Banish painful periods and improve fertility
Hey there ladies, let's talk Endo! It's a sassy little condition that's unfortunately affecting millions of us worldwide. But don't worry, we're about to bring some fun into this conversation!
So what's Endo? It's when the tissue that should be cozy inside your uterus decides to be a rebel and grow outside of it. And trust us, it can cause some serious trouble like painful periods, fatigue, and the notorious Endo belly. But we're here to tell you that you're not alone, and there are plenty of natural options to help manage your symptoms and promote healing.
Endometriosis is a common condition that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. According to Endometriosis Australia, an estimated 1 in 9 Australian women have endometriosis. This means approximately 11% of women in Australia are affected by this condition. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis. It is also a leading cause of infertility, affecting up to 50% of women with infertility issues. Endometriosis can have a significant impact on fertility, with up to 50% of women with endometriosis experiencing infertility or subfertility (difficulty in conceiving). In addition, approximately 30-50% of women with infertility have endometriosis. However, it is important to note that many women with endometriosis are still able to conceive naturally or with the help of fertility treatments.
Endometriosis can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s.
What causes Endometriosis?
While the exact cause of this condition is still a bit of a mystery, there are a few factors that might be to blame:
It's time to go with the flow - retrograde menstruation is when menstrual blood flows back into the pelvic area, causing endometrial cells to stick to surfaces and grow during your cycle.
Scarred for life - surgical scars from procedures like C-sections and hysterectomies can cause menstrual blood to leak into the pelvic cavity and worsen symptoms.
The transformation game - some cells in your body, like embryonic cells and peritoneal cells, can transform into endometrial-like cells under hormonal influence, leading to the growth of misplaced tissue.
Immune issues - when your immune system isn't functioning correctly, it can't recognize and eliminate endometrial-like tissue growing in the wrong place, causing discomfort and pain.
While there's no single cause of endometriosis, understanding the factors involved can help you take control of your symptoms and find natural ways to manage the condition. So, don't let endo take over - fight back with knowledge and empowerment!
Endometriosis symptoms:
Endometriosis, oh Endometriosis, why must you cause so much commotion? Here are some of the common symptoms that may arise:
Period pain that makes you feel like you're in a wrestling match with your own uterus.
Heavy periods that could rival the Niagara Falls, with bonus points for unexpected spotting in between.
Painful sex that turns the bedroom into a warzone, leaving you feeling defeated.
Bowel movements that go from zero to 💩 in no time, with the occasional nausea and fatigue to spice things up.
The ultimate trifecta of pain: painful bowel movements, painful urination, and a whole lot of discomfort, thanks to the endometrial tissue that's gone astray.
Endometriosis complications
The main complication associated with endometriosis is impaired fertility.[1] This is often due to:
Fallopian tube obstruction – when endometrial-like tissue attaches to the fallopian tubes, it can prevent the sperm from fertilising the egg.
Inflammation, damage or scarring of the organs in the pelvic area.
Imbalanced hormones due to excessive oestrogen.
Altered egg quality which affects implantation.
Chronic pelvic pain and distortion of the pelvis can also occur in endometriosis due to adhesions and scarring.[2]
Women with endometriosis are at a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer which is associated with higher levels of oestrogen in the body.[3]
But fear not, my friends, for there are ways to manage these symptoms and take back control of your life. So let's raise our glasses (or heating pads) and say cheers to finding natural solutions for Endometriosis!
Managing endometriosis naturally
As a naturopath, we take a holistic approach to Endometriosis management, meaning we look at the whole person, not just the symptoms. And boy, do we have some fun and natural ways to tackle Endo!
Herbal remedies are my jam! I'm talking black cohosh, dong quai, chasteberry, and cramp bark - these babies can work wonders in regulating hormones, reducing inflammation, and promoting blood flow to the pelvic area. Also Ladies Mantle, Calendula, Shatavari and Wild Yam which are indicated in endometriosis due to their ability to:
Reduce inflammation and excessive menstrual bleeding
Regulate the menstrual cycle
Cleanse and remove waste from the uterus
Relieve cramping and uterine spasms
Tone the uterus
Herbal medicine comes in many forms - liquid tinctures, capsules, and tablets - and they're not just for witches and wizards! With so many options, it can be overwhelming to know which herbal remedy to choose. But fear not, as your naturopath I can help you find the perfect potion to soothe your symptoms and bring some harmony back to your life!
Who doesn't love chocolate? We sure do! And it turns out eating a diet rich in antioxidants like berries, dark chocolate, and green tea can help reduce inflammation associated with Endometriosis. On the flip side, avoiding red meat and processed sugars can also help alleviate symptoms.
If you're feeling extra fancy, supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and PEA can be helpful in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. And let's not forget about the power of essential oils like lavender and peppermint - they're total lifesavers! They can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.
Plus let's not forget to mention Magnesium (a mineral). A muscle relaxant and can help reduce menstrual cramping and pain associated with endometriosis. Foods high in magnesium include avocados, leafy greens (kale, spinach), chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, black beans, lentils, chickpeas, almonds and cashews. Supplementation may be required for a higher dose of magnesium – consult with a nutritional therapist or naturopath to get the correct dose for you.
Lastly, let's talk stress-reducing techniques. We're all about yoga and meditation, baby! These can work wonders in reducing stress levels in the body and managing Endo symptoms.
And you must give Castor oil packs a go as they may help relieve menstrual cramps and pain by alleviating muscle tension and inflammation, and promoting blood flow to the uterus. You can make a castor oil pack by soaking a cotton flannel in cold-pressed castor oil and then placing it on the abdomen (or site where you feel pain). Cover the flannel with a plastic sheet and then place a hot water bottle over the plastic sheet. Leave the pack on for 45 minutes to an hour to take full effect. You can re-use your castor oil pack several times – keep it refrigerated in a sealed container.
Avoid using tampons and use sanitary pads instead. Tampons have been linked to increasing retrograde menstruation. Only use organic cotton sanitary products which are free from chemicals, bleaches, dyes and fragrances.
Regular exercise may help reduce oestrogen levels and improve mobility of the pelvic floor muscles which are often over-active in those with endometriosis.
So let's raise some awareness, ladies! Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting millions of women worldwide. While there's no magic bullet, a holistic and natural approach to managing Endo can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function and optimise hormone levels. And hey, we're all in this together, so let's empower each other to take control of our health and kick Endo's butt!
Are those pesky Endo symptoms cramping your style? Seek my help as your Naturopathic Superhero who can support you to tackle Endometriosis head-on by balancing hormones, regulating menstrual cycles, and kicking pain and cramps to the curb! Plus improve your preconception changes of fertility. Don't suffer in silence - let me as your Naturopath be your sidekick in the fight against Endo!
<3 Suzzi Hartery
BHSc Naturopath (Distinction) ~ The Feel Good Society Founder & Head Practitioner
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