Endometriosis is a condition that involves endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, outside of the uterus. While this tissue can manifest anywhere in the body, it most frequently appears on the ovaries, around nerves or ligaments, within the uterine muscle, and on the pelvic cavity walls. Although this is not as common, some also experience extra-pelvic lesions on the abdominal wall, diaphragm, and lungs.
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% to 15% of women of reproductive age, and this prevalence increases by up to 70% in women with chronic pelvic pain.
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, although it’s thought to be caused by retrograde menstruation (menstrual blood flowing backwards instead of being expelled), genetics, and hormone dysfunction. However, through recent research we now understand that gut bacteria, the immune system, and environmental toxins also play a role in its development.
Signs and Symptoms
The primary symptom of endometriosis is severe pain which typically intensifies before and during menses, although it can also arise at any time during a females’ cycle. Other common signs and symptoms include:
- Severe period cramps
- Heavy or irregular period bleeding
- Vaginal pain and discomfort
- Painful vaginal intercourse
- Struggles with fertility
- Pain with bowel movements and urination
- Digestion-related symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation
- Hip, back, and sciatic pain
- Neurological symptoms like migraines, and mood-related concerns such as anxiety and depression
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of endometriosis is done through a laparoscopy. This procedure involves the insertion of a thin tube with an attached camera into the abdomen to locate endometrial lesions. As you can imagine, this procedure is quite invasive and can also take many years to receive. The prolonged diagnosis process subjects numerous patients to undiagnosed pain, and thus significantly affects their quality of life. To address these issues, researchers are exploring new diagnostic methods for endometriosis. One promising method is the CA-125 blood marker, which can be assessed via blood test. This marker indicates pelvic inflammation and has been linked to endometriosis.
You don’t need to wait for an official diagnosis through laparoscopy before looking into your treatment options. We can start now! If you’re struggling with pelvic pain, period pain, and pain with intercourse, naturopathic medicine can help you figure out what is going on and start you on a path to improvement.
How Can A Naturopathic Doctor Help?
At present, no cure exists for endometriosis and if left untreated, symptoms can worsen and increase the likelihood of tissue scarring, infertility issues, and ovarian cancer.
Typically, conventional treatment options center around surgery, which can decrease symptoms and safeguard fertility, but it involves an invasive procedure that carries the risk of adverse effects, and relapse is expected. Other conventional therapies often rely on hormone-based approaches like birth control pills and IUDs, which provide limited benefits and aren’t suitable for everyone. However, if you’re currently managing with conventional options, they can still be used in tandem with naturopathic care.
As we gain further insight into endometriosis, it’s becoming increasingly evident that it’s a multifaceted disease. Two components most often investigated are hormone imbalances and chronic inflammation, as endometriosis is an inflammatory condition mediated by estrogen. What often gets forgotten about is how these factors are linked with immune and digestive system irregularities, and neurocognitive shifts. With the array of immunological changes, those with endometriosis can have a heightened histamine response that increases blood flow to the lesions and increases abdominal inflammation. With the digestive system located in close proximity and thus, impacted by endometrial lesions, chronic constipation or diarrhea are inevitable due to the influx of messengers like prostaglandins impeding effectiveness of water absorption. All of the above qualities can alter pain sensations over time and have a significantly negative impact on daily life. As you can see, it’s no surprise why symptoms can originate from various areas of the body since so many systems are being affected. This is why it’s essential to investigate the various aspects of a patients’ health beyond their menstrual symptoms.
Whole Body Naturopathic Treatment for Endometriosis
Naturopathic doctors take a whole-body approach to treating endometriosis. Treatment outcomes for endometriosis patients include reducing pain and specific symptoms, targeting predisposing factors, supporting fertility, slowing disease progression, preventing other conditions from developing, and improving overall health and quality of life. To effectively manage this condition, we reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, improve immune system regulation, provide a better microbial balance, and support the nervous system, without ignoring the lesions themselves. Our treatments range from dietary modifications that focus on anti-inflammatory foods, herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, targeted supplement use, and acupuncture which has been shown to help with things like reducing inflammation and promoting the release of endorphins.
At Advanced Women’s Health we realize you’re unique and therefore you need a plan customized to you. This means that if you’ve had surgery, are on medications, have had no treatment, or aren’t even diagnosed – we can support you! We offer both in person care at our several clinics across Ontario (Kingston, Toronto, Mississauga) and virtual care (available to all Ontario residents). To learn more about our clinic and endometriosis, check out our Endometriosis Program.
References:
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