Can I drink red wine with endometriosis? An expert's guide

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a large international survey, 53% of women with endometriosis who cut back on alcohol reported an improvement in their pain symptoms. So, while the resveratrol in red wine has potential anti-inflammatory properties, the effect of alcohol on endometriosis is highly individual and often negative.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the complex relationship between red wine and endometriosis, detailing the potential benefits of resveratrol against the negative impacts of alcohol on hormones and inflammation. It helps in understanding individual tolerance for better symptom management.

Key Points

Alcohol's Inflammatory Effect: Alcohol, including red wine, is a known inflammatory agent that can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms.
Estrogen's Role: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, and alcohol can increase circulating estrogen, which may lead to worsened symptoms.
Resveratrol Dosage: The amount of anti-inflammatory resveratrol in a glass of red wine is not high enough to counteract alcohol's negative effects.
Individual Impact: How alcohol affects endometriosis varies significantly between individuals; some may tolerate moderate amounts, while others find any amount triggers a flare-up.
Moderation vs. Elimination: For many, reducing or eliminating alcohol is an effective strategy for managing symptoms, as reported by over half of women in one survey.
Gut Health: Alcohol can disrupt gut health, which is a major concern for those with endometriosis, who are more prone to irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

The Dual Nature: Resveratrol vs. Alcohol

For many living with endometriosis, the question of whether to indulge in a glass of red wine is complicated. On one hand, red wine is often celebrated for its resveratrol content, an antioxidant that has shown potential anti-inflammatory benefits in lab studies. On the other hand, alcohol itself is a known inflammatory agent that can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms. This creates a conflicting scenario where the beneficial compound is delivered alongside a substance that often worsens the underlying condition.

Red Wine's Resveratrol: A Potential Positive?

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in grapes, berries, and some teas, with high concentrations in red wine due to the fermentation process. Lab-based studies on endometriotic cells have found that resveratrol may suppress key genes and pathways involved in inflammation, potentially controlling the condition's progression. However, the key distinction lies in the dosage. The amount of resveratrol in a typical glass of red wine is negligible compared to the high doses used in therapeutic animal or lab studies. For this reason, relying on red wine for resveratrol's benefits is not a practical or recommended strategy for managing endometriosis.

The Inflammatory Side of Alcohol

In contrast to the potential but impractical benefits of resveratrol, the pro-inflammatory effects of alcohol are well-documented. Endometriosis is fundamentally a chronic inflammatory disease, and alcohol consumption can worsen this inflammatory response in several ways. Alcohol can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, weakening the intestinal wall and potentially contributing to a 'leaky gut' and a heightened immune response. It can also increase insulin resistance, triggering further inflammation. For women with endometriosis, this systemic inflammation can lead to more severe pelvic pain, bloating, and other distressing flare-up symptoms.

Hormonal Impact of Red Wine and Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, meaning its growth is fueled by estrogen. One of the most significant drawbacks of consuming alcohol for those with endometriosis is its effect on hormone levels. Alcohol can increase circulating estrogen levels by altering its metabolism in the liver. This can cause a hormonal imbalance, creating a more favorable environment for endometriotic lesions to grow and cause more pain. For this reason, a glass of red wine—or any alcoholic beverage—can contribute to the very hormonal environment that perpetuates the disease.

How Alcohol Triggers Endometriosis Flare-ups

Many individuals with endometriosis report a direct correlation between alcohol consumption and worsening symptoms. The inflammatory and hormonal effects of alcohol can trigger a cascade of issues that intensify pain and discomfort. Symptoms like pelvic and back pain often become more severe after drinking, and issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are aggravated by alcohol's impact on the digestive system. Listening to your body's individual response is crucial, as some experience a flare-up even after a single drink.

Individual Responses and Moderation

While some women might tolerate a small, infrequent amount of red wine without issue, others find that any alcohol consumption triggers a flare-up. For those who choose to continue drinking, moderation is key. A few strategies to minimize the impact include:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water alongside any alcoholic beverages to combat dehydration, which can worsen pain.
Eat beforehand: Consuming a meal before drinking can slow down the absorption of alcohol, potentially lessening its effects on symptoms.
Consider low-alcohol alternatives: Opt for low-alcohol wines or spritzers to reduce the overall alcohol intake.
Monitor your symptoms: Keep a journal to track how your body responds to different levels of alcohol. If you notice a pattern of worsening symptoms, it may be time to cut back or abstain entirely.

Red Wine vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Comparison

To make informed choices, it's helpful to compare red wine against other common alcoholic beverages in the context of endometriosis.


Feature	Red Wine	Hard Liquor	Beer/Sugary Cocktails
Resveratrol	Present (but in low amounts)	Absent	Absent
Inflammatory Effect	Yes, due to alcohol content	Yes, potent inflammatory effects	Yes, potentially increased by sugar/gluten
Estrogen Impact	Yes, increases estrogen levels	Yes, increases estrogen levels	Yes, increases estrogen levels, potentially higher impact with sugary mixers
Digestive Issues	Can cause bloating, cramps	Can irritate the gastric lining	Can cause bloating, especially if gluten intolerant
Overall Risk	Higher risk with regular intake	Higher risk with regular intake	High risk due to alcohol and sugar/gluten

Conclusion

While the search for dietary solutions to manage endometriosis is understandable, the promise of red wine as a therapeutic agent due to its resveratrol content is largely unfounded due to insufficient levels. The powerful inflammatory and hormonal effects of the alcohol itself generally outweigh any potential benefits, and for many, it actively worsens painful flare-ups. The best approach is to be mindful of your individual body's response. For some, strict moderation may be feasible, but for many, eliminating or significantly reducing alcohol intake is the most effective strategy for mitigating symptoms and improving overall well-being. Ultimately, open communication with your healthcare provider is the best way to tailor a dietary plan that supports your specific needs. You can learn more about managing endometriosis through diet and lifestyle changes on the Endometriosis Foundation of America website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some women with endometriosis might tolerate a single glass of red wine without immediate issue, others find even a small amount can trigger a flare-up of pain and inflammation. It is highly individual, so monitoring your body's response is key.

For many, yes. The alcohol in red wine can increase inflammation and raise estrogen levels, both of which can intensify endometriosis-related pelvic pain, cramping, and other symptoms.

Though lab studies show high doses of resveratrol have anti-inflammatory effects on endometriotic cells, the quantity found in a glass of red wine is too low to provide any meaningful therapeutic benefit. Any potential positive is typically overshadowed by alcohol's inflammatory properties.

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, some studies suggest a link between regular alcohol consumption and a higher risk of developing the condition. It is considered a risk factor, but more research is needed to confirm a direct causal link.

All types of alcohol, including red wine, beer, and hard liquor, can potentially worsen endometriosis symptoms due to their inflammatory and estrogen-raising effects. Sugary cocktails are particularly problematic due to the added sugar and potential digestive irritation.

Alcohol consumption can disrupt hormonal balance by increasing circulating estrogen levels. Since endometriosis is an estrogen-fueled condition, this hormonal shift can worsen the growth of endometrial-like tissue and increase symptoms.

Many women who reduce or eliminate alcohol intake report a significant improvement in their pain and other endometriosis symptoms. This is likely due to a reduction in systemic inflammation and a more stable hormonal environment.