Endometriosis and Emotional Health: Combining Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Supplementation Strategies

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, oestrogen-dependent condition characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, affecting millions of women of reproductive age. Beyond pelvic pain and reproductive dysfunction, it is strongly associated with anxiety, de-pression, and decreased quality of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, endometriosis and anx-iety are interpreted as manifestations of energetic imbalances involving blood stasis (Xue Yu), Qi stagnation, and dysfunctions of the Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, and Heart, which disturb the Shen and the flow of Qi.Objective: To explore the theoretical and clinical basis for the integrative use of Chinese herbal medicine and Western supplementation in the management of endometriosis, emphasising the interplay between physical and emotional health.Methods: A narrative review of classical Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and contem-porary biomedical studies was conducted. Evidence from clinical trials, systematic reviews, and pharmacological analyses was synthesised to describe the therapeutic mechanisms of Chinese herbal formulas, bioactive compounds, and selected nutritional supplements relevant to endo-metriosis and anxiety.Results: Chinese herbal medicine demonstrates anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiproliferative, and hormone-modulating effects that alleviate pelvic pain, regulate the menstrual cycle, and promote fertility. Classical formulas such as Si Wu Tang, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, and Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan act through blood activation, Qi regulation, and Shen stabilisation. Bioactive compounds including resveratrol, curcumin, garlic, Angelica sinensis, ginseng, and Salvia miltiorrhiza provide complementary antioxidant and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, Western supplements such as magnesium bisglycinate, omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and ashwagandha may enhance mood regulation, reduce anxiety, and strengthen an-ti-inflammatory and neuroendocrine responses. Collectively, these therapies offer a multidi-mensional approach that targets both somatic and emotional symptoms of endometriosis.Conclusion: Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly Chinese herbal medicine, provides a personalised and integrative framework capable of addressing the complex interactions between physical and psychological manifestations of endometriosis. When responsibly combined with evidence-based supplementation, this approach may improve pain management, reproductive outcomes, and emotional well-being. Nonetheless, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs; further randomised controlled trials are required to val-idate efficacy and safety. The findings support the World Health Organization’s call for the re-sponsible integration of traditional and complementary medicine into public health systems, promoting holistic and patient-centred care for women with endometriosis.