A Holistic Health Approach to Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder in which the endometrium, or tissue that lines your uterus, grows outside the uterus - often on or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis. When endometriosis occurs, the endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue does normally by growing, thickening, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped, and surrounding tissue can become irritated, and eventually develop scar tissue and adhesions. Endometriosis can cause severe pain, especially during menstrual periods. 

Addressing Endometriosis Holistically…

Endometriosis can disrupt your life if left untreated, and while it has no exact cure, its symptoms can be managed. Seeing a naturopath for endometriosis helps many women address their symptoms naturally and holistically.

For some more extreme cases, treatment of endometriosis can also include gynecologic surgery, but as a naturopath for endometriosis, Dr. Lana’s holistic approach to managing endometriosis symptoms focuses on includes optimizing your diet and lifestyle, as well as supplementation, acupuncture, and botanical medicine to address endometriosis without surgery. Her recommendations may include:

Diet: Foods high in dietary fiber are associated with a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut flora, playing a significant role in breaking down estrogen and reducing inflammation. 

Acupuncture has been shown to greatly help those who suffer from endometriosis, along with many other health benefits. 

Hormone balancing can help your body regulate the monthly hormonal changes that promote the tissue growth that causes endometriosis and can sometimes relieve pain and stop the progression of the condition. This can be done through a combination of lifestyle adjustments, supplementation, and botanical medicine.

For some more extreme cases, treatment of endometriosis can also include gynecologic surgery.

Endometriosis Signs & Symptoms

The primary symptom of endometriosis is severe pelvic pain, often during menstrual periods. Although cramping during menstrual periods can be common and normal, those with endometriosis typically experience menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Other frequent signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

The extent of endometriosis is not always indicated by the amount of pain experienced. It’s possible to have mild endometriosis with severe pain, advanced endometriosis with little or no pain, and not exhibit symptoms at all. It’s important to keep up with regular gynecological exams, which will allow your gynecologist to monitor any changes.

Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, and although there are several theories about what causes this painful condition, no single theory has been scientifically proven. One of the most common theories is that endometriosis is linked to a process called retrograde menstruation, which occurs when menstrual blood flows back through your fallopian tubes into your pelvic cavity instead of leaving your body through the vagina. Endometriosis is also much more common when a close relative also has the disorder, so there may be a genetic link that influences endometriosis. 

Effects of Endometriosis on Fertility

One of the main complications of endometriosis is impaired fertility. Approximately one-third to one-half of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis may obstruct the fallopian tube and prevent the egg and sperm from uniting and in turn, fertilizing. The condition may also damage the sperm or egg. Even so, many with mild to moderate endometriosis can still conceive and carry a pregnancy to term, though doctors sometimes advise those with endometriosis not to delay having children due to the possibility of the condition worsening over time.

Will I always have this pain?

Every individual is different, but the symptoms of endometriosis usually improve after menopause. As the body stops making estrogen, the growths slowly shrink. However, endometriosis symptoms can be managed through natural, holistic methods. The sooner you seek help, the sooner Dr. Lana can help to alleviate your symptoms.