Naturopathic Strategies for Endometriosis

Taking Control of Your Endometriosis Journey: Natural Strategies for Relief and Whole Body Support

Navigating a labyrinth of pain, uncertainty, and treatment options is a daily reality for many women living with endometriosis. While conventional treatments can offer a glimpse of relief, it’s like peering through a keyhole at a much larger picture.

Endometriosis is a complex, chronic condition, and tackling it requires a holistic approach.

This means going beyond conventional treatment options and addressing the root causes that fuel its growth and prevent your wellbeing. 

I want this blog to act as your guide through this intricate landscape. Together, we’ll review the interconnectedness of your body, mind, and environment, exploring how each piece influences your endometriosis journey. 

Forget the one-size-fits-all solutions; here, we’ll embrace personalized strategies that nourish your body and empower your mind. 

From managing pain naturally to crafting an anti-inflammatory diet, from optimizing your gut health to harnessing the power of movement and mindfulness, we’ll explore a variety of naturopathic approaches to addressing endometriosis. 

So remember, you’re not alone in the maze! You can reclaim control and navigate toward a brighter, healthier future. 

What is Endometriosis?

This blog delves into natural solutions for endometriosis, but if you're new to the maze, head over to my previous blog post on endo! It unravels the basics: what it is, its symptoms, and the intriguing (and overlooked) link to your immune system.

Here, we'll focus on empowering you with natural strategies to tackle the root causes, not just the pain. But first, let’s go over the conventional strategies used to address endo.

Conventional Treatments for Endometriosis

Endometriosis presents a unique challenge – conventional medicine offers some life saving tools for women with endo, but it is limited in its toolkit. The focus often lands on managing symptoms, primarily through medications and surgery. But the treatment often stops there and the root of the problem isn’t yet addressed, often leaving women with continued issues.

Pain relievers like ibuprofen or NSAIDs offer temporary relief. However their long-term use carries risks like gastrointestinal damage. While hormonal therapies like birth control pills or GnRH agonists can ease pain, they come with potential side effects for many women and again, don’t address the root cause.

While surgery, particularly excision surgery, can be a crucial piece of the puzzle for many suffering from endometriosis, it’s important to understand it’s not a “cure” and usually only provides relief for up to 2 years. However, recurrence is common, and scar tissue formation is common.

Hysterectomy doesn’t guarantee pain relief, as endometriosis can exist beyond the reproductive organs. Plus, it’s not an option for women who wish to become pregnant and in many cases, is an unnecessary procedure. 

Conventional approaches to endometriosis can be very useful in relieving pain and other symptoms, but they’re only one the beginning. For lasting relief and healing, exploring holistic approaches that address the root causes is essential.

The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Endometriosis

Before we get into treatment strategies, let’s first explore a topic that is often overlooked in conventional medicine, but holds incredible importance in holistically healing endometriosis - the impact of environmental toxins.

Endometriosis isn't just about hormones and genetics. If you recall from my first blog, endometriosis is a result of a dysregulated immune system. Emerging research sheds light on the role of environmental chemicals in the development and progression of endometriosis, through its impact on our gut, detoxification pathways, and the immune system. Understanding this connection is crucial, as it empowers us to holistically address symptoms and underlying contributors to create a more comprehensive and effective treatment approach. 

One category of environmental chemicals shown to contribute to endometriosis are known as endocrine disruptors. They mimic our own hormones, interfering with delicate hormonal balance, are problematic for our detoxification and lymphatic systems, and contribute to immune dysfunction, leading to or worsening endometriosis. (1, 2)

Let's explore where endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) come from in our daily lives:

• Dioxins: These potent chemicals, found in herbicides and industrial processes, have been linked to increased endometriosis risk in some studies. Their ability to disrupt estrogen metabolism and promote inflammation raises concerns.
• Phthalates: Often found in plastics, fragrances, and personal care products, phthalates can mimic estrogen, potentially stimulating endometriosis growth. It is crucial to choose phthalate-free alternatives whenever possible.
• Triclosan: Once widely used in soaps and household products, this antibacterial agent can disrupt hormones and has been associated with endometriosis risk. Thankfully, its use is increasingly restricted.
• PBDEs: PBDEs, which were used as flame retardants, are now banned due to health concerns. However, you might be exposed to flame retardants if you have an older couch. Studies suggest potential links between PBDEs and endometriosis due to their hormonal interference.
• BPA: Bisphenol A, found in plastics and canned goods, is another well-known endocrine disruptor. While research on its direct link to endometriosis is ongoing, minimizing BPA in plastics and canned goods exposure is recommended for overall health. And remember, BPA-free doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. It can contain BPS, which is just as harmful.

How do you know if you’re being exposed to these chemicals?

Unfortunately, these chemicals won’t be listed as “phthalate,” for instance. There are hundreds of acronyms and other names on ingredient lists, making it difficult for the consumer. I highly recommend checking out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database to see if the most common cleaning and personal care products that you use contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Consider replacing these with products containing less harmful ingredients.

This can be an overwhelming process. Remember to start small and build, as replacing everything in your home is daunting and not sustainable. More info below on reducing toxin exposure and improving detoxification.

Naturopathic Strategies for Endometriosis

If you’re living with endometriosis, you know the frustration! It’s a complex condition that we know is an inflammatory immune response triggered by cyclic hormonal changes further exacerbated by chronic exposure to environmental toxins (whew – that’s a mouthful). 

And while conventional medicine offers symptom-relief options, they only address the surface, leaving the root causes unaddressed.

This is where naturopathic medicine steps in to help empower your body’s innate healing abilities, not just suppressing symptoms.

My holistic approach goes beyond the band-aid, tackling the intricate web of factors contributing to your endometriosis by supporting an optimal immune response, reducing pain and inflammation, promoting natural detoxification, and helping to support your hormones.

I recommend a comprehensive approach that works across the following areas:

Reducing Pain

Chronic pain and high doses of pain meds are a harsh reality for many with endometriosis. However, there are natural alternatives to reduce your reliance on NSAIDs, which can be harmful to your gut.

Here are some of my go-to naturopathic solutions: (3, 4, 5)

• Turmeric: This potent herb/spice boasts anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ease pain with 1-2g daily.
• Fish oil: Rich in omega-3s, 2000mg daily of EPA plus DHA can combat inflammation and help to relieve pain. 
• Crampbark: This herbal hero is a game-changer, offering natural pain relief during periods, potentially reducing your need for NSAIDs. 
• CBD: Studies suggest its potential to manage chronic pain, offering a non-addictive and effective option. 

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Endometriosis thrives on inflammation, so why not fight fire with food? An anti-inflammatory diet (or autoimmune protocol) is a powerful tool to manage endo naturally. (6)

Here's a quick glimpse:

• Fiber is your friend: Aim for 30+ grams daily to support gut health and the microbiome, which has a huge effect on inflammation.
• Go organic: Prioritize organic produce, especially "dirty dozen" fruits and veggies, to minimize pesticide exposure.
• Ditch the gluten and dairy: These can trigger inflammation for some, so consider a trial elimination to see if they improve symptoms.
• Choose wisely: Opt for grass-fed and free-range animal products for better quality and potentially lower inflammatory impact.
• Harness the power of plants: Cruciferous veggies help to detoxify and modulate proper estrogen levels, while phytoestrogens like flax and red clover offer natural hormonal support.
• Feed your gut: Probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi alongside prebiotic-rich options like asparagus and leeks create a thriving gut microbiome, crucial for managing inflammation.

Reducing Environmental Toxin Exposure

Endometriosis and environmental toxins often go hand-in-hand. See above and this blog for a more in depth discussion on environmental toxins and our health.

While testing can be helpful, here are some steps to minimize exposure and improve detoxification:

• Ditch the plastic: Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food and beverages.
• Be product savvy: Check the SKINDEEP database for BPA and phthalate-free alternatives for daily-use products.
• Sweat it out: Sauna sessions, lymphatic drainage, and movement can promote detoxification of everyday exposure to chemicals and toxins and help you maintain healthy hormone levels.
• Fiber is key: Fiber binds to toxins and aids elimination. Aim for 30+ grams daily.
• Boost your body's defenses: Glutathione and NAC support your natural detoxification pathways. Glutathione should not be used long-term; consult your doctor before using it.

Treating the Gut

Endometriosis and gut health are intricately linked. Often, the secret to managing your condition lies in the gut. (7)

Here’s why:

• Know your enemy: Understanding the culprit to gut and immune dysfunction is key to defeating it! A comprehensive stool analysis can reveal the specific gut imbalances leading to the immune dysfunction contributing to endometriosis. 
• Address imbalances: Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) can contribute to inflammation, and addressing these imbalances is crucial.
• Minimize LPS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a harmful bacteria byproduct, can worsen inflammation, so targeting its reduction is crucial.
• Replenish the good guys: Introducing high-quality probiotics specific to your needs helps restore a healthy gut microbiome, crucial for managing inflammation and overall well-being. 

For more on treating the gut, check out these 3 blogs: the basics of a happy, health gut,  how your gut impacts your hormones and the leaky gut and hormone link.

Sleep

Chronic pain and disrupted sleep often go hand-in-hand with endometriosis. Prioritizing sleep hygiene is crucial for managing your condition naturally. 

Here’s what you can do:

• Embrace a sleep routine: Aim for bed by 10 pm and strive for 8+ hours of uninterrupted sleep.
• Support relaxation: Before bed, consider natural stress reducers like L-theanine, GABA, or melatonin (as needed).
• Harness the power of herbs: Explore calming herbs like passionflower, oat, and valerian to promote relaxation and deeper sleep.

Read more tips on naturally improving your sleep here. 

Movement and Physical Therapy

Exercise is essential for managing endometriosis, but finding the right balance is critical. Intense exercise can actually worsen inflammation and raise cortisol levels, often high in people with endometriosis.

Here’s how to start moving strategically:

• Gentle is key: Opt for low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga at first. Focus on increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage to promote healing.
• Target your core: Strength training and Pilates are fantastic choices to strengthen core muscles, which help to reduce pain.
• Seek professional guidance: Consult a physical therapist, ideally a pelvic floor specialist familiar with endometriosis, for personalized exercises and hands-on therapy.
• Explore Arvigo massage: This incredible technique can help release adhesions in the pelvis and reduce pain and improve gut and pelvic function. 

Mindfulness, Breathwork, and Meditation

Stress reduction and resilience are crucial for managing endometriosis as chronic stress can exacerbate pain and inflammation. Incorporating mindfulness techniques like meditation, breathwork, or even spending time in nature can empower you to navigate your journey more easily. 

Taking Control of Your Endometriosis Journey

We can all agree that diagnosing and treating endometriosis is a complex challenge. But when you embrace a holistic approach and address the root causes, you can empower your body’s natural healing abilities and reclaim your wellbeing.

This blog provided just a glimpse into the variety of naturopathic approaches available for treating endometriosis, and it’s just the beginning of your journey.

Addressing endo holistically can feel very overwhelming, and I shared a lot about it in this blog. Start somewhere and go slow. Steady and consistent progress is the key to sustainable changes in your body.

And, of course, be gentle with yourself. Sending you so much love and resilience!

Are you ready to take the next step?

Schedule a free alignment call today, and let’s explore a personalized strategy tailored to your unique needs. Together, we can navigate the path to relief and help you bloom into the vibrant, empowered version of yourself that you deserve.

Resources

1. Marci, R. “Environment and Endometriosis: a toxic relationship.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26125255/. Accessed 26 February 2024.

2. Surtini, Rusty. “,.” , - YouTube, 6 May 2021, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-022-24785-w. Accessed 26 February 2024.

3. “Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.” NCBI, 13 January 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812094/. Accessed 26 February 2024.

4. Bost, Jeffrey W. “Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16531187/. Accessed 26 February 2024.

5. “No More Menstrual Cramps or Period Pain. Period.” Aviva Romm, MD, https://avivaromm.com/dysmenorrhea/. Accessed 26 February 2024.

6. “Nutrition in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis: A review.” NCBI, 17 February 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9983692/. Accessed 26 February 2024.

7. “Current Updates on the Role of Microbiome in Endometriosis: A Narrative Review.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9962481/. Accessed 26 February 2024.