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January 10, 2015This word, endometriosis, seems to be popping up more and more these days as I notice an increase in its awareness. Many people ask me, what exactly is endometriosis? If this is something that you have asked your self or if this a condition that you have been diagnosed with, then keep reading.
Endometriosis is a condition where pieces of the uterine lining, or endometrium, are found outside of the uterus. This tissue behaves in the same way as it does in the uterus – growing during the menstrual cycle in response to oestrogen and shedding in the absence of pregnancy. The problem is that endometrium tissue out side of the uterus is trapped and can’t leave the body as menstruation. Some women experience no symptoms, but for many it is very incapacitating, causing severe pain and can lead to infertility.
Despite being one of the most common gynaecological conditions found today, the cause remains controversial. There are many theories as to how the tissue forms out side of the uterus, one theory is that fragments of endometrial tissue makes its way up the fallopian tubes and another theory involves immunological factors.
Signs and symptoms of endometriosis include cyclic pain, chronic pelvic pain, altered bowel habits and painful urination. Making a diagnosis of endometriosis purely on presenting symptoms is difficult as there is considerable overlap with other conditions. A laparoscopy is often the diagnosis method needed to identify the characteristic lesions associated with the condition. Your GP can perform others tests to help with investigations.
What can you do about it?…
There are many different natural treatment options when it comes to endometriosis. Here is a summary of some key points but it is important to get individualised advise to ensure the best out come for you.
Dietary inclusions:
- Soy – Endometriosis is considered an oestrogen displacement condition so excessive soy intake is not recommended as it may aggravate oestrogen receptor sites. Soy is found in the obvious foods such as tofu, miso, tempeh and soy milk but it is also used widely in processed foods. Textured soy protein may be found in hamburgers, sausages and other processed meat products and soy protein isolate can be found in cheese, cereals, ice cream, muesli and energy bars. Lecithin is a soy agent that allows mixing of oil and water and is found in chocolate, cakes and biscuits, mayonnaise and salad dressings. These foods should all be avoided. (Note: lecithin is also sourced from eggs so this form dose not contain any soy)
- Caffeine – a study found that caffeine consumption of 300mg/day or more was linked to an increased prevalence of endometriosis among infertile women. Caffeine consumption in excess has also been linked directly to infertility.
- Sugar – sugar is an immune depressant, is highly inflammatory and provides little in the way of nutrition so it not way beneficial for anyone with endometriosis.
Dietary exclusions:
- Anti-inflammatory foods – Given the widespread inflammation that occurs in endometriosis, foods known to have anti-inflammatory effects should be consumed. These include turmeric, ginger, nuts and seeds, oily fish, cold pressed oils and antioxidant rich foods.
- Fibre – increased fibre intake encourages the excretion of metabolised oestrogen’s via the bowels.
- Whole food diet – include a diet full of naturally occurring foods such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa, nuts and seeds and lean protein.
Herbal Medicine:
- Alchemilla vulgaris (Ladies Mantle) – Ladies mantle is often used to reduce excessive blood flow associated with endometriosis.
- Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) – this herb has been used traditionally to regulate menstruation and relieve pain during menstruation.
- Paeonia lactiflora (White peony) – Used in the treatment of menstrual disturbance and abdominal pain.
- Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree berry) – Vitex is a common herb used to regulate hormonal balance and can be used specifically for endometriosis to improve the oestrogen-to-progesterone imbalance.
