Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition with an abnormal immune response in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus and onto other parts of the body including the bowel, bladder and ovaries. The most common symptom is pelvic pain which can be severe and may last throughout the whole cycle, not just during menstruation.
Endometriosis is said to affect 1 in 10 women at some point in their life and often begins during the teenage years. Many women and young girls in particular come to expect the level of pain they experience as normal which may contribute to the fact that it usually takes 7-10 years to diagnose.
Symptoms are varied but include:
- Severe period pain (which may begin before your period starts)
- Rectal pain
- Pain down the legs
- Pain during intercourse
- Erratic bowel movements or pain during bowel movements
- Subfertility
The primary aim of natural treatment for Endometriosis pain is to reduce inflammation and prostaglandin production, decrease the perception of pain, shunt oestrogen metabolism into a milder pathway and decrease toxin exposure which can exacerbate the already high level of oestrogens in the body.
It can take up to 2-3 months to see noticeable changes so don’t give up if you don’t see immediate results. Each person will respond individually to different treatments so if you are struggling to find a treatment that works please consider a Skype appointment with an experienced Seed Naturopath.
Download the menstrual symptom chart to track your symptoms and their severity from cycle to cycle.
Natural treatment Endometriosis pain
- Consume broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, fennel, kale, spinach and brussel sprouts most days to assist with oestrogen metabolism – aim for at least 2-3 cups!
- Avoid heating food in any form of plastic, plastic food wrap and plastic water bottles which are major sources of environmental oestrogens which may trigger endometriosis.
- Detoxify from environmental oestrogen by avoiding chemical cleaning products, perfumes and personal care products.
- Avoid dairy, gluten, corn, soy and sugar to reduce inflammation.
- Replace coffee with 1-2 cups of green tea which contains antioxidants which may be beneficial.
- Decrease red meat to around 1 serve per week (increase organic chicken, eggs and fish)
- Ensure that all of your food (especially ALL animal products) are organic
- Aim to decrease inflammation by eating anti-inflammatory foods (link to anti-inflammatory foods). Add turmeric and spices to most meals and consume LOADS of vegetables everyday. At least 40-50% of your daily food intake should be vegetables.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds to food or drinks daily to help eliminate excess oestrogen from your system.
- Add turmeric and ginger liberally to food and drinks
- Cinnamon tea can help to reduce heavy bleeding and also minimize those sugar cravings.
- Hot baths and water bottles are a must for symptoms of pain
- Supplement with high doses of good quality fish oil daily
- Consider supplementation with magnesium, turmeric and liquid herbs which can be prescribed by your Seed Naturopath.
- Download the Seed iPhone App to track your cycles and take the hormonal health quiz for more diet and lifestyle suggestions which are specific for you.
- Use the healthy recipes and meal suggestions in the Seed iPhone App to ensure that all your meals are delicious and designed specially to improve hormonal balance and reduce inflammation.
