TREATING ENDOMETRIOSIS NATURALLY
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a condition that affects 1 in 10 females. That works out to roughly 176 million women worldwide. Tissue similar to the lining found within the uterus grows and implants itself outside of the uterus and causes a general inflammatory response. These tissues act similar to the lining of the uterus as they can thicken, contract, and even cramp. For some females, endometriosis can be extremely painful, especially during menstruation. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, bladder, ligaments that support the uterus, vulva, intestines, rectum, vagina, and cervix. In rare cases, it can even grow on the kidneys, eyes, liver, pancreas, brain, bone, heart, nasal cavity, skin, and scars. The endometrial tissue can range in colour from pink -> red -> brown -> black.
SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis causes a number of symptoms including…
Infertility
Pain especially excessive menstrual cramps
Chronic pelvic pain (without menstruation)
Bloating (Endobelly)
Pain during ovulation
Painful urination +/or painful bowel movements during menstrual periods
History of urinary tract infections
Pain during intercourse
Abnormal/heavy menstrual flow
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Fatigue
Diarrhea/Constipation
Lower back pain
Nausea
Large clots bigger than the size of a dime
STAGES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine developed a scale to determine the different stages of endometriosis. It is based on the spread of the endometrial tissue, its depth, and the areas it has affected the body. Not all women keep advancing to the next stage. They can remain at the same stage after being diagnosed.
Stage 1 (1-5 pts): Minimal - few small implants or lesions that are superficial with little to no scar tissue.
Stage 2 (6-15 pts): Mild - now we see more implants than stage one and deeper in the tissue with the possibility of some scar tissue.
Stage 3 (16-40 pts): Moderate - this stage is considered severe with many deep implants that may also have small cysts on one or even both ovaries. Many adhesions are appearing to be dense.
Stage 4 (>40 pts): Severe - now it is widespread with many deep implants. Adhesions are thick and cysts are large on one or both sides of the ovaries.
WAYS TO MANAGE ENDOMETRIOSIS
Heat - this can be a very helpful way to reduce/relieve cramping and pain. It helps to relax the pelvic muscles. Ways to apply heat are a heating pad (I love using a jade and tourmaline far infrared heating pad), a hot water bottle, or a warm bath (can add in Epsom salts).
Castor Oil - is used to help with menstrual cramps. An effective way to use castor oil is to do a pelvic massage by directly applying it to the abdomen starting with a light touch to warm up the tissues then gently going a bit deeper. Or you can take a piece of wool or cotton flannel and soak it with castor oil and apply it directly to the abdomen. Apply heat over it. Leave the castor oil pack on for 45-60 minutes.
Movement - moving the body is important and so exercises such as swimming, yoga (see my yin yoga guide for the best poses), tai chi, walking, and strength training are all great ways to keep your energy moving and warm up the body.
Mindfulness - Meditation is a way to relieve stress, calm the mind and the body.
Eating Clean Foods - WHAT TO EAT: dark green leafy greens, vegetables, berries (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry), salmon, nuts (walnuts, almonds), seeds (chia, flax, hemp), ginger, turmeric, legumes, gluten-free grains, lean meats, cold-pressed olive oil. WHAT NOT TO EAT: dairy, processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, red meat, saturated and trans fats.
Supplements & Adaptogens - Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. One study from 2013 showed that it may help by reducing estradiol production. Another study from 2015 shows curcumin may suppress tissue migration of the lining of the uterus. Ashwagandha is an ancient herb used for thousands of years. It is known for helping to relieve stress and reduce cortisol levels. A 2006 study found that women with advanced endometriosis had higher levels of cortisol. Chamomile helps calm the body and mind and aids with cramping. NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) is an amino acid derivative. It is a precursor to glutathione production in the liver. In a 2013 study of 92 Italian women, 47 took NAC and another 45 women took a placebo. The women who took NAC showed a decrease in abnormal cell growth, decreased inflammation and reduced inflammatory genes. As well 24 NAC treated patients cancelled their scheduled laparoscopy due to cysts decrease/disappearance and/or relevant pain reduction. Eight pregnancies occurred in NAC-treated patients. It was determined that NAC is a simple effective treatment for endometriosis, without side effects, and a suitable approach for women wanting a pregnancy. **Please note it is always recommended for anyone looking to start supplements or adaptogens to first consult a health care professional especially if they are taking any over the counter or prescription drugs.
Natural Therapies - A 2017 study showed that acupuncture may help ease pelvic and abdomen pain and shrink lesion size in women with endometriosis. It can also help with stress, anxiety and fatigue. Cupping is a technique used to help relieve back and muscle pain.
Essential Oils - A 2013 study looked at the combination of cinnamon, clove, rose and lavender essential oils. Women massaged the combination of these essential oils mixed in a carrier of almond oil into their abdomens. The study showed the women reported less pain and bleeding during menstruation than the placebo treatment. Another study from 2012 used combinations of lavender, sage, and marjoram essential oils. This study mixed the oils with unscented cream. Women massage it into the abdomen from the end of their last period to the beginning of their next cycle. The women using the essential oils reported relief of pain and a reduced duration of menstruation pain compared to the women using a synthetic fragrance.
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis but as you can see there are treatments to ease the symptoms for this condition. It doesn’t have to interfere with women’s everyday life.
If you have questions regarding endometriosis or would like a free PDF guide of yin yoga sequences specific for endometriosis please DM or email me kelli@elementswellnesscentre.com.
KT