Curing Endometriosis - Holistic and Medical Treatments
Endometriosis is a word that carries a heavy weight for the millions of women it affects, yet remains shrouded in mystery for many. This chronic condition can leave those who suffer from it feeling alone, misunderstood and angry.
Understanding Endometriosis:
Endometriosis is a complex condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called endometrium, grows outside the uterus. This tissue can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs, leading to painful adhesions, inflammation, and fertility challenges. While endometriosis is a physical condition, its impact reaches far beyond the body. Up until this year, scientists could find no known cause or effective cure leaving 176 million women continuing to suffer. But despite a lack of research funding for this condition, there may be changes coming. According to a recent article in the Guardian, a shift is happening at the moment - a rethinking of endometriosis not as a disease of the pelvis, but “a whole-body disease” after a new Japanese study was published. Researchers found a common form of bacteria found in gum disease plays a role and could potentially be treated with antibiotics - instead of hormones and surgery.
Another important study found no endo ‘gene’ but genetic similarities were found in genes associated with chronic pain.
Not So Fun Facts:
It affects approximately 1 in 10 women.
Women with endo symptoms sometimes wait up to 10 years on average before diagnosis. Patients are often told symptoms are normal - part of being a woman… or ‘it’s just a bad period’.
63% of GPs are uncomfortable diagnosing and treating endometriosis.
Half of those GPs can’t name the top 3 symptoms.
82% of OBs admit being unable to perform advanced endo removal surgery.
Common Symptoms:
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Severe cramps before and during menstruation are a hallmark of endometriosis.
Chronic Pelvic Pain: A persistent, deep pelvic pain that extends beyond menstruation.
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Discomfort during or after sexual intercourse.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea, especially during menstruation.
Fatigue and Emotional Impact: The relentless pain takes an emotional toll, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
The Pain of Under-Diagnosis:
One of the most challenging aspects of endometriosis is its under-diagnosis. There are several reasons why this condition remains hidden:
Normalization of Pain: Many women believe that painful periods are "normal," leading to delayed diagnosis.
Lack of Awareness: Both the general public and medical professionals might not recognize the subtle signs of endometriosis until they are trying to start a family.
Diagnostic Delay: The average diagnostic delay is around 7 to 10 years, as patients and doctors often search for other explanations for the symptoms.
Invasive Diagnosis: The only definitive diagnosis is through laparoscopic surgery, which many are hesitant to undergo.
The Emotional Toll:
Endometriosis takes a toll not only on the body but also on the mind and emotions. The chronic pain, uncertainty, and societal misunderstanding can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and grief. Relationships, career goals, and self-esteem can suffer, amplifying the overall impact.
Medical Treatments
Treatments for endometriosis are difficult to navigate and often come with side effects. First, patients are often offered pain medication and hormonal medications. These medications are band-aids that do not treat the underlying disease. Then, they are offered surgery, yet most OBGYNs are ill-equipped to provide the advanced surgery necessary to treat endometriosis properly.
Pain killers (NSAIDs), contraceptive pill to help control the growth of endometrial tissue each month, progesterone hormone or IUD to thin the endometrial tissues. GnRH agonists/antagonists which causes artificial temporary menopause. If medical treatments aren’t working some women end up with, large blood filled cysts in ovaries and others undergo laproscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue blocking tubes.
Holistic Treatments
Most holistic treatments are used to manage symptoms - if you’re having difficulty getting a diagnosis some of these may be helpful for you.
Red Light Therapy: An emerging technology is red light therapy (LLLT) to reduce inflammation and improve the health of the cells in the reproductive organs and overall health benefits. A recent RCT demonstrated significant improvements for women. Researchers recommended red light therapy as an effective method of pain management, reducing adhesions, and improving the quality of life in women with endometriosis. Read more about red light therapy for fertility in my ‘Laser Baby’ blog.
Meditation: There is an abundance of research on the beneficial impact of meditation and chronic pain. Women favor mindfulness meditation as a method of self-treatment. In one Australian study of 484 women with endometriosis, meditation was one of the most common forms of self-management with 47% of respondents using meditation or breathing exercises. In a group of 10 women with chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, Hansen et al showed sustained long-term effects of a 10-session mindfulness intervention with improved quality of life at a 6-year follow-up.
Other holistic options include TENs machine for pain, turmeric supplementation to reduce inflammation, yoga, acupuncture, nutrition and CBD.
What has helped you the most?
