Endometriosis — finding solutions naturally

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when cells grow outside the uterus mostly around the pelvic area. The cells become trapped there and start to cause inflammation, scaring and a lot of pain. Usually women have endometrium cells that line the uterus and are discarded as part of the menstrual cycle but this is not the case in endometriosis.

Some women suffer with endometriosis without actually knowing it. Often the pain and symptoms are mistaken as part of premenstrual syndrome, more commonly known as PMS. Sometimes women don’t seek help for the pain until it becomes debilitating and therefore don’t get a proper diagnosis. Other times the condition may not display symptoms, therefore leaving the women unaware that they have the condition at all. They then only find out that they have endometriosis when they realise they are having problems conceiving a child.

Symptoms of endometriosis can include pain during sex, while going to the toilet or during menstruation. The pain can be in the lower abdomen or even in the back. Sometimes it can be a shooting pain down the leg like sciatica. It can cause nausea and lethargy as well. Some women experience painful periods and heavy bleeding, or even bleeding between periods and shorter menstrual cycles. There can be indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation and bloating. Having this condition can start to have an effect on mood and cause anxiety.

Endometriosis effects 30% of women when it comes to fertility because it can block or damage the Fallopian tubes. Pregnancy can slow or stop endometriosis but it doesn’t stop it from recurring after childbirth. Symptoms often ease after menopause however there are natural ways to treat endometriosis.

The cause of endometriosis is not known but things that could contribute to women getting it include retrograde menstruation which is when some of the menstrual fluid flows backwards into the Fallopian tubes and also genetics play a factor. You’re more likely to have it if your family members have it.

The condition is often medically treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, combined oral contraceptive pill or an IUD. There is also the option of key-hole surgery to remove the cells growing around the outside of the uterus. There have been instances where medical treatments such as these are not always the best way to go for some patients due to side effects or other reasons. Remember everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.

Natural ways of treatment involve looking at your inflammation sensitivities, including regular exercise, having a healthy diet and creating a balance in your life

It is important to have a trusted natural practitioner to assist with these. There are some herbs and supplements which can assist in many ways.

Herbs that balance your hormones made in a mix to suit you specifically, natural supplements for your anxiety and analysis of your inflammation levels and sensitivities are a good way to find more permanent remedies for endometriosis. Of course early diagnosis reduces long-term impact of the condition. So if you are experiencing pelvic pain, especially if it’s severe enough that it is having an effect on your quality of life, you need to visit your naturopath and doctor to work together, find the cause then follow through with some suitable treatment.