, RD, CDE - This will dispel the myths surrounding endometriosis and provide scientifically based recommendations that are easy to understand and follow. It offers recommendations on treating root causes rather than just symptoms.
One Part Plant: A Simple Guide to Eating Real, One Meal at a Time by Jessica Murnane - Jessica shares what she’s learned on her way to healing her body through food. She keeps it simple and, most importantly, delicious with 100 allergy-friendly recipes. I recommend this book. I found this cookbook to be helpful and the recipes were fairly simple. Some ingredients will not be suitable for all patients, but it can help introduce you to plant-based eating.
Whole New You: How Real Food Transforms Your Life, for a Healthier, More Gorgeous You: A Cookbook by Tia Mowry - This cookbook draws on the latest research on whole plant foods, inflammation, and gut flora to create a diet that can reduce pain and symptoms of endometriosis.
Heal Endometriosis Naturally Cookbook: 101 Wheat, Gluten & Soy Free Recipes by Wendy K Laidlaw - This cookbook offers simple foods that will help replenish your energy and nutrients, boost metabolism, and help you heal your endometriosis naturally. It also addresses many myths and clears confusion surrounding what foods to eat or avoid.
The 4-Week Endometriosis Diet Plan: 75 Healing Recipes to Relieve Symptoms and Regain Control of Your Life by Katie Edmonds, NTC - This up to date, month-long plan is designed to reverse malnutrition, balance blood sugar, and reduce your discomfort while letting you customize meals for your body. Keep tabs on your progress with a symptom tracker, and discover lifestyle adjustments that could further reduce your endometriosis symptoms.

Hormonal Health and Hormonal Medications

Beyond the Pill: A 30-Day Program to Balance Your Hormones, Reclaim Your Body, and Reverse the Dangerous Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten - This book brings together up to date research, relevant science, and clinical expertise to create one of the most informative reads on hormones and hormonal contraceptives. While the birth control pill is widely prescribed as a quick-fix solution to a variety of women’s health conditions, taking it can also result in other more serious and dangerous health consequences. I highly recommend this book. This is one of my top recommendations for hormonal literacy and health. Many readers, including myself, have called it the Hormone Bible because it's one of the most informative books on the subject. Before you begin any hormonal treatments, read this book.
Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods by Dr. Lara Briden - Written by a naturopathic doctor with more than twenty years of experience, this book is a compilation of everything that works for hormonal health. How to come off hormonal birth control, what your period should be like, how to talk to your doctor, and treatment protocols for all common period problems, including endometriosis. I highly recommend this book. This is one of my top recommendations for hormonal literacy and health. This has a wealth of information about hormonal therapies, side effects, and endometriosis treatments. If you really want to understand how your period works, read this book.
The Happy Hormone Guide: A Plant-based Program to Balance Hormones, Increase Energy, and Reduce PMS Symptoms by Shannon Leparski - This book offers a comprehensive plant-based plan for better periods, improved energy, and balanced hormones. This will provide you with tools and guidance to work with your natural rhythm and balance hormones.
This Is Your Brain on Birth Control by Sarah E. Hill, PhD - Intrigued by her own negative personal experience with birth control, Sarah harnessed her background in psychology to uncover the known effects of birth control on the brain. Her book is one of the first ever written on the topic.
Sweetening The Pill or How We Got Hooked on Hormonal Birth Control by Holly Grigg-Spall - This journalist's personal experience with birth control inspired her to research the topic, write a book, and start a support network. Her book details the history of the pill through a feminist lens.
Fix Your Period: Six Weeks to Banish Bloating, Conquer Cramps, Manage Moodiness, and Ignite Lasting Hormone Balance by Nicole Jardim - This book features a life-changing step-by-step natural protocol to ignite lasting hormone balance and improve everything from PMS, period pain, and heavy periods to irregular cycles and missing periods. Nicole is a certified women’s health and nutrition coach and co-host of the podcast The Period Party.

Natural Approaches

The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program: A Complete Self-Help Plan for Improving Health and Well-Being by Valerie Ann Worwood - This book offers practical, easy to implement ways to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health and wellbeing. It explores the environmental toxins, cosmetics, dietary habits, and other lifestyle issues that may be partially contributing to the condition.
From Pain to Peace With Endo: Lessons Learned on the Road to Healing Endometriosis by Aubree Deimler - As a certified holistic health coach and founder of Peace With Endo, Aubree is deeply passionate about wellness. She believes in using an alternative, whole-body healing approach on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Heal Pelvic Pain: The Proven Stretching, Strengthening, and Nutrition Program for Relieving Pain, Incontinence, & I.B.S, and Other Symptoms Without Surgery by Amy Stein, DPT - Natural cures, in the form of exercise, nutrition, massage, and self-care therapy, focus on the underlying cause of your pelvic pain, heal your conditions, and stop your pain forever. This book offers a stretching, muscle-strengthening, and massage program, guidelines on foods, suggestions for stress, and pain-reducing treatments. I recommend this book. It demystifies the complex relationship between the pelvic floor, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. For those who cannot access or afford physical therapy options, this provides clinically-based programs for exercises and nutrition. It provides a great overview of the pelvic floor muscles and their functions.
Ending Female Pain, A Woman's Manual: The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for Women Suffering From Chronic Pelvic and Sexual Pain by Isa Herrera, MSPT - The quintessential self-help book for patients suffering from chronic pelvic and sexual pain. In this unique book, Isa shares her trade secrets for putting you on the right track to a pain-free lifestyle and enjoyable sex life. The large selection of techniques in this book are based on her real-life experience in treating women at her clinic, Renew Physical Therapy. I highly recommend this book. This was the perfect companion to pelvic floor physical therapy. It has a great wealth of information on the pelvic floor, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. Clinically-based programs for exercises and self-care techniques are included. This is one of my top recommendations.
Nutrition for Relieving Pelvic Pain: Fueling the Patient/Practitioner Healing Partnership by Dr. Jessica Drummond - This is a tremendous fact-based resource to help women and their doctors take a more holistic and partnered approach to healing the root cause of pelvic pain conditions, written by the go-to authority on nutrition and lifestyle medicine for pelvic health. I recommend this book. You'll learn about the relationship between nutrition and disease and how to manage symptoms with implementable changes. The tone of self empowerment and focus on patient advocacy was appreciated.

Gender and Racial Bias in Medicine

Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick by Maya Dusenbery - An eye-opening read for patients and health care providers alike, this shows how women suffer because the medical community knows relatively less about their diseases and bodies and too often doesn’t trust their reports of their symptoms. Offering a clear explanation of the root causes of this insidious and entrenched bias and laying out its sometimes catastrophic consequences, this is a rallying wake-up call that will change the way we look at health care for women. I highly recommend it! This is one of my top recommendations. This was as riveting as it was harrowing. The substantial evidence of medical neglect, abuse, and bias is truly maddening. Having experienced medical abuse, it felt validating to hear other's stories. I wish this book was required reading for doctors.
Invisible: How Young Women with Serious Health Issues Navigate Work, Relationships, and the Pressure to Seem Just Fine by Michele Lent Hirsch - Though young women with serious illness tend to be seen as outliers, young female patients are in fact the primary demographic for many illnesses. They are also one of the most ignored groups in our medical system, a system where young women, especially Black women, Women of Color, and trans women, are invisible. This is one of my top recommendations. This balances the autobiography of a chronically ill person with a historical look at medical abuse and neglect. While this doesn't focus on endometriosis specifically, this is a favorite of mine and it's extremely relevant.
Sick: A Memoir by Porochista Khakpour - This is a grueling, emotional journey of an Iranian-American writer who is a lifelong sufferer of undiagnosed health problems. In it, she examines her struggles with late-stage Lyme disease, mental illness, and her addiction to medications prescribed by her doctor.

Endometriosis Series

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