Endometriosis
Understanding Endometriosis.
The endometrium is a certain type of tissue lining the inner walls of the uterus. Sometimes endometrium migrates and becomes implanted in other areas within the pelvis, on the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, etc. During a normal menstrual cycle, under the influence of hormones in the blood stream, the endometrium within the uterus becomes thickened and prepared for the possibility of conception and pregnancy. If conception does not take place, hormone levels decrease and the endometrium detaches from the wall of the uterus and is shed through the vagina during menstruation. In women with endometriosis the same thing happens, but the extra endometrial tissue in various sites around the pelvis reacts in the same way to hormonal changes in the bloodstream. This means the misplaced endometrium thickens and breaks down as normal but then has nowhere to exit the body and becomes trapped. This can lead to inflammation and pain in the surrounding tissue and, in the long term, can form cysts and scar tissue. Endometriosis is a very common disorder and current estimates indicate that almost 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years suffer from this condition. It is most common in women who have not had children. Endometriosis is usually easily diagnosed by means of an internal pelvic examination.
Symptoms of Endometriosis Include:
Severe pelvic pain around menstruation and ovulation.
(Endometriosis can cause severe pain, usually in the pelvic area, and women with this condition usually feel the most pain and discomfort during their monthly period.) Intestinal discomfort.
Bleeding between menstrual cycles. Excessive or irregular menstrual flows.
Pain during intercourse.
Infertility.
Painful bowel movements and urination.
Backache.
Some women may have few or even no symptoms at all.
Because other health conditions can cause the same symptos, it is important to consult your health care practitioner about any unusual menstrual symptoms.
Possible Complications from Endometriosis
If left untreated this condition usually worsens over time, and is one of the major causes of infertility. It is sometimes diagnosed for the first time when a woman seeks fertility treatment. Scar tissue caused by endometriosis can sometimes partially or completely block the path of the egg to be fertilized. Although many women with this condition can still become pregnant, it usually takes longer than average and may require some type of intervention.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. One possible theory that is being researched is that a small amount of menstrual blood does not flow out of the body as usual, and instead travels backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity where the endometrial cells in this blood act as “seeds” to produce areas of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Some research suggests this may be related with immune functioning.
Another theory is that the endometrial cells are transferred within the bloodstream. This theory is based on the fact that endometrial cells can be isolated from blood in the blood vessels and would explain cases of endometriosis found in obscure sites such as the lung.
In TCM, (Traditional Chinese Medicine), this condition is classified as a liver disorder and associated with liver stagnation. It is thought that in every woman with endometriosis the underlying cause for this liver blood stagnation may be slightly different but the outcome is similar. Conventional research seems to support this theory to some degree, as chronic exposure to dioxins and other liver toxins are implicated in endometriosis.
The liver takes the raw estrogen secreted by a woman's ovaries and fat cells and breaks it down into estriol, a safer form of estrogen. Estriol doesn't cause the tissue proliferation that raw estrogen (estradiol) does. A high ratio of estriol to estradiol not only limits the amount of endometrial tissue produced and decreases the painful symptoms of endometriosis, but also protects against breast and uterine cancer.
Modern women face lifestyle challenges that compromise the liver, including:
Diet
Refined foods, especially those containing wheat flour and sugar, deep fried foods, caffeine and ice-cold drinks, all compromise liver functioning and should be avoided by women in general, but particularly those with a predisposition to or past experience of endometriosis.
Stress Stress has a huge impact on the liver. The liver is seen as the most emotionally sensitive organ in the body, and is easily thrown off balance by the demands of modern living.
Conventional Drugs
Along with stress and environmental toxins, conventional drugs and medications play a role in liver weakness and stagnation. Painkillers are considered a huge culprit in endometriosis, which is ironic since women with this condition often rely on conventional pain killers and Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug’s (NSAIDs) to help them cope with the pain around menstruation. NSAID’s are one of the most damaging classes of drugs, especially to the liver and kidneys. Some practitioners believe these medicines can actually contribute to the worsening of endometriosis in the long-term, even causing irreversible damage.
Natural Approaches to Treating Endometriosis
The main things to focus on when treating this condition naturally is the health of the liver, balancing hormones, and minimizing stress. All of these things are related of course, and should be addressed simultaneously. A diet of fresh, organic foods, minimally processed can go a long way in reducing the toxic load in the body, and in reducing stress on the liver. Avoid exposure to chemicals as much as possible, including aerosols, gas fumes, bleach, and even harsh household cleansers.
Get regular excercise and adopt some sort of stress-reducing practice such as meditation, tai chi, or yoga.
Professional Formulas ***One of the most useful herbal formulas for endometriosis is Endo-Ex for Endometriosis by Native Remedies.
Useful Herbs & Supplements
Wild Yam is an excellent natural liver and nervous system tonic. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and will decrease menstrual pain as well as inflammation associated with endometriosis that leads to scar tissue.
Milk Thistle has been used since ancient times for treating a wide variety of ailments, but is particularly effective in the treatment of liver problems. Studies suggest that this herb protects the liver from damage by viruses, pollution, stress and toxins. Milk Thistle is a potent antioxidant and laboratory studies indicate it may have useful anti-cancer properties.
Dong Quai acts as a hormone balancer and is an indispensable herb for treatment of female reproductive disorders. A very highly regarded medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it acts as a tonic herb for the reproductive system and will address the overall health of your reproductive organs. It is especially useful in treatment of irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome, estrogen dominance and endometriosis. It is also a well-known liver tonic and blood pressure regulator.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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