Endometriosis - A holistic approach.

This month is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and as part of MV's Female Empowerment series, we want to raise awareness about this chronic condition that affects many, shedding light on the challenges they face. Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects an alarming 1 in 9, making it highly likely that we all know someone suffering from this condition.

Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease where endometrial tissue, normally found inside the uterus, grows in other areas within the body. This tissue, like uterine endometrial tissue, responds to cyclic hormones over the menstrual cycle, resulting in inflammation and often severe pain, which can occur during menstruation, ovulation and in some cases, all month long. While endometriosis is not solely driven by hormones, it is influenced by them. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to treatment is necessary when managing this condition in clinical practice.

Holistic treatment approach

As a hormonal health naturopath, I take a thorough approach to endometriosis and consider various factors such as genetics, coexisting health conditions, diet, lifestyle and how these are all impacting the condition. We are all unique, and each treatment is tailored to the individual, however when treating endometriosis there are several key treatment focuses that are mainstay.

Given that endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, managing the inflammatory load is crucial. This involves adopting a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet, which priorities fresh, unprocessed foods and minimises intake of inflammatory foods such as gluten (please, don't shoot the messenger!), excessive alcohol, dairy, and processed foods containing seed oils, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. This dietary approach not only reduces inflammation but also increases the intake of antioxidants, which play a role in mitigating oxidative stress associated with endometriosis.

As mentioned, hormones do not directly cause endometriosis, they do however, play a significant role in exacerbating its severity and associated symptoms. This makes supporting optimal hormone balance crucial. Elevated oestrogen levels, commonly observed in endometriosis, can lead to heavy bleeding, pain, and premenstrual symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes. To address this, focus is placed on supporting the bodies hormonal elimination channels, namely the liver, bowels and microbiome.

Furthermore, considering the role oestrogen plays, it's important to also address the oestrogen pool, which includes both internal and external sources. This involves reducing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) and other toxins that are found in household cleaning products, and personal care products. EDCs can interfere with and mimic hormones in the body and can exacerbate the condition.

These chemicals are found in:

Plastics, food and beverage packaging, receipt paper.
Pesticides used in farming.
Personal care products such as skin care, make up, perfume, shampoo, and sunscreens.
Cleaning products.
Carpets, and new cars.

While it's impossible to avoid these chemicals completely, taking steps to limit exposure can significantly reduce the toxic burden on the body and its impact on hormonal conditions like endometriosis, and many other female reproductive issues. Encouraging clients to opt for clean beauty brands such as MV, is one effective way to achieve this. Always read your labels, educate yourself on these chemicals and find alternative brands that don't use these chemicals in their products.

Collaborative care is essential in managing endometriosis effectively. As a practitioner, I collaborate with medical professionals, pain specialists, pelvic physiotherapists or osteopaths, and psychologists. This shared care approach ensures that patients receive treatment addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of their condition. By working together, we can provide the best possible support and treatment options for individuals living with endometriosis.

Herbs and Nutrients for Endometriosis

Ginger. Ginger is a beautiful warming circulatory stimulant that improves blood flow to the uterus and can help to inhibit uterine cramping and inflammation. A great way to include ginger is through consuming fresh ginger tea.

Turmeric. Our powerhouse anti-inflammatory herb that blocks inflammatory mediators. While, increasing turmeric in the diet is great, it is usually necessary to use therapeutic doses to reduce the significant inflammation in endometriosis.

Magnesium. Involved in smooth muscle relaxation, magnesium helps to calm the uterine muscles, reduce inflammatory mediators and is beneficial for the nervous system.

Prioritising Self-Care

An Epsom Salt Bath. What better way to get some extra magnesium in, than to run a warm bath and soak. Add 6-8 drops of MV's Aromatic Body Oil to increase relaxation and skin hydration.

Daily Gentle Exercise. A walk, a light stretch, some yoga. Exercise promotes blood flow and supports oestrogen balance. I understand this will be different for everyone - and everyday may look different in what you can achieve when managing chronic pain.

Rest. This one is crucial, and sometimes for those with endometriosis, is completely unavoidable. But listen to your body and prioritise rest when it asks.

By taking a holistic approach to this complex disease, women can empower themselves to gain comprehensive control over their health, deepen their understanding of the condition, its underlying causes and take proactive steps to mitigate factors within their control.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or treatment advice. Always consult a health professional before taking supplements, as herbs and nutrients have contraindications and may interact with medication.