The impact of Endometriosis

Understanding Endometriosis; the onset, the symptoms, conventional management and ways to manage it naturally.

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March is Endometriosis awareness month

Did you know that endometriosis affects 1 in 9 uterus owners in Australia! And since it takes anywhere between 7 to 12 years on average to get an endo diagnosis the potential number is much higher!

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is more than just a period problem. It's a whole body inflammatory condition that is estrogen dependent and affects around 10% of reproductive age women.

It is charaterised by the growth of endometrium-like tissue (your uterine lining) in areas outside of your uterus- most commonly around your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and along your bowel. As these lesions are endometrium-like tissue they respond to estrogen the same way your endometrium does each month; meaning they thicken, break down and bleed, without the ability to release the blood.

Your immune system also plays a role in the condition by not removing or cleaning up the excess tissue, promoting growth through angiogenesis and releasing inflammatory cytokines.

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown due to the complexity of the condition but retrograde bleeding, immune dysregulation, bacterial contamination, dysbiosis and womb dioxin exposure have all been linked as potential causations and drivers. 

💥Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis💥

Severe pain is the main symptom of endo; stabbing, throbbing, burning, searing or debilitating pain that can occur in or around your uterus, bowel, bladder, lower back or down your legs. It can be experienced during your bleed, between periods, during sexual intercourse or bowel movements and it does not improve with normal pain medication.

Other signs & symptoms can include;

💥Bleeding between periods and excess bleeding

💥Abdominal bloating

💥Nausea & Vomiting

💥Bowel irregularities- constipation & diarrhoea- IBS Symptoms

💥Bladder problems including urgency, frequency and pain

💥Headaches

💥Depression, anxiety & fatigue

💥Low grade fevers

💥Infertility and miscarriages

It takes an average of 7 years to get an endometriosis diagnosis. Imagine experiencing all of the above EVERY month and not having any answers or being told it's just normal period pain and to just take pain medication to manage it. Also imagine the effects that type of chronic pain would be having on your mental health.

💊Diagnosis & conventional management💊

As endometriosis is a multifactorial, whole body inflammatory condition, it is still widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Currently laparoscopy surgery is the only way to get a definitive endometriosis diagnosis, however your doctor or specialist may diagnosis you by your symptoms , ultrasound &/or pelvic exam. Conventional treatment options include;

• Pain management prescriptions

• Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole) to remove the endometriosis lesions

• Hormonal suppressive drugs including contraceptive pills to suppress the further growth of lesions

• Complete or partial hysterotomy

While the above treatments can work at reducing the impact of your endometriosis they don't treat the under lying cause which can lead to the regrowth of lesions later in life and unfortunately the above can trigger some unwanted side effects.

🌿 Naturopathic management 🌿 Naturopathically when a client presents with Endometriosis we are investigating the above potential triggers as well as digestive issues and microbiome imbalances, trauma, stress & mental health disorders, autoimmune conditions and diet/lifestyle habits that promote inflammation i.e.- sedentary lifestyle with highly processed diet.

From there the management goals can include alleviating pain and associated symptoms, reducing local and systemic inflammation, supporting and modulating your hormones, immune system and gut microbiome, supporting estrogen clearance and progesterone production and education on the importance of dietary and lifestyle changes.

The main aim is to always work were you are at within your experience of Endometriosis. This includes working along side conventional treatments to help support any potential side effects and to help improve your clinical outcomes post surgery.

So, lets dive a little deeper and see what natural interventions may be beneficial for your Endometriosis experience;

🍊Diet and lifestyle changes for Endometriosis🍊

As an inflammatory condition, making dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce your overall inflammation can be very beneficial.

These can include;

• Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods such as cow's dairy, gluten, highly processed sugars and any foods you are digestively sensitive too.

• Limiting (or eliminating) consumption of alcohol and red meat

• Increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables & fiber (organic where possible to avoid excess toxin exposure)

• Increasing consumption of Omegas and good fats

• Ensuring you are exercising regularly, sleeping well and managing your stress.

• Utilising organic cotton sanitary products as they are chemical, fragrance, dye and bleach free

• Reducing your overall environmental and endotoxin exposure

• Using castor oil packs to reduce inflammation and pain (avoid using when bleeding)

Nutraceutical support Nutrient supplementation options can include;

• Zinc to reduce inflammation, pain and help support your immune system

• Magnesium to soothe and regulate your nervous system, promote estrogen metabolism and increase your anti-inflammatory ability

• Selenium to support liver clearance, reduce inflammation, modulate your immune system and support progesterone production

• NAC to reduce inflammation and anxiety symptoms

• PEA to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation & support the reduction of endometrial proliferation

• Omega 3s to reduce inflammation & reduce endometrial proliferation

• Probiotics to improve microbiome diversity and strength, reduce inflammation and reduce development of endometrial cells.

Herbal support Depending on your case presentation and your accompanying symptoms and effected systems your treatment may include;

• Turmeric to reduce inflammation, reduce local production of estrogen lesions & to inhibit growth of new blood cells

• Berberine to provide antibacterial support, reduce inflammation, support the immune system and support the repair of your intestinal lining

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant & analgesic herbs to reduce inflammation, pain and oxidative stress associated with your endo picture.

• Immune supporting herbs to help bring balance to your immune system.

• Digestive, hormonal & nervous system herbs to support and improve digestive function, liver clearance, digestive health, hormone balance, and to improve your mood, sleep and energy.

As you can see, anti-inflammatory support plays a massive role in all clinical options and unfortunately it is rarely a one size fits all treatment.

If your endometriosis experience is taking over your life and you are ready to start taking back control, reach out and lets work together to create a more individualised, evidence-based approach that will support your body as a whole.

Thanks for reading beautiful human!

Samii   

BHSc- Naturopathy Sacred Natural Health Founder.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your health practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.