Endometriosis is a disorder characterized by one or more of the following:
- pelvic pain with menstruation
- pelvic pain during non-menstrual part of the cycle
- pain with intercourse
- pain with bowel movements
- infertility women
- changes in the menstrual cycle
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. It is thought to be familial yet no identified genes have yet been discovered. One theory is that of retrograde menstruation flowing back up into the pelvic cavity and into non-endometrial tissue. It may spread by lymph tissue and blood through the umbilicus, metaplasia occurring spontaneously into the endometrial tissue.
Conventional therapy often starts with birth control pills and pain pills but then can move on to surgery followed by oral contraceptive pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a). The GnRH- medication reduces estrogen levels, and puts the woman in at least temporary menopause, with subsequent symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, reduced libido, mood changes and more. Even though the medication is designed to lower estrogen, the conventional response to the onset of the menopause symptoms is to add back low doses of estrogen therapy.
Naturopathic Therapies including herbal supplementation, diet changes, lifestyle modification and stress management may provide pain relief or pain reduction adjunctively or in replace of conventional treatments.
Diagnosis and Management:
Endometriosis can take up to 7 years to fully diagnose. Physical exam can be normal and pelvic pain may or may not be the only symptom. Diagnosis of endometrial lesions can only be verified through laparoscopy. Differential diagnosis should be assessed and include:
- Celiac
- IBS
- PID
- Thyroid Imbalance
- UA, not pregnant HCG
- STD, G/C, CBC, ESR, CA 125
- Musculoskeletal
- Pain Diary
- Negative US does not rule out endometriosis but can assess physical abnormalities
Symptoms: can all be different in all women
- asymptomatic, discovered at C-section or tubal ligation
- dysmennorhea in 90% of women, cyclical, can be chronic and get worse or daily with progression
- dyspareunia, deep internal pain with sex, ache, deep lower back pain, like organs are falling out
- dysuria can affect and cause pain in bladder or filling or excretion, may cause hematuria, or constipation/diarrhea, bleeding when passing bowel movement
- Infertility, can physically damage fallopian tubes or alter shape, very inflammatory and can damage eggs, sperm or affect implantation
Treatment: Focus is on pain relief, hormone balance to support proper estrogen and progesterone balance and reduce all inflammation.
- PAIN diary can be useful and monitoring cyclic changes
- Meditation can be helpful and CBTherapy
- Protein and Plant Based Diet
- Supporting Liver Function and Detox
- Eliminating Environmental Toxins and Exogenous Estrogens
- Psychosocial Support for Pain Control and Quality of Life
- Ginger, Valerian and Crampbark Pain Control
- Birth Control, Pain Medication and SSRI
- Inhibiting menses can be helpful in pain and prevention of progression of disease.
Dr. Tori Hudson, women’s health specialist, Naturopathic Physician, Author, Educator and Researcher has researched and presented clinical studies on the following:
- NAC 600mg three time daily 3 consecutive days per week x 3 months, reduces pain and increase fertility/ovulation
- Melatonin at 10 mg/day reduces endometriosis associated chronic pelvic pain, including a reduction in pelvic pain, pelvic pain during menses, pain during vaginal penetration, pain during urination and pain during defecation that is statistically and clinically significant. This reduction in pelvic pain due to melatonin was of a magnitude > 35% overall, as well as an 80% reduction in analgesic use.
- Pine Bark Extract: pycnogenol 30 mg twice daily reduces pelvic pain
- The mechanisms whereby tea reduces the risk of endometrial cancer are multifactorial. Tea, even green tea, contains caffeine, which lowers free estrogen levels. A number of antioxidants are in green tea, and these “catechins” affect carcinogenesis in numerous ways including inducing apoptosis (cell death), inhibiting estrogen-induced activation of endometrial cells and scavenging free radicals. Tea also contains phytoestrogens and can have an estrogen antagonist effect on endometrial cells. Tea consumption also modifies genetic polymorphisms relevant in the development of endometrial cancer.
Start Naturopathic Medicine today to reduce pain related to endometriosis, balance hormones and reduce inflammation to improve your quality of life.
Have Questions? Lets talk!
Schedule a free 15 minute consult with NWW
Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021 | F: 303-545-2003
| Dr. Hillary Martin |
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