Naturopathic approach to Endometriosis with Anabelle Cavin
Endometriosis awareness month
March brings the spotlight to Endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 10% of women worldwide, often shrouded in misdiagnosis, with an average diagnostic journey spanning seven long years!
Endometriosis is a complex disorder characterised by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, triggering inflammation and severe pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation. Symptoms encompass painful periods, discomfort during intercourse, infertility, fatigue, iron deficiency, and more. However, diagnosing this condition proves challenging, as some individuals may exhibit no symptoms at all.
Diagnosing endometriosis typically involves ultrasound to detect the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, with laparoscopy being the gold standard for confirmation.
How Naturopathy Can Assist with Endometriosis
Inflammation emerges as a pivotal factor in endometriosis progression. Naturopaths often target inflammation reduction as a primary approach. Inflammation prompts the growth, thickening, and bleeding of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, leading to adhesion formation and the associated pain.
While there's no definitive cure for endometriosis, surgical removal of tissue remains a common intervention, albeit with the likelihood of recurrence. Naturopathy manages pain symptoms through tailored dietary lifestyle adjustments, herbal medicine, and nutritional support.
Dietary Strategies:
Gluten-Free Diet: Eliminating gluten may alleviate symptoms such as bloating and digestive issues, as gluten-induced inflammation in the gut can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms.
Herbal Medicine
Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Spasmodic herbs to support pain management, potentially easing pelvic discomfort.
Hormonal Balance: Hormone Modulating herbs for its hormone-balancing effects, potentially regulating the menstrual cycle.
Liver Support: Utilising Depurative herbs to support liver function.
Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Traditional Chinese herbs to aid in regulating menstruation and alleviate pain.
Stress Reduction: Adaptogenic herbs to help manage stress, mitigating its impact on hormonal balance and inflammation.
Herbal medicine offers promising avenues for managing endometriosis symptoms. However, it's essential to collaborate with a qualified Naturopath for personalised guidance and safe, effective use of herbal remedies.
Nutritional support
Magnesium & N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are two key nutrients in any treatment protocol for endometriosis A 2023 study highlighted N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a potential aid for endometriosis. NAC reduces inflammation, inhibits tissue growth, and may shrink endometrial lesions, relieving associated pain. Additionally, NAC shows promise in improving fertility for those with endometriosis. Consider a Naturopath before considering NAC supplementation for personalised guidance and safety.
If any of this seems relevant or beneficial to you, please reach out to our resident Naturopath Anabelle from Seedling Naturopathy to book an appointment today!
