Endometriosis is a painful condition that has affected the lives of women who menstruate. It occurs when endometrial tissue grows in other areas aside from the wall of the uterus, which is where it is originally found. Unfortunately, endometriosis is a predominant cause of infertility, causing a variety of psychological and physical stresses to those who want to build a family.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial glands and stroma develop outside the uterus, commonly involving the uterus but with high tendency to affect different pelvic structures.1 The causes of endometriosis vary and may be due to immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalance primarily driven by excess estrogen levels, retrograde menstruation, or a combination of these factors. Retrograde menstruation is a phenomenon that occurs when there is backflow of blood back into the peritoneum (a lining that protects most organs in your abdomen) from the Fallopian tubes (structures that connect your ovaries to your uterus) during your period.1 This can cause oxidative stress, which damages to cells and tissues in high amounts.3 Estrogen, as previously mentioned, plays a huge part in endometriosis since it is the primary hormone that is responsible for the development and expansion of your endometrium. Genetic factors may also play a role in its development. However, not one cause has been known to fully explain the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
There are different clinical subtypes of endometriosis, each of which may severely affect your overall health and well-being. Although signs and symptoms of each subtype may be unique and mimic other medical conditions, these may overlap with each other when not properly diagnosed. Talking to your healthcare provider is essential in diagnosing your unique case and exploring the best options for your optimal health and wellness. Signs and Symptoms
People with endometriosis typically have pelvic pain and problems with fertility, but the signs and symptoms of the condition and their duration may be unique to each case. However, chances of endometriosis may be high if you experience pain during sex, defecation, urination, or menstruation.1 This pain may be chronic and progress over time. Interestingly, some individuals with severe endometriosis have allodynia, which causes them to feel excruciating pain even when a non-painful object or stimulus is applied! This occurs secondary to nerve damage from invasion of abnormal endometrial cells, disrupting your brain’s ability to sense and respond to pain.
Allopathic Options
Allopathic treatment options for endometriosis focus on improving fertility and reducing disease symptoms. This can be achieved through hormonal contraception that predominantly contains progesterone, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists), or aromatase inhibitors, all of which aim to reduce excessive estrogen levels by blocking its formation. Although beneficial, the use of contraceptive hormones may put you at risk of vitamin B and folate deficiencies, aside from the high possibility of having mood swings, abnormal bleeding, and headaches, which are common side effects associated with contraceptive pills. Surgical removal of abnormal tissue can also be done in severe cases.
The Naturopathic Approach
Since endometriosis is primarily driven by inflammation or hormonal imbalance, the goal of naturopathic medicine for people with endometriosis is to reduce inflammation and regulate estrogen levels, thereby relieving and preventing flare-ups.
Acupuncture Acupuncture helps relieve dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) from endometriosis by nurturing the movement of blood and preventing its stagnation, thereby promoting balance within.5 Supplementation High levels of estrogen have been associated with dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability. Dysbiosis happens when there is an imbalance in the natural variation of your normal gut’s normal microbiota. Increased intestinal permeability, on the other hand, occurs from the disruption of your gut’s naturally strong barrier, allowing unwanted microorganisms and substances to easily pass through it and enter the body. These two processes promote inflammation. Increasing fiber intake, eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients such as garlic and ginger, and supplementing your diet with probiotics and fish oils, are simple yet impactful practices that can help avoid this problem and nurture your intestinal health at the same time. Additionally, if needed, supplementation with zinc, vitamin D, and selenium can help support your body’s natural ability to prevent the build-up of abnormal tissue by promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death). Botanical Medicine Several herbs work wonders in managing endometriosis by exerting multiple effects that help prevent the growth of abnormal tissue and build-up of unwanted structures. These include:
And many more! Talk to us to discover the best options for your health. It is important to remember that the use of herbs may be contraindicated in some cases, especially during pregnancy or lactation. Additionally, medications you are currently taking may cause unwanted side effects when combined with specific herbs. Talking to your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctor will help you discover the best natural options for your well-being without putting your health and your baby’s well-being at risk. Nurturing Your Uterine Health
The health of your reproductive organs can affect both your physical and mental well-being. Despite being a chronic condition, endometriosis flare-ups can be prevented with the right natural solutions for your unique case. The naturopathic approach for endometriosis aims to help your body restore and nurture its ability to protect itself from internal and external factors that can cause dysregulation and unwanted growth. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are here to guide you throughout this journey. Take the natural path with us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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