Endometriosis is a condition that affects women worldwide and according to the NHS, it is one of the most painful conditions. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It may grow in areas such as on the uterus, in the pelvic cavity, and even on other organs. Although very rare, this tissue can also grow in the lungs or brain. It frequently causes scarring, adhesions and cysts.
What causes endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is currently unknown hence there being no cure for it. One theory is that endometriosis is supported by the hormones of the menstruation cycle, as a result, it can afflict women from their first menstrual cycle through menopause. In rarer cases, endometriosis can affect post-menopausal women as well.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms include pain in the pelvic, abdominal, or lower back areas. The severity of the pain does not directly correlate with the amount of endometriosis present in these areas. One can have a small amount of endometriosis growth and feel severe pain. Conversely, one can have a large area of endometriosis growth and feel no pain. Other symptoms include abnormal menstruation cycles (irregular and heavy bleeding), infertility, pain during sex, pain with urination, vomiting, nausea, bloating (affectionately *sarcasm* known as ‘endo belly’), pain with bowel movements (especially before a period) and pressure in the rectal area. Some women don’t have any symptoms, but their doctors discover endometrial tissue growing where it shouldn’t during a check for other conditions. Experts believe that 50% of women with endometriosis have difficulty becoming pregnant. Also, GP’s often have a difficult time diagnosing endometriosis.
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Women who have pain in these areas might want to ask their GP for a referral to a specialist. An MRI or ultrasound can sometimes detect endometriosis, but it is not the best way. A definitive diagnostic procedure is an exploratory laparoscopy. An ex-lap is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a tube with an attached light into the abdomen. This procedure will determine the location and extent of the condition. Treatment can include medication, hormones and/or more surgery. If discussed before exploratory surgery, during your ex-lap procedure your surgeon may remove any endometriosis that is found.
Managing Endometriosis Naturally
Ovira
Ovira is one of my favourite non-invasive, drug-free treatments for menstrual pain. This amazing machine uses pulse therapy to keep your uterus comfortable and pain-free at the click of a button. Effective, discreet, super lightweight and with a battery life of up to 8 hours, it is ideal for mild to severe menstrual cramps. You can use Ovira at the first sign of menstrual cramping. I wear mine under my clothes so that I can continue with my normal activities – just don’t get in the shower with it.
Natural Progesterone
This works to decrease the effects of oestrogen on endometriosis. You can apply the cream every day to soft areas of the skin like the inner elbow, inner knee and abdomen. One doctor says that you can use a 55g jar every month by applying it on days 10-28 of your monthly cycle. Ensure that you alternate the areas you apply it to. Ask your GP or gynaecologist about natural progesterone supplementation.
Castor Oil Packs
Apply a castor oil pack to the lower area of your abdomen three times a week or more, for one hour each session. This has been a great relief for me. Ensure you speak to your GP or gynaecologist before using castor oil packs and never use this method whilst you’re actually bleeding.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs
Acupuncture is excellent for managing pain, and using the traditional Chinese system of diagnosis, can address underlying energetic imbalances within your body. Most importantly, the treatment is tailored to you. The Chinese herbs prescribed usually work in conjunction with the acupuncture treatment, although you can take them on their own to great effect. Above all, always consult a medical professional before taking any herbal remedies.
Reiki
If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve pain, ease stress, or help your body to heal, Reiki may be an option. A Reiki practitioner will put their hands on or just above your body and transfer healing energy to it. This Japanese practice is used all over the world but there isn’t much research on it. Studies that have been done show that it can have a positive effect on you. It’s not clear, though, how much or why. So, many doctors are waiting to make a judgment until more research is done. Although Reiki is believed to be safe, it shouldn’t replace any of your regular medical treatments.
Meditation
Your body can trigger the release of stress hormones, causing inflammation, and increasing pain in those areas that are already irritated. In a nutshell, meditation shifts your focus to something quiet and calm, reducing inflammation and pain. Read our blog post on meditation for beginners here.
Managing Pain Through Nutrition
There are research papers that show that non-specific pain is the result of nutritional deficiency and that some vitamins have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. They suggest these vitamins, minerals and supplements as options in pain management:
- Vitamin A, C, and E – these three vitamins are antioxidants. Vitamin E also inhibits the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins encourage the inflammatory process.
- The non-yeast forms of Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 – these three B vitamins together have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Magnesium – these tablets are one of my favourites! They have 300mg of elemental magnesium in them which is perfect for helping muscles to relax and it also lessens nerve pain.
- DLPA – DL-Phenylalanine is an amino acid that has been found to relieve chronic pain. You will need to take DLPA consistently over time. Some people notice an immediate effect, for others it takes several weeks.
- Essential fatty acids – fish-based or vegan oils (omega 3) and evening primrose (omega 6). My favourite combination capsule is Udo’s. It’s very effective, therefore, more expensive.
- Zinc citrate – research has demonstrated that zinc has anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces the release of histamine and leukotriene from cells during the inflammatory process.
- The non-yeast form of selenium – this is a powerful antioxidant that helps to support the metabolism.
- Probiotics – probiotics boost and restore our gut flora. Antibiotics, infection, stress, travel or poor nutrition can harm our gut flora. The majority of your immune system is in your gut and digestive system, therefore, boosting this is vital to prevent bloating, constipation, reduce parasites & provide immune support.
Many women with endometriosis also find that when they stop eating wheat, they have less or no pain. Some people may also be sensitive to sugar and gluten. If you remove these items one at a time from your diet for about a month, then watch how your body reacts when you eat them again, you’ll know whether this applies to you.
Other Options
- Consider getting a massage once a week on non-period days for two months due to some women have reported this alleviates their symptoms
- Find ways to express your creativity, nurture yourself, meet your own needs consequently discovering what your needs are.
Many women have found relief from endometriosis by trying the different methods above. Sometimes a combination of approaches, both natural and conventional, works best. It depends on your circumstances, the level of endometriosis, and the nature of the journey that you can take with your body. Above all, remember to always seek the advice of a medical professional before taking any supplements and always read the labels.
This website does not provide medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on The Imperfect Cactus website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your GP or dial 999.
Kelly Winter is a self-care guru from Stockport, Cheshire. You can contact her here at www.theimperfectcactus.com, on Instagram (@TheImperfectCactus), Facebook (@TheImperfectCactus) or Twitter (@ImperfectCactus). ‘The Guide to Boosting Self-Esteem‘ is Kelly’s debut self-help guide which is available on Amazon.