Endometriosis
Do you or someone you know suffer from severe debilitating period pain? Do you experience pain during intercourse, while urinating or emptying your bowels? If you answered yes to these questions, then there is a chance that you may be experiencing symptoms of endometriosis. Throughout my studies and research into nutritional medicine, I have come across the topic of endometriosis quite a bit. Since I am passionate about women’s health and hormones, I thought I would share what I have found out about it so far!
Sadly, it takes around 10 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis and the only way to diagnose it currently is by laparoscopic surgery. Ultrasound cannot detect endometriosis lesions, therefore it cannot rule out endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to endometrial tissue (uterine lining) grows outside of the uterus e.g. in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the ligaments of the uterus, the cervical–vaginal area, the abdominal wall and umbilicus, the urinary tract and the rectum….it has even been found in the eye! It occurs in 1 in 10 women and causes severe abdominal pain.
What causes endometriosis?
The cause remains debatable. The main theory behind endometriosis is retrograde menstruation, meaning that menstrual fluid flows back through the Fallopian tubes and enters the pelvic cavity. However, since this happens to most women, it is becoming less of a popular theory. Instead, a multi-faceted explanation is gaining popularity including inflammation due to immune dysregulation, gut dysbiosis as a result of excess lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bacteria combined with other hormonal factors.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
· Secondary dysmenorrhea - severe period pain that occurs between periods and lasts for many days
· Pain during intercourse
· Urinary issues such as urgency, frequency, and painful voiding
· Bowel problems such as diarrhea, constipation and painful defecation
· Bloating, nausea and vomiting
· Headaches
· Low-grade fever
· Bleeding between periods
· Fertility issues
· Miscarriage
Nutritional treatment for endometriosis
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation through diet and lifestyle as well as supplementation. This may include avoiding dairy and switching to alternatives such as goat, sheep or A2 milk and avoiding gluten. Reducing caffeine and avoiding alcohol and sugar is also recommended.
The inclusion of anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger, turmeric, nuts and seeds, cold-pressed oils, fibre and nutrient-dense foods.
Supplements may include N-acetylcysteine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and E and more.
The above treatment is just the tip of the iceberg and may or may not be suitable for everyone. Hence, an individualised treatment plan would be recommended through your practitioner. If you suspect that you may be suffering from endometriosis, please seek medical advice from your health practitioner.
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