Natural Approaches to Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by growth of tissue similar to that lining the uterus, the endometrium, in areas of the body beyond the uterus. The displaced tissue may respond to the monthly cycle just as the endometrium does. However, at the last phase of the woman's cycle, the shed 'endometrium-like' tissue grown outside of the uterus, cannot be eliminated as menstrual bleeding through the natural channel of exit. This leads to the build up of plaques or lesions which worsen over time. 

Endometriosis lesions can affect female pelvic cavities, the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, the pelvic-side wall, ligaments beneath the ovaries, utero-sacral ligaments and the rectal vaginal septum. Less commonly, they can be found on the bladder, intestines, ureters, diaphragm, rarely  on the skin, lung, spine and brain.

As an estrogen dependent condition, usually affects women in reproductive age. However, it can also occur in post-menopausal women with an estimated incidence of 2-4%. Women having an affected first-degree relative show a 10 fold increased incidence of developing the condition. The most common symptom of Endometriosis is severe, recurring pelvic pain, which may or may not be correlated to the menstrual cycle and whose intensity is not necessarily related to the extent or stage of Endometriosis. For many women the pain can be so severe and debilitating to impact their lives in significant ways. Women diagnosed with Endometriosis may present gastrointestinal symptoms mimicking Irritable Bowel Syndrome and may also suffer from Depression and Fatigue.

It's estimated that 30-40% of women with Endometriosis show infertility. In some women, this condition is only discovered after fertility investigations. However, Endometriosis-related infertility is often treated successfully with surgery. Although extensive Endometriosis can distort pelvic anatomy and thus partly explain infertility, the relationship between infertility and Endometriosis is not yet clear and therefore actively investigated.

The only sure method to confirm an Endometriosis diagnosis is by laparoscopy, which also treats the condition. Although there's presently no cure, treatment options exist. Patients can be treated with birth control pills, hormone therapies, drugs inducing menopause, even hysterectomy to stop the dysmenorrheal symptoms. Hysterectomy, though, cannot ensure disappearance of symptoms, for the possibility of adhesions on other organs beside the reproductive organs and even on the abdominal wall. 

Aspirin-like, pain-killer medications, such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are commonly used. However, both, NSAIDs and hormonal treatment on a long run can also be the cause of a number of adverse-side effects, which worsen the condition. 

Medical herbal treatments have also been proved effective. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches differently the causes of Endometriosis. In TCM, it is classified as a liver disorder associated with liver stagnation. Recent studies have indeed supported this theory and implicated chronic exposure to environmental pollutants, as dioxins, to liver problems and Endometriosis, independently. A compromised liver also contributes to weakening the immune system, a factor implicated in Endometriosis.

The Herbal ingredients used in TCM for the treatment of Endometriosis work primarily by affecting the functioning of the liver and of the female reproductive system. Among the hormone-balancing herbs, widely used are Chaste Berry and Don Quai. Particularly effective for liver problems is the herb named Milk Thistle. Chinese Yam is used for his excellent tonic properties on the liver and nervous system and for its anti-inflammatory properties. An homeopathic remedy named Viburnum opulus has been proved effective too, especially for backache associated with Endometriosis.

Endometriosis must not be confused with Endometrial Cancer. However, it has been hypothesized that the excess estrogen production by Endometriosis may eventually cause ovarian or other cancers over a woman's life time. The staging of endometriosis resembles the staging of cancer. 

For more info, studies and publications visit www.endometriosis.org
ps. Always keep in mind that You are strongly advised to consult healthcare specialists and your own family medical doctor, before implementing any change to your diet or following any medical advice. The information presented here or anywhere else online is uniquely provided with the purpose to inform You, so that You can act on and take informed decisions for improving your health