Endometriosis Overview

Endometriosis Overview

Endometriosis is a female medical condition, in which body tissue very similar to the lining of the uterus is found in other areas of the body. Sometimes this tissue can develop on the outside of the uterus, but it's not uncommon for it to develop in other areas too such as on the ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Sometimes this uterus lining type tissue will even develop on old surgical scars, the appendix, colon, bladder, intestines, and rectum.

Endometriosis is the cause of severe pelvic pain for women, particularly during their period, and it often results in infertility. In fact, estimates say that about 30-40% of women with endometriosis are unable to conceive children.

The cause of this disease is not yet fully known, but many believe it's related to hormonal changes or imbalances in the woman's body. There is also evidence of endometriosis being hereditary too. A woman who's mother or sister has the disease is six times more likely to have problems with it as well.

Treatments often revolve around managing and reducing the symptoms, or using drugs which change the body's hormone levels. Women who would like to get pregnant may elect to try surgical options though. One such surgical procedure is known as laparoscopic surgery, and this is used to both diagnose and treat endometriosis at the same time.

Some women are told that a hysterectomy is the only way to completely cure the problem, but unfortunately endometriosis can return even after this procedure. Many women however, have had success with managing this condition through nutritional changes, and herbal or other alternative remedies.

Endometriosis usually causes severe pain in women who have the disease. Not all women experience pain though, and the amount of pain doesn't usually indicate the severity of your endometriosis tissue growth.

Most women with this disease experience common problems though. These include severe menstrual pain in the lower back and pelvis, diarrhea, constipation or bloating particularly during their period, painful intercourse, and very heavy or long menstrual flows.

The condition gets worse over time too. Because the tissue growth is quite similar to that found in the lining of the uterus, when a woman's monthly cycle starts, that tissue grows and fills with blood just like the tissue inside the uterus does. When an egg is not fertilized though, the uterine tissue is then released in the form of menstrual blood flow. Since endometriosis tissue has no release outlet, it simply continues to grow as time goes on.

As the tissue grows, it can sometimes cover the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and this is why some women are unable to get pregnant when they have endometriosis.

Endometriosis Treatments

Since the actual cause of endometriosis is not known, treatments can vary from one woman to another. Sometimes treatments revolve around managing the symptoms, but women who want to become pregnant at some point in the future may sometimes elect to have surgery. There are times when women choose to have a full hysterectomy too, and there are hormone therapies and treatments which are sometimes used as well.

Some women have had success with natural treatments such as nutrition therapy and herbal remedies. There is some evidence that endometriosis might be caused by a problem with the woman's immune system, so boosting nutrition may help in many ways. Some theorize that the body's immune system is actually malfunctioning though, instead of simply functioning at less than normal levels.

For women who suffer primarily from mild pain problems though, treatments often involve taking over the counter pain medications as needed. If the pain is quite severe, your doctor may prescribe you stronger versions of these pain medications.

Hormone treatments are often recommended for women who aren't getting enough relief with just pain medications though, but this treatment option shouldn't be used by women who may want to get pregnant in the future.

Some types of hormone treatments include the use of birth control pills, which slows down the growth of endometriosis tissues. Birth control pills block the effects of the body's natural hormones, and can greatly reduce the symptoms caused by endometriosis. Women can get pregnant at a later date by stopping the use of the birth control pills, but when they stop taking these pills the endometriosis symptoms return as well.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) reduces the amount of estrogen in a woman's body and stops her monthly period cycle because the tissue growth is greatly slowed.

Surgical procedures are also used to treat endometriosis. The most common surgical procedure is known as Laparoscopy, and it's used to both diagnose and treat the disease. With this procedure, the doctor makes a small abdominal incision, and attempts to remove or destroy the extra tissue growth without harming healthy tissues. With more severe cases of endometriosis however, a major abdominal surgery may be needed.

A Hysterectomy is used for women who have severe damage to their uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes from endometriosis. This treatment should only be used by women who have no wish to become pregnant in the future though, because the doctor often removes the female reproductive organs entirely. This is also not guaranteed to prevent endometriosis from returning.

Endometriosis Natural Remedies

There are a variety of ways to manage the symptoms of endometriosis naturally, and there are ways to help reduce the overall effects of the disease too. Treatments will differ from one woman to another depending on her personal preferences, but here are some of the most common natural approaches.

1. Exercise. Though many women can't begin to think of exercising when they're in so much pain, it's proven that just ten minutes of moderate activity can release endorphins into your body. And these endorphins provide your body with similar effects that morphine does, so pain can be dramatically reduced.

If you're in a lot of pain however, then you won't be able to do any major strenuous exercising. Try lower impact exercises such as swimming, walking or yoga instead.

2. Yoga. This has become a popular natural treatment for endometriosis, because it teaches you how to be more aware of your body, and integrates relaxation and meditation techniques which can help sooth, calm, relieve tension, and reduce pain.

3. Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, and Massage. Massage is a well known technique that helps soothe and relax sore or painful muscles. The gentle contact is also thought to be soothing psychologically as well. Aromatherapy is used with certain essential oils that are known for stimulating endorphins and encouraging relaxation. Acupuncture also works by stimulating endorphins and certain types of hormones too.

4. Dietary changes. Many women have found that certain foods actually stimulate more pain, and by avoiding these foods they find themselves virtually pain free during their periods. Tomatoes for instance, can cause severe increases in pain for some women with endometriosis, so avoiding those and other problem foods helps reduce the problems drastically.

Other women have had excellent success with food changes that are designed to limit or restrict candida yeast growth. Some of these natural techniques include reducing sugars and simple carbohydrates; avoiding wheat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and refined foods; and increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be increased with simple fish or flax oil supplements, or you can start eating more fresh fish or flax seeds too.

There are also foods which can help balance your hormone levels. Some of these include garlic, broccoli, apples, parsley, nuts and seeds, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, carrots, rhubarb, and sage.

5. Vitamins and Minerals. Women who suffer from endometriosis can often get natural relief by improving their vitamin and mineral intake. This can be done through foods, but it can also be done using herbal supplements. Increasing calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, Vitamins A, B, C, and E can all help dramatically with a variety of symptoms and problems that come with endometriosis.

Endometriosis Herbal Remedies

Recent research has pointed to environmental pollutants and toxins as being a potential cause of endometriosis. And with this theory, many people are now turning to body detoxification treatments to help resolve the problems created by this disease. So far the results look promising for many women, particularly those who focus on a liver detoxification program.

Since the liver is the primary organ in our bodies which filters wastes, toxins, bacteria and pollutants, detoxifying and strengthening that organ can help it to clean us out faster and more efficiently. When the liver works well it also helps clear out excess estrogen from the body, and this in turn helps to resolve problems with endometriosis.

There are many excellent herbs to use for cleansing and toning the liver, and some women simply add these as daily supplements. Other women want faster results however, so they choose to go with a full body detox and cleansing routine, usually in the form of a juice fast, followed by a regimen of herbal supplements which help strengthen and tone the liver, kidneys, and glandular systems within the body.

Using infection fighting herbs during this process can also help, because these will clear your body of any harmful bacteria, germs, or parasites which may be contributing to the problems.

Garlic is the best herb to add for this process, because it fights infections while also destroying various common parasites. Garlic is also an excellent herb to help balance the hormones in your body, along with various other critical functions.

Dandelion is the number one herb to use for liver cleansing. It works so well in fact, that it's often used for treating hepatitis. Dandelion is very high in calcium, which is particularly important for women who have heavy menstrual periods. It's also an excellent herb to use for anemia, and it's great for the female organs.

Parsley is another excellent herb to use for cleansing. It's quite high in many vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium and iron. It's a natural diuretic, which helps the kidneys flush out toxins from the blood stream. Parsley is also believed to be a natural cancer preventative.

Fennel is known as a sweet spice commonly used for cooking. This herb is excellent for helping with digestion, as well as cleansing the kidneys and liver.

Horsetail is another natural diuretic herb which is excellent for the entire body. This herb helps the body use calcium, and is particularly useful for helping with kidney stones. The reason it works well for endometriosis treatments though, is because it helps dissolve tumors in the body, and the endometriosis tissue is similar to small non cancerous tumors. This herb is also an excellent treatment for killing and expelling parasites within the body too.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

Go Back from Endometriosis Overview to Health Conditions Articles Index