May 3, 2023 · by Cherise Branch
Severe pain during your period, bloating, and painful intercourse shouldn’t be accepted as normal. Women experiencing these symptoms could have endometriosis, a condition affecting about 10% of females of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis can be difficult to treat, and it often worsens over time. As a result, endometriosis can have an ongoing negative impact on a woman’s life. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Let’s take a look at the symptoms and causes behind endometriosis and some natural ways to treat it.
The endometrium is the lining of your uterus, which comes from the Greek word “endo” meaning within. When the endometrium grows outside of the uterus and spreads to other organs in the abdominal cavity like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum, it’s called endometriosis. This condition is fueled by estrogen levels and causes swelling, inflammation, and adhesions around the affected organs, essentially locking them in place.
The most pronounced sign of endometriosis is pain in the abdomen, often extreme and debilitating. Severely painful periods are a common symptom, but pain can also be felt in other areas, like the back, legs, and rectum.
Other physical symptoms include:
The pain from endometriosis is different from regular menstrual cramps. It’s often chronic, occurring at all times of the month, and regular pain relievers for cramps don’t have much of an impact.
Not surprisingly given the pain experienced, it can also have a large impact on a woman’s mental mental health. Many women with endometriosis also experience anxiety and depression. Insomnia is also common.
Endometriosis can also impact fertility. One study found that as many as 50% of women seeking treatment for infertility have endometriosis!
A healthy lifestyle that aims to reduce inflammation is the best approach to ending endometriosis. Be sure to include the following in your daily routine.
Exercise has been found to be an effective natural way of managing pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis. While it might seem counterintuitive to engage in physical activity while experiencing pelvic pain, low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and swimming can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can alleviate the severity of menstrual cramps and pain caused by endometriosis. Furthermore, regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the pelvic area, which can reduce inflammation and help the body flush out toxins. Incorporating gentle exercise into your routine can provide a significant relief for endometriosis symptoms, although it’s important to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Some supplements that treat endometriosis include:
We can work together to create a supplement regime that matches your health profile. It’s always important to work with a professional, since some supplements can interact or may not be suited for your unique needs.
The pain associated with endometriosis can take a large toll on women’s health. It’s important to prioritize self-care. And, by building a relaxation routine, you could even slow the growth of endometriosis.
Living with endometriosis is stressful. Chronic stress worsens inflammatory conditions like endometriosis. It also disrupts hormonal balance and can lead to estrogen dominance. The end result is often a cycle of worsening symptoms.
Mindful meditation, yoga, and moderate exercise can help manage your body’s reaction to stress. Take the time for relaxing activities like warm baths and massages. Cognitive therapy can also help you develop strategies for coping.
I’m here to help you treat endometriosis the natural way so you don’t have to deal with the pain and other symptoms. Reach out today to get started.
Sources:
World Health Organization, “Endometriosis”
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
Warzecha D, Szymusik I, Wielgos M, Pietrzak B. The Impact of Endometriosis on the Quality of Life and the Incidence of Depression-A Cohort Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 21;17(10):3641. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103641. PMID: 32455821; PMCID: PMC7277332.
Ball E, Khan KS. Recent advances in understanding and managing chronic pelvic pain in women with special consideration to endometriosis. F1000Res. 2020 Feb 4;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-83. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.20750.1. PMID: 32089831; PMCID: PMC7001750
Buggio L, Barbara G, Facchin F, Frattaruolo MP, Aimi G, Berlanda N. Self-management and psychological-sexological interventions in patients with endometriosis: strategies, outcomes, and integration into clinical care. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:281-293
https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S119724
Qi X, Zhang W, Ge M, Sun Q, Peng L, Cheng W, Li X. Relationship Between Dairy Products Intake and Risk of Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr. 2021 Jul 22;8:701860. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.701860. PMID: 34368211; PMCID: PMC8339299.
Li Piani, L., Chiaffarino, F., Cipriani, S. et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis on alcohol consumption and risk of endometriosis: an update from 2012. Sci Rep 12, 19122 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-21173-9
A Qualitative Study on the Practice of Yoga for Women with Pain-Associated Endometriosis, Andrea Vasconcelos Gonçalves, Maria Y. Makuch, Maria Silvia Setubal, Nelson Filice Barros, and Luis Bahamondes Published Online: 1 Dec 2016 https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0021
Lete I, Mendoza N, de la Viuda E, Carmona F. Effectiveness of an antioxidant preparation with N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid and bromelain in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: LEAP study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2018 Sep;228:221-224. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.07.002. Epub 2018 Jul 6. PMID: 30007250.
Morales-Prieto DM, Herrmann J, Osterwald H, Kochhar PS, Schleussner E, Markert UR, Oettel M. Comparison of dienogest effects upon 3,3′-diindolylmethane supplementation in models of endometriosis and clinical cases. Reprod Biol. 2018 Sep;18(3):252-258. doi: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.07.002. Epub 2018 Jul 9. PMID: 30001982.
Cuevas M, Cruz ML, Ramirez AE, Flores I, Thompson KJ, Bayona M, Vernon MW, Appleyard CB. Stress During Development of Experimental Endometriosis Influences Nerve Growth and Disease Progression. Reprod Sci. 2018 Mar;25(3):347-357. doi: 10.1177/1933719117737846. Epub 2017 Nov 6. PMID: 29108503; PMCID: PMC6343219.
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