Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

When the cells of the endometrium are present outside the uterus and attach themselves to other areas, most commonly the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder or intestines. 

Facts about Endometriosis

• 5-10% of American women have symptoms of endometriosis
• Pain increased during ovulation, intercourse, constipation, uterine fibroids, IUD, cancerous growth, tampons, excessive exercise, alcohol and caffeine
• Ovarian endometrioma, a type of tumor, occurs in less than 5% of cases
• Occurs during puberty and is sometimes diagnosed in teenagers.  A recent study examined women ages 22 or younger who were referred to a pediatric/adolescent gynecology practice for chronic pelvic pain.  For relief, the young women had tried oral contraceptives or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, without success.  Laparoscopy tests found that nearly 70% had endometriosis.
• It can become a source of scarring and inflammation of nearby organs.  Blood clots can cause adhesions to other organs and possibly affect their normal functions.  The scar tissue may also lead to bowel inflammation and constriction of the cervix.  There may also be infection of the uterus, bladder or vagina.
• About ¼ of women with endometriosis become infertile.  Only about half of the women who try to get pregnant after treatment for endometriosis are successful.  
• It is thought to be responsible for between 30-60% of infertility in women.
• Endometriosis is on the rise in the United states, Especially among Caucasian women.  
• North American women who have the condition are typically between the ages of 25-40, most are childless.
• European women rarely have it.
• More often found in women who are high achievers and lead high-stress lives at work or home.
• In a study of nearly 4,000 women found that those who drink alcohol have a 50% higher risk of developing endometriosis than those who abstain.  Alcohol is associated with increased estrogen
• Pain increases within 12 hrs after having just 1 drink of alcohol.
• Increased estrogen and environmental toxins play a big role in endometriosis.
• Production of chemicals such as pesticides, plastics, detergents and household cleaners decrease immune systems and increase environmental estrogens.
• In 1994 the EPA linked endometriosis and dioxins in several studies.
• The chemical structure of dioxins, some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and some pesticides mimics human estrogens, and all of the toxins are stored in the body’s fatty tissues; they may act similarly to estrogen in stimulating some cells.  Dioxins are found in pesticides and herbicides that are used on food and especially concentrated in meat, fish and dairy products.
• Your risk of endometriosis is increased about 8% if your mother had it, and 6% if a sister has it.    
• Lack of exercise from early age and a high fat diet, also increase the risk factors of endometriosis.

Natural healing

Endometriosis is difficult to treat because the symptoms are worsened by woman’s natural hormonal cycle. But since endometriosis is slow to develop, it provides an excellent opportunity for natural healing methods to work.  We believe that it is better to treat the person and not the disease.  With natural healing, we strive to retain the woman’s cycle, but still control the growth of the tissue.

Helpful habits

• Exercise to increase circulation to the pelvic area, we suggest light exercise that works with breath control, gentle movements and breath control such as tai chi, qi gong, stretching exercises and dancing.
• Acupressure and or acupuncture for blood flow.  Only 44% of women remained infertile after acupuncture and acupressure.  Compared to 56% treated with hormones.
• Abdominal massage to help break up scar tissue and adhesions created by endometriosis, to help the stagnation of the liver and organs, and increase circulation in the body.
• Lymphatic drainage massage to increase lymph flow and relieve the toxicity of the body
• Do not smoke, smoking compromises your cardiovascular and immune systems.
• Do not drink alcohol even in tinctures.  Turn to teas, tablets, capsuls or alcohol-free extracts.
• Stay away from tampons, and use natural pads that are not treated with bleach
• Use heat.  Hot packs and hot baths

Dietary changes

• Low-fat, low salt diet that is high in fiber and includes an abundant amount of fresh vegetables and fruits and a few animal fats or fatty foods.  Both fats and dairy products can stimulate estrogen production.
• Eat whole grains which provide natural sources of Vitamin B & E, which boosts the ability of the liver and ovaries to reduce estrogen levels.
• Eat more beets and carrots to support the liver
• Eliminate as much caffeine from your diet as possible.  Women who drink just over a cup of coffee a day experienced over twice the average rate of endometriosis.
• Vitamins C & E help prevent tissue damage.  

Herbal Remedies

• Herbs have a great potential for curing endometriosis, but they require patience because treatment can take months to show effects.  Women often find that the condition does not resolve completely, but that symptoms practically disappear, helping them avoid surgery.
• Phytoestrogens are particularly important for treating endometriosis.  
• Virtex and black cohosh
• GLA
• Saw palmetto berry extract
• Pumpkin Seed oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Horsetail
• Plantain leaf
• Bilberries
• Blueberries
• Elderberries
• Hawthorn
• Seeds and skin of grapes
• Cramp bark
• Valerian
• Chamomile
• Wild yam
• Feverfew
• Motherwort
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Roman chamomile
• Lemongrass
• Turmeric
• Dandelion root
• Chicory
• Burdock
• Yellow dock
• South American herb boldo
• Red clover
• Mullein
• Red root
• Essential oils
• Orange bergamot
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Myrrh
• Helichrysum
• Lemon
• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Castor Oil packs

Recipe for Endometriosis Tea

1 qt of water

1 tsp vitex berries

1 tsp red clover blossoms

1 tsp wild yam root

1 tsp cramp bark

½ tsp horsetail

½ tsp red raspberry leaves

½ tsp motherwort

Combine the water and herbs in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Turn down the heat and simmer gently for about 5 min.  Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for about 15 min.  Strain and discard the herbs.  For a single course of treatment, drink at least 2 cups of tea daily for 2 weeks.

Closing Thoughts

Feel free to contact our office for a consultation.  We can work on the best natural ways to help you start feeling better with direct herbal remedies, acupressure, abdominal massage, lymphatic drainage and even help guide you to relieving the stresses that surround you in your daily life.

Dawn’s heart goes to women who are suffering with Endometriosis.  She was diagnosed with it at age 16 and they told her it was the worst they have ever seen.  They told her there would be no ways of having any children.  Needless to say God said differently.  She now has 4 children and is free from endometriosis.  There are natural ways to get your life back on track and to live symptom free.