 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is endometriosis?
- Symptoms of endometriosis
- Causes of endometriosis
- Prevention of endometriosis
- Risk factors for endometriosis
- Complications of endometriosis
- When to see a doctor about endometriosis
- Diagnosis of endometriosis
- Conventional treatment of endometriosis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of endometriosis
- Living with endometriosis
- Caring for someone with endometriosis
Endometriosis is very difficult to prevent as the cause is not yet known but there are some known risk factors which are difficult to prevent:
- Family history - women who have immediate family members with endometriosis are at a much higher risk for also developing this condition, a risk factor which is not easily preventable
- Heavy menstrual bleeding - heavy menstrual bleeding exposes a woman to more circulating eostrogen and possible sensitivity to the that eostrogen in their body and as endometriosis is an eostrogen-dependent disorder, this makes it a difficult risk factor to prevent
- Menstrual cycle starting at early age - women who started their menstrual cycle at an early age may be exposed to more circulating eostrogen and possible sensitivity to the that eostrogen in their body and as endometriosis is an eostrogen-dependent disorder, this makes it a difficult risk factor to prevent
- Short menstrual cycle with heavy bleeding - women who have a shorter menstrual cycle together with heavy bleeding may be exposed to more circulating eostrogen and possible sensitivity to the that eostrogen in their body and as endometriosis is an eostrogen-dependent disorder, this makes it a difficult risk factor to prevent
Advertisement
There may be ways to prevent worsening of symptoms of endometriosis from occurring or even reduce risk of developing this condition in the first place:
- Correct omega6:omega3 ratio in diet - experts believe that a diet lower in saturated fat and lower in processed foods may reduce levels of inflammation in the body, because this type of diet is high in the pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of omega-6:omega3 fatty acids should be about 2:1 (or even 1:1), but in women who have a poor diet, it could be 15:1 or even higher and this places a greater risk on any type of inflammatory condition developing, not just endometriosis
- Exercise - studies show that women who exercise regularly, every day and have been doing so since a younger age (around age 16) tend to have less incidence of endometriosis. This could be because exercise ensures proper circulation and helps the immune system and other systems stay strong and healthy
- Lower saturated fat intake - experts believe that a diet lower in saturated fat may reduce levels of inflammation in the body, because this type of diet is high in the pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of omega-6:omega3 fatty acids should be about 2:1 (or even 1:1), but in women who have a poor diet, it could be 15:1 or even higher and this places a greater risk on any type of inflammatory condition developing, not just endometriosis
- Reduce exposure to environmental toxins - there are a number of studies which suggest that women who are exposed to environmental toxins such as dioxin have a greater incidence of endometriosis. This is because dioxin (and other environmental toxins) is an endocrine (hormone) disruptor, which acts as a xenoeostrogen and this means it blocks the normal function of the hormones in the body and causes abnormal hormone functions and this can cause endometriosis. Women should try to stay away from the environmental toxins known to be endocrine disruptors, especially plastics and PVC, which are the two most common ones
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 3: causes 5: risk factors > Last reviewed: 11 January 2010 || Last updated: 11 January 2010
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
