Endometriosis is a common inflammatory, gynaecological condition that causes pain, abnormal menstrual bleeding, infertility and prolonged disability which can negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. This debilitating condition is estrogen dependent, multifactorial disease that affects mostly women of reproductive age. It occurs when some of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. This happens most frequently in the pelvis and occasionally in the tissues and organs outside the pelvis such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis affects at least one in nine (11%) of girls. Diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed with an average of seven years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. This is because endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and, although there are many theories, from a medical perspective the exact causes are unclear. It involves a complex interplay of genetic, anatomic. Immunologic and environmental factors. While genetic factors are considered to account for about 50% of the cause of endometriosis, the fact that it is a epigenetic disease means physiological, biological and environmental factors may contribute to the cause.
Environmental exposure to endocrine disruptors (which are found in plastics, fragrances, personal care and household products), diet and other factors such as stress and too little sleep. These not only harmfully alter hormone balance but also disrupt the immune system and cause inflammation.
What can you do to help yourself?
Exercise has been shown to both reduce estrogen production and increase estrogen excretion. However, strenuous physical activity during menstruation may increase the risk of adhesion.
Natural therapies for Endometriosis and Infertility
Herbs:
Bupleurum
Chastetree
Paeonia
St Mary’s Thistle
Valerian
Homeopathic remedies (need to be individually prescribed)
Diet
Diet modification to deal with endometriosis is an exceptional way to resolve the symptoms. Changing one’s diet can help reduce pain, cramps, inflammation, bloating, estrogen levels, toxins and weight. Reducing or eliminating gluten, dairy or a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) diet, or a combination of these. Current evidence suggests that the risk of endometriosis is reduced in women who regularly consume fish oils, green vegetables and fruits (especially citrus fruits), whereas the risk of endometriosis may be higher for women who regularly consume red meat.
Dark green leafy greens such as kale, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, fruits such as blueberries an cherries (antioxidant foods) essentially fatty acids as found in oily fish and a handful of nuts and seeds daily (especially almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, ground flax seed), legumes, whole grains, healthy cooking oils such as olive oil or coconut oil, prebiotic and probiotic foods such as fermented sources, and filtered water daily. Eat food produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified components to avoid environmental toxins.
Things to avoid in your diet are saturated fats, trans-fatty acids (found in commercially baked goods such as biscuits, crackers, cakes, French fries, donuts, processed foods and margarine), animal fats, dairy products, gluten containing products, corn, soy, refined sugar, preservatives, food additives, red meat (a plant based diet with no red meat and small amounts of poultry and fish is preferable), caffeine and alcohol. Avoid foods that come in soft plastic wrap, food stored in microwaved in plastic, plastic water bottles.
Herbal support:
Bupleurum – A traditional liver herb used to support liver function and detoxify excessive hormones.
Calendula – This herb assists with lymphatic drainage, waste removal and improves wound healing. It is often used to treat common endometriosis symptoms of dull pain and heavy bleeding and may help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.
Dong Quai – Used in Chinese medicine as a blood tonic to treat gynaecological diseases including dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea.
Ladies Mantle – This herb can help relieve period pains, regulate periods and reduce heavy periods.
Chastetree – This is used to treat endometriosis with clinical trials supporting its use for infertility initiated by luteal phase dysfunction. It can regulate hormonal balance and improve estrogen to progesterone ratios.
Ginger – Useful for period pain.
Mugwort – Traditionally used for irregular or painful menstruation.
Paeonia – Paeonia has been used to treat endometriosis and the dysmenorrhea associated with it.
Raspberry – this is a uterine tonic, it helps to strengthen and tone uterine and pelvic muscles.
St Mary’s Thistle – This herb protects and repairs liver enzyme activity in regard to estrogen clearance and may protect against environmental toxins
Tumeric – This herb is anti-inflammatory and a hormone modulator.
Although endometriosis is a complex condition, which presents differently in each patient, it can be helped by diet, herbal medicines and homeopathy.
