9 Tools to Support Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence and growth of tissue similar to that of the uterine lining (the endometrium) on areas outside of the uterus. It causes symptoms such as painful periods or painful ovulation, chronic pelvic pain, painful bowel movements or urination, fatigue, digestive issues, infertility, or spotting before menstruation. As an acupuncturist that also has stage 3 endometriosis, I’ve experimented with all the different modalities that could potentially help my pain and symptoms. Whether your goals are symptom management or boosting fertility, here are my top 9 tools to support endometriosis that have worked for me and the hundreds of endometriosis patients I’ve had over the years.
Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of my favorite tools for endometriosis. It transmits signals through the nervous system that lead to decreased inflammation, balanced immune system response, and improved blood circulation. A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating pain and reducing serum CA-125 levels, an inflammatory marker. The review also stated that acupuncture has an analgesic effect to reduce pain, suppresses excess estrogen levels (which fuels endometriosis growth), and enhances the ability of the immune system to more actively eliminate harmful cells. Another systematic review and meta analysis concluded that Traditional Chinese Medicine improves the pregnancy rates and decreases miscarriage rates for those with endometriosis.
Naturopathy.
Our naturopathic doctors are specifically skilled in fertility and reproductive health. They use their extensive knowledge to recommend various functional medicine testing and subsequent holistic treatment tools such as nutritional counseling, nutrient IVs, supplementation, or herbal medicine to bring your hormones back into balance, reduce inflammation, optimize gut function, and boost fertility.
Supplements.
There are some great supplements to support your body’s processes in managing endometriosis. Antioxidants are helpful to counteract the high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. One of my favorites is NAC, which is helpful for reducing inflammation and improving egg quality by supporting mitochondrial health. NAC is particularly beneficial for those with ovarian endometriosis (endometriomas). Vitamin D supplementation over two months reduced period pain and CRP levels (a marker for inflammation) in people with endometriosis. Zinc is a mineral that modulates the immune system, repairs intestinal permeability, and reduces inflammation and period pain. Lastly, Curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce period pain and slow the growth of endometriosis.
Chinese herbs.
Chinese herbal formulas are a combination of various herbs used to elicit a physiological response. I take them regularly and find them integral for reducing PMS and period pain. In a study of 48 people with endometriosis, a Chinese herbal formula taken for three months was found to manage heavy menstruation, reduce painful intercourse, reduce pelvic floor spasms, reduce inflammatory markers, and improved pregnancy rates (26.7% achieved pregnancy).
Mindfulness.
There is a significant association between stress and period pain. People with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain had higher levels of perceived stress than those without. Excessive stress levels have the potential to disturb hormone equilibrium, adversely impact the microbiome, weaken the immune system, and trigger inflammation. To maintain a well-balanced hormonal state, it is essential to prioritize quality sleep, aiming for at least 7 hours each night, avoid over- or under-exercising, and ensure sufficient food intake to stabilize blood sugar levels. Moreover, adopting practices like daily meditation, utilizing breathing techniques, engaging in yoga, receiving acupuncture sessions, or embracing mindfulness exercises can be effective ways to consistently return your body to a parasympathetic mode.
Anti-inflammatory diet.
Endometriosis is primarily an inflammatory disease, so anything that can reduce inflammation can reduce pain and symptoms. The best way to reduce inflammation is through diet. I always instruct my patients with endometriosis to eat a blood sugar-stabilizing, anti-inflammatory diet. Consider reducing or eliminating common inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, refined sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
Support gut health.
More and more research is showing that there is a huge gut component to endometriosis. A microbiome with a healthy gut flora balance is key for reducing inflammation and endometriosis symptoms. Because the gut is an important part of healthy estrogen detoxification, probiotics can help inhibit beta-glucuronidase activity in the intestines, reducing the amount of estrogen reabsorbed and recirculated. I also recommend that my patients with endometriosis test for infections like SIBO or dysbiosis, eat plenty of fiber, and reduce inflammatory foods (like sugar and alcohol).
Pelvic floor physiotherapy.
The pelvic floor muscles consist of all the muscles that surround the bowel, bladder, uterus, and vagina. Pelvic floor issues are involved in an estimated 22% to 94% of cases of chronic pelvic pain, and 42-58% of those with endometriosis experience tenderness of the pelvic floor, abdomen, and uterus upon palpation. One study found an improvement in pelvic pain in 63% of patients with endometriosis after six sessions of pelvic physical therapy. I always recommend my patients with chronic pelvic pain search for a local pelvic floor physiotherapist, especially those suffering from bowel or urinary symptoms.
Consider surgery.
Surgery doesn’t always have to be a last resort for treatment of endometriosis symptoms or infertility. Complete excision surgery performed by a surgeon specializing in endometriosis is considered the gold standard of treatment. Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in 80% of patients and can last up to 5 years. The natural pregnancy rate for those with all types of endometriosis within three years after surgery was 47%, while another study showed that 73% could conceive within a year. Excision surgery for more severe endometriosis was 2.45 times more likely to conceive during IVF than those who had endometriosis and did not undergo surgery before IVF.
If you’d like to work together to reduce your endometriosis symptoms or support healthy fertility, feel free to book an initial consultation or free 15-minute discovery call.
In healing,
Allison Locke, R.TCM.P FABORM OBAAM IHP