According to the Endometriosis Association, endometriosis affects 5 1/2 million women in the USA and Canada, and millions worldwide.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (called the endometrium) starts growing outside the uterus. Most commonly, the growth is in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the pelvic lining, but in some cases, it can also spread outside the pelvic area.
According to the Endometriosis Association, endometriosis affects 5 1/2 million women in the USA and Canada, and millions worldwide.
Symptoms
Painful periods – Experiencing pelvic pain and cramping during menstruation. It may begin before and continue for several days after the onset of the monthly period. The pain can also occur in the lower abdomen or low back. It has even been known to cause shooting nerve pain in the legs, called sciatica.
Sharp, deep pain during ovulation, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and/or urination
Heavy menstrual periods or bleeding in between periods
Fatigue
Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
Infertility
Endometriosis can cause adhesions that trap the egg.
Normal endometrial tissue sheds each month and leaves the body as menstrual blood. Endometrial tissue outside the uterus also grows, sloughs off, and bleeds each month, but it has nowhere to go so it becomes trapped in the body. It can lead to the formation of cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions.
Progesterone Cream
Progesterone is believed to slow the growth of abnormal endometrial tissue. Although not considered a cure, it may improve symptoms such as pain during menstrual periods and pelvic pain.
Natural progesterone cream is derived from either soy or Mexican wild yam. A molecule called diosgenin is extracted in a lab and converted to a molecule that's exactly like human progesterone and added to back to the cream. Some companies sell wild yam cream, but unless it has been converted in a lab it is useless, because the body cannot convert wild yam to progesterone on its own.
Natural progesterone cream is applied to the wrists, inner arms, inner thighs, or upper chest at a dose and schedule that should be recommended by a professional. It is important to be supervised and to have progesterone levels monitored on lab tests, because too much progesterone can cause such side effects as mood changes, depression, water retention, weight gain, and absent or abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Diet
Flavones - Celery, parsley, and chili peppers are good sources of a class of plant chemicals called flavones. Flavones have been found to inhibit aromatase, an enzyme that can produce excess estrogen in the endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis.
Cruciferous vegetables - Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy, contain hormone-balancing compound that activates liver enzymes and may help the body to break down and eliminate excess estrogen.
Fresh fruit and green vegetables - An Italian study that looked at data from 504 women with endometriosis found that fresh fruit and green vegetables were associated with a reduction in risk. There was an increased risk with high intake of red meat and ham.
Flaxseeds - Flaxseeds are high in lignans, a form of fiber found to be beneficial for estrogen-related conditions.
Detox Diet - Pesticides and other environmental chemicals have been found to increase aromatase activity and increase estrogen levels. That's why many of them are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
A detox diet limits intake of these chemicals and emphasizes organic foods. Foods that can increase inflammation, such as excess sugar, are also limited. A detox diet emphasizes organic vegetables and fruit, foods that are high in fiber, and plenty of water.
Supplements
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. They are also available in fish oil capsules. Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for people with endometriosis. For example, an animal study by the University of Western Ontario found that fish oil containing two specific compounds, EPA and DHA, can relieve pain by decreasing levels of an inflammatory chemical called prostaglandin E2. Researchers also found that fish oil could slow the growth of endometrial tissue.
Adaptogen herbs and supplements
The adrenal glands are glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They secrete cortisol, a hormone involved in the stress response but also converted to other hormones such as progesterone. Prolonged stress can increase the release of cortisol. As a result, less of the raw material is available to make progesterone, which can lead to a deficiency of progesterone relative to estrogen.
Herbs that are believed to improve adrenal function
Nutrients important to adrenal health
B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Zinc
Magnesium
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