Endometriosis Symptoms: Treatments and Diet Changes
|
|
|
Time to read 12 min
Endometriosis is one of the most common health problems in women and a leading cause of infertility . How common is it? It is estimated that more than 190 million women worldwide suffer from the symptoms of endometriosis.
Treatments for endometriosis exist
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort in your pelvic area, endometriosis may be the cause. The good news is that there are endometriosis treatment options to help you deal with this uncomfortable condition.
Because there are so many treatment options and every woman responds differently to medications and supplements, treating endometriosis often requires a period of experimentation . Education is key – you know your body better than anyone else, so familiarize yourself with the root causes and treatments (both conventional and natural) before opting for a more radical surgical procedure.
Learn what exactly endometriosis is, why endometriosis symptoms occur, and how you can treat them.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissues , similar to the lining of the uterus, grow in other parts of the body . The female reproductive system includes the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
During a normal menstrual cycle , the ovaries produce hormones that cause the lining of the uterus to thicken . This is the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. The endometrium grows to prepare to receive a fertilized egg. If the egg is never fertilized, this leads to menstruation, or the shedding of the lining.
A uterine lining outside the uterus
In people with endometriosis, the lining grows outside the uterus . The misplaced tissue responds to hormones by thickening and falling off with each menstrual cycle. However, the thick tissue sits outside the uterus and is unable to pass through the vagina and out of the body. The endometrial flow then becomes trapped and can cause inflammation and pain . Adhesions, or scar tissue, can form and stick from one organ to another. The fallopian tubes can even close, which is a dangerous symptom of endometriosis because it can lead to infertility .
Cyst formation
Another scary symptom of endometriosis is the formation of endometriomas – known as dark, reddish-brown cysts or fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries , which affect fertility. Endometriosis can also lead to abnormal bleeding .
Studies have shown that 40-60% of women who have very painful periods also have endometriosis, and 20-30% of women who fail to conceive may have the condition. It helps to listen to your body and know the common symptoms of endometriosis.
There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but various treatments are used to relieve symptoms . Some drug options, such as hormone therapy, can increase the risk of long-term infertility and cancer. If endometriosis symptoms become too severe, surgical procedures may even be necessary.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies for endometriosis that can be used before resorting to hormonal treatments or invasive surgical procedures.
Symptoms
Since 2 to 50% of women are thought to have "silent" endometriosis, meaning they have only subtle or no clinical symptoms, it is important to know the symptoms of endometriosis . Endometrial tissue, or implants, can grow outside the uterus or in the wall of a fallopian tube.
The disease often affects the ovaries, the " sac of Douglas " - which lies between the uterus and the rectum at the end of the intestine - and the connective tissue in this area. It is when the ovaries or fallopian tubes are affected that women experience fertility problems.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- painful (also called dysmenorrhea) or irregular periods
- painful intercourse
- increased pain during bowel movements
- increased pain during urination
- excessive bleeding
- spotting and bleeding between cycles
- painful digestion
- constipation
- nausea
- chronic lower back and abdominal pain
- pelvic pain
- infertility
- joint pain
- nerve pain
- chronic fatigue
- bloating
In many women, the progression of endometriosis symptoms is slow and takes place over several years. Each woman experiences different pain, which can make diagnosis difficult. The pain usually begins in the lower abdomen and intensifies during menstruation or intercourse. As the pain intensifies, it may begin to radiate to the lower abdomen, back, and legs - it is often described as a cramp-like pain.
Causes of endometriosis
The root cause of endometriosis is unclear, but there appears to be a strong genetic link within families. It is accepted that endometriosis is not contagious and therefore cannot be transmitted through sexual intercourse .
Endometriosis affects women of reproductive age. An estimated 20 to 50 percent of women treated for infertility have endometriosis. Having a period early in life, delaying pregnancy until later in life, never giving birth, and reaching menopause later in life can also increase the risk of endometriosis.
There are other theories about what causes endometriosis. One is that menstrual flow is backed up into the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic and abdominal cavity during menstruation, causing endometrial tissue to grow outside the uterus .
Another possibility is coelomic metaplasia - when the areas lining the pelvic organs contain primitive cells that can develop into other forms of tissue, such as endometrial cells.
Interaction between a woman's hormones and her immune system .
Direct transfer of endometrial tissue during surgical procedures may also explain the symptoms of endometriosis. Cells may be transferred through the bloodstream or lymphatic system during surgical procedures, such as a cesarean section or episiotomy. Scar tissue may also contain endometrial cells that will then grow outside the uterus.
A final explanation is that there is a problem with the interaction between a woman's hormones and her immune system . Our immune system is supposed to ensure that tissue from a particular organ does not grow elsewhere in the body, and so it is the immune system that is being blamed for allowing endometrial tissue to grow outside the uterus.
Conventional treatments
Unfortunately, conventional treatments for endometriosis can require a period of experimentation to find what works. Painkillers are typically prescribed to treat the pain, but not the underlying problem. Hormonal treatments, such as hormonal birth control or hormone therapy, are a common avenue doctors take. They regulate hormones, slow the growth of endometrial implants, and decrease menstrual flow.
The most common conventional treatments are:
Drugs
1. Lupron
Lupron is an injection used to induce hormonal and menstrual suppression in patients with endometriosis, thereby reducing pain symptoms. The most common side effects are low blood pressure, redness, pain and burning at the injection site, fatigue, headache, stomach upset and muscle pain.
2. Progestins
Progestin is a medication that behaves like the female hormone progesterone. Progestins work by suppressing the growth of endometrial impacts and reducing endometriosis-induced inflammation in the pelvic cavity.
During treatment, women lose their periods and their ability to conceive. Women who have received long-acting injections may experience prolonged delays in the return of periods after treatment.
Like all hormonal medications, they have common side effects, including acne, bloating, bleeding, breast discomfort, depression, fatigue, headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. These side effects can be difficult to live with, and some women are unable to complete a course of treatment because they find them intolerable.
3. Danazol
Danazol is a synthetic steroid that acts as a mild androgen (hormones produced by the male testes), but does not have estrogenic or progestin properties. Androgens are responsible for the functioning of the male reproductive system and the development of masculine characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice.
Danazol is used to suppress the growth and development of endometrial tissue. The hormonal environment caused by danazol also stops menstruation. Because it serves as a synthetic male hormone, danazol has androgenic side effects, such as weight gain, increased body hair and acne, decreased breast size, deepening of the voice, water retention, and oily skin or hair.
Surgical procedures
1. Laparoscopic excision or ablation surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is the most common procedure doctors use to treat endometriosis. The surgeon makes a small incision to insert a lighted viewing instrument called a laparoscope. This instrument allows the surgeon to see internal organs to look for signs of endometriosis and to remove visible endometriosis implants and scar tissue that can cause pain or infertility. If a cyst is found, it is also removed.
During the procedure, the patient's abdomen is inflated with gas, which pushes the abdominal wall away from the organs so the surgeon can see clearly. Scar tissue or implants are removed by cutting them away (excision) or destroying them with a laser beam or electrical current (ablation). Ablation is usually used for very small lesions, with excision being the preferred technique for larger lesions because it carries fewer risks.
Risks of laparoscopic surgery include pelvic infections, uncontrolled bleeding, scar tissue formation, and injury to the bowel, bladder, or ureters.
2. Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through the abdominal wall or vagina. A total hysterectomy involves removing the entire uterus, including the body of the uterus and the cervix. A subtotal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus but not the cervix. Other organs may also be removed during a hysterectomy, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
A hysterectomy does not guarantee relief of all endometriosis symptoms, as endometrial tissue may remain in the body after the uterus is removed. According to a 2014 review published in Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn , a high recurrence rate of 62% has been reported in advanced stages of endometriosis where the ovaries have been preserved. Based on the 77 articles identified for the review, incomplete excision of endometriosis is the most common reason in the literature for recurrence of endometriosis symptoms.
Does endometriosis increase the risk of cancer?
Research suggests that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing ovarian, breast, or endometrial cancer . According to a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology , the incidence of endometrial cancer has increased by 21% since 2008, and the mortality rate has increased by more than 100% over the past two decades.
Endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers are associated with several risk factors, such as low parity, infertility, early menstruation, and late menopausal symptoms.
Potential risk of increased cancer
A scientific review conducted in Italy investigated the possible role of endometriosis and infertility in increasing the risk of cancer . Many studies have shown that women suffering from infertility may be at higher risk of endometrial cancer, especially if they suffer from ovulation disorders . In addition, infertility and endometriosis are now often treated with medical devices that could alone alter the hormonal environment of a woman's body and serve as cofactors in the cellular changes leading to the development of cancer.
But no specific risk identified
The researchers conclude that there are no definitive answers about the precise effects of infertility and endometriosis and their treatments on cancer risk, but that further studies involving participants undergoing fertility drug treatments and treatments for ovulation disorders are needed.
Another study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology followed the records of 20,686 women hospitalized for endometriosis from 1969 to 1983 and the Swedish National Cancer Registry through 1989 to identify subsequent cancer diagnoses . 55% of these women underwent gynecologic operations following an endometriosis diagnosis.
After following these subjects for more than 11 years, significant excess cancer risks were observed for breast cancer , ovarian cancer , and hematopoietic malignancies. The risk of ovarian cancer was particularly elevated in subjects with a long history of ovarian endometriosis . The researchers suggest that, based on these findings, more attention should be paid to the risk of breast, ovarian, and hematopoietic cancer in women with endometriosis and possible hormonal and immunological reasons for this excess risk should be explored.
First action: vigilance
Because of this increased risk of cancer, highlighted by several studies, women with endometriosis need to be extra vigilant. Be sure to get cancer screenings , such as mammograms . Listen to your body and the early signs of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty feeding, and frequent urination. Discuss your increased risk of cancer with your doctor and develop a prevention plan, such as reducing stress , eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet , and exercising .
Natural Ways to Relieve Symptoms
1. Healthy diet
To naturally relieve endometriosis symptoms , start by eliminating foods that promote inflammation . These include dairy , processed foods, refined sugars , caffeine , and carbohydrates .
Eliminate these foods from your diet for at least three weeks , paying close attention to how your body is doing throughout the process. Alcohol, soy , and other foods that are high in estrogen should also be eliminated from your diet due to their estrogenic effects.
According to a study published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online , women with endometriosis appear to consume fewer vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids and more red meat, coffee, and trans fats. Allergy testing can also be helpful in determining which foods cause inflammation in the body.
It is important to follow an anti-inflammatory diet when you have endometriosis. A 2004 study published in the journal Human Reproduction found a significant reduction in the risk of developing endometriosis in women who consumed green vegetables and fresh fruits.
This means it's a good idea to consume these highly beneficial anti-inflammatory foods, such as green leafy vegetables , celery , beets , blueberries, salmon, bone broth, walnuts, flaxseeds and many more.
Foods rich in magnesium also help soothe the uterus and reduce pain. These include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black beans, avocados, almonds, bananas, chard, and spinach.
Iron-rich foods are also important because they help to replace iron loss in the body that results from excessive bleeding. Foods that contain iron include liver, beef steak, white beans, black beans, spinach, egg yolk, prunes, artichokes, and cabbage leaves.
Additionally, omega-3 foods help reduce inflammation , relieve joint and muscle pain, and regulate hormone production. Add flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, trout, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel to your diet.
If constipation is a symptom of endometriosis, eat foods high in fiber such as quinoa, vegetables, brown rice, berries, coconut, figs, artichokes, peas, okra, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and squash.
2. Supplements
Some supplements may be beneficial for people with endometriosis, such as fish oil, meadowsweet, milk thistle, or Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha or horse chestnut, which have been the subject of several scientific studies.
You can also take 50 milligrams of vitamin B complex daily to balance hormone levels. B vitamins are beneficial for overall health and reduce toxicity in the body , thereby supporting cellular function. They also regulate and balance the body's organs and promote healthy immunity. Vitamin B6 , for example, relieves chronic pain, boosts mood, and increases energy levels.
3. Acupuncture
A study conducted at Harvard Medical School showed that Japanese-style acupuncture may be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.
The study involved 18 young women aged 12 to 22 with chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis and diagnosed by laparoscopy. Participants in the active acupuncture group experienced 62% less pain after four weeks, which differed significantly from the average reduction in the control group.
4. Essential oils
Castor oil can be used to boost immune function and soothe digestion , and castor oil compresses can be used on the lower abdomen and pelvic area to reduce pain and inflammation.
Additionally, clary sage helps naturally balance hormones and has been shown to reduce pain and cramping when applied topically. Apply two to four drops topically to the abdomen, then apply a warm compress to the area to relieve pain.
Final thoughts
Symptoms of endometriosis unfortunately affect a large number of women of childbearing age , but there are measures to prevent and treat this disease. The first step is to know and identify the symptoms in order to find the appropriate treatment methods.
If you follow an anti-inflammatory diet and consume beneficial supplements, you can slow down endometriosis - as with most conditions. In addition, acupuncture and essential elements can work wonders. By combining these four natural remedies, you can avoid unnecessary and dangerous surgery.
Although there is no cure, if you follow these steps you can manage, treat, and even prevent the symptoms of endometriosis from becoming a major hindrance to your life.
