Endometriosis, a painful menstrual condition

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells that form in the lining of the uterus.

Each month, as estrogen and other hormones cause the lining of the uterus to thicken with blood, these abnormal cells also expand. The uterine tissues then slough of normally, but instead of being expelled from your body during your menstrual cycle, the abnormal cells may attach itself to other organs in the lower abdomen such as the ovaries.

Sometimes a collection of blood, called a cyst, can form. These endometrial cysts are common on the ovaries.

The areas inside the abdominal cavity that can be affected by Endometriosis include the kidneys, the ovaries, bladder, the fallopian tubes, abdominal wall, as well as the outside of the uterus itself and even the areas in between the mentioned organs.


Symptoms of Endometriosis

The most common symptom of Endometriosis that most women report is pelvic pain. The pain often occurs around the menstrual cycle; however a lot of women with Endometriosis also experience pain at other times during their monthly cycle.

Here is a list of common symptoms experienced by women with Endometriosis:

 Abnormally heavy, menstrual bleeding often with large clots.
 Severe menstrual cramps which begins before your period starts and reaches its peak after your period ends.
 Nausea or vomiting just before your menstrual period.
 Sharp pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse at any time of the month.
 Infertility.
 Incapacitating pain in the uterus, lower back or pelvic area.
 Diarrhea or constipation during your menstrual cycle.
 Iron-deficiency anemia due to heavy bleeding.
 Severe pain due to endometrial cysts rupturing.

What causes Endometriosis?

No one really knows what causes Endometriosis, but there are several theories.

One of these theories is the "reflux menstruation" theory, developed by John Sampson in 1920. According to this theory, menstrual blood travels backwards through the fallopian tubes, causing endometrial cells to flow into other abdominal areas where they then grow.

The other theory is that Endometriosis is congenital, meaning that endometrial cells have been outside the uterus since birth.

Another idea is that Endometriosis can be caused by a faulty immune system, which does not destroy the abnormal cells.


How can supplements help me?

You can start by taking a combination of Dong Quai and Chasteberry. These herbal medicines aid in correcting hormonal imbalances and also relax the uterus, which can ease the pain of Endometriosis.

To assist your liver to clear excess estrogen from your body, take a Lipotropic combination. Lipotropic combinations are herbal remedies that contain Milk Thistle, Choline, Inositol, Dandelion and other liver cleansing herbs.

Taking high doses of calcium and magnesium can assist with painful menstrual cramps.
These minerals assist to lower the body's production of prostaglandins, which cause menstrual cramps. Only increase the dosages during your period.

Flaxseed oil and Evening Primrose oil is useful to help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with Endometriosis.



Supplement Recommendations
Supplement Dosage
Chasteberry 225 mg standardized extract 3 times a day
Dong Quai 200 mg, or 30 drops tincture, 3 times a day
Lipotropic combination 1 or 2 pills a day
Calcium / Magnesium 500 mg calcium 4 times a day, 500 mg magnesium twice a day
Flaxseed oil 1 tbsp (14 g) a day
Evening Primrose oil 1 000 mg 3 times a day


Other Recommendations

Try eating a diet consisting of 50% raw vegetables and fruits. Substitute refined flour products for wholegrain products, raw nuts and seeds. A diet rich in soy and fiber is very important to manage Endometriosis.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, refined and processed foods as well as fatty foods before and during your period.

Light daily exercise can help ease the pain and discomfort of Endometriosis.



Reminder
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.