Surgery
Which supplements should I stop before surgery?
The short answer
Before surgery, you may need to pause high-dose omega-3 fish oil, turmeric/curcumin, ginkgo, garlic supplements, and vitamin E because they may increase bleeding risk. Stop and restart timing depends on the product, dose, medical history, procedure, and medications.
Many supplements can affect bleeding, anesthesia, or how your body responds to surgery, so we usually ask patients to pause certain products ahead of time. Common examples that may increase bleeding risk include high‑dose omega‑3 fish oil, turmeric/curcumin, ginkgo, garlic supplements, and vitamin E.
Timing and safety depend on the exact product, dose, and your medical history, so we’ll review everything you take during your pre‑op planning, including vitamins, natural products, teas, tinctures, powders, and any combination formulas. Please bring a complete list (or the bottles) so our team can give you clear, personalized instructions on when to stop and restart them, based on your procedure and medications.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Prepare Safely for Your Surgery
Certain supplements can impact your surgical outcomes by increasing bleeding or affecting anesthesia. Our specialists will review your medications to ensure a safe and smooth surgery experience.
Questions people ask next
All surgery questionsAre supplements safe with hormonal treatments for endometriosis?
Some supplements can interact with hormonal treatments for endometriosis, affecting symptom control and bleeding. Vitamin D or magnesium are often compatible, but this depends on your exact medication, dose, and medical history.
How do I prepare for surgery if I have anemia?
If you have anemia, the goal before surgery is to find the cause and improve your blood counts. Preparation often includes an anemia workup and correcting iron deficiency when present, and may involve adjusting surgery timing or arranging extra support.
Do supplements help with endometriosis?
Some supplements may help with specific endometriosis-related symptoms, but results are mixed and they are not a stand-alone treatment for the disease. The choice depends on your symptoms, other medical conditions, medications, and goals.
Further reading
Supplements and Herbal Medicines for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: What Evidence Exists?
Explore the effectiveness of supplements and herbal medicines for endometriosis and adenomyosis. What does the evidence say?
Life Beyond Endometriosis Surgery: Recovery & Well-Being
Your guide to endometriosis surgery recovery: healing tips, nutrition, mental health support, recurrence prevention, and planning for long-term wellness.
