NCT07090096 · University of California, San Diego
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nutritional Intervention for Endometriosis
What this study is about
This randomly assigned, controlled study will investigate the effectiveness of a dietary intervention for women with endometriosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to follow a whole food plant-based (intervention) diet or stay on their usual (control) diet for 12 weeks.
View original scientific description
This randomized, controlled study will investigate the efficacy of a dietary intervention for women with endometriosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to follow a whole food plant-based (intervention) diet or stay on their usual (control) diet for 12 weeks.
Interventions
OTHER
A whole food plant based diet
A whole food plant based (WFPB) diet
Primary outcome measures
Total pain score
Time frame: 12 weeks
Change in total VAS for dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and non-menstrual pelvic pain
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study visits, procedures, requirements, and availability for the duration of the study
- Women with a surgical, imaging, or clinical diagnosis of endometriosis
- Age 18-45 years
- Stable health condition and medications for the past 3 months
- Modified Biberoglu and Behrman (B\&B) pelvic pain score of at least 5/9
- Willing to be randomly assigned to either an active or a control group
- Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout the study duration
Exclusion criteria
- Smoking or drug abuse during the past six months
- Alcohol consumption of more than 2 drinks per day or the equivalent, episodic increased drinking (e.g., more than 2 drinks per day on weekends), or a history of alcohol abuse or dependency followed by any current use
- Already following a WFPB diet
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, or plans of pregnancy within the study period
- Hysterectomy or ovariectomy
- Fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endocrine inflammatory conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and Addison's disease
- Evidence of an eating disorder
Where
- La Jolla, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations