Endometriosis is a disease that is observed in an increasing number of women worldwide. The condition is characterized by pelvic pain, menstrual cramps and impaired fertility. Endometriosis develops when the endometrial tissue – that which covers the inner surface of the uterus – spreads outside of it and affects other organs. This growth may be associated with oozing and bleeding, which leads to pain and other symptoms. Endometriosis depends on estrogen – the female sex hormone that regulates processes in the female reproductive system. In addition, this hormone acts on other organs: heart, blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles and brain. Endometriosis depends on estrogen and inflammatory processes. This has put the focus on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and those that block the action of estrogen. Available therapeutic agents against endometriosis have low efficacy, often lead to recurrences and are associated with numerous side effects in other tissues on which the female sex hormone acts. Since endometriosis was established to be an estrogen-dependent disease, alpha and beta estrogen receptors have been implicated in potentiating the action of this hormone on cells. This is important for the progression and development of the disease. Previous studies have shown that beta estrogen receptors significantly contribute to the progression of endometriosis. This highlights the possibility of selectively suppressing their action, in order to treat the disease, without the side effects of available hormonal therapeutic approaches that target alpha estrogen receptors. In laboratory conditions, scientists have analyzed the potential effect of various natural remedies for the treatment of monometrosis as non-hormonal therapeutic approaches. Oleuropein, a natural compound found in olive leaves, has been found to selectively inhibit beta estrogen receptors, but not alpha estrogen receptors. This results in suppression of the growth of endometriotic lesions in laboratory models. In addition, oleuropein is an agent that is neither toxic to the liver nor affects fertility. An increased chance of conception has been observed in laboratory models of endometriosis. This natural remedy is more affordable than hormone therapy and is significantly safer. References: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-022-00883-2