Endometriosis is a condition that effects many women. It occurs when tissue that usually grows inside the uterus grows outside of it. This tissue responds to monthly hormonal fluctuation just like endometrial lining does. In other words, the tissue bleeds when a woman has her monthly cycles. It is a condition which can be complicated to figure out, but learning some basic information can be a helpful place to start.

Personal Story

I have not personally dealt with endometriosis. It is, however, a condition which effects about 15% of women in America.

Risk Factors

The cause of endometriosis is not clear, but the risk factors are higher when there is a family history of the condition. There is also a higher occurrence in women who have other autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or hypothyroidism. Other factors can be environmental factors such as exposure to PCBs or dioxins. Additional risk factors are: delayed childbearing, decreased BMI, increased height, and Caucasian race.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis vary. The tissue bleeds each month, causing inflammation and scarring. There can be pelvic pain, infertility, abnormal bleeding, and/or painful or difficult sexual intercourse.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are reducing symptoms, such as pain from inflammation, and improving the woman’s quality of life, by reducing the stress caused by chronic discomfort. Medical or surgical intervention may be needed.

Dietary Recommendations

• An anti-inflammatory diet which limits red meat and processed foods and increases fresh green vegetables, fresh fruit, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve symptoms.
• Organic meat is preferred.
• Eliminate caffeine.

Nutritional and Herbal Supplement Recommendations

• Omega-3-fatty acids in the form of pharmaceutical grade fish oil is recommended.
• Traditionally used herbs include: chaste tree berry, black cohosh, black haw, cramp bark, dong quai, and ginger. I am not aware if studies have been done to confirm these suggestions.

Physical Recommendations:

• Reduce stress by using mindfulness-based, stress reduction techniques to give a woman a sense of control as she learns to handle her symptoms.
• Gentle stretching is recommended.
• Easing into moderate exercise can help improve circulation, but don’t go overboard.
• Massage or acupuncture may be helpful, though no studies has confirmed or refuted this.
• Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

These thoughts are a brief start to the learning a woman can undertake to understand endometriosis and endeavor to improve her sense of well-being.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing in the comment section.

Resources:

Integrated Women’s Health, by Victoria Maizes, MD and Tieraona Low Dog, MD

The Naturally Healthy Woman, by Shonda Parker