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- 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
There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help deal with endometriosis:
- Check for food intolerance - studies show that women with endometriosis have a higher incidence of a number of food intolerance (or allergies) and this may either be a contributing factor, or be caused by the endometriosis. In either case, it is well worth finding out if there are any food intolerance (gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, among others)
- Decrease intake of saturated fats - these foods create more inflammation in the body, so it would be beneficial in helping reduce some of your symptoms by reducing any foods high in saturated fat. These include: fried foods, high fat meats, junk foods, processed foods
- Decrease intake of sugar - this is because sugar has an inflammatory effect on the body by increasing levels of prostaglandins and these are the substances with cause inflammation as part of the healing process. Try to avoid processed and junk foods as they usually contain high levels of sugar
- Exercise regularly - you need to start exercising more and regularly. Studies show that women who exercise regularly and since teenage years, have less incidence of endometriosis. Aim to do 30-45 minutes of exercise every day, alternating cardiovascular workouts with strength training
- Fish oil supplement - consider taking a fish oil supplement (but discuss this with your doctor before trying it as it may interact with your other medication). Many studies have suggested that a fish oil supplement with DHA/EPA helps to reduce the inflammation associated with endometriosis and reduces the number of endometrial implants outside the uterus
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- Increase intake of essential fatty acids - increase intake of foods which are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) both of which help to reduce inflammation in any part of the body. Foods rich in these nutrients are: evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, oily fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna), pecans, safflower oil, sunflower oil, walnuts. These foods should be part of a healthy diet, even if you take supplements too
- Increase intake of fresh vegetables - increase intake of vegetables to have about 6-7 portions of vegetables each day. Aim to have one salad every day, filled with lots of dark green leafy and dark red/purple (ie purple cabbage) vegetables . This helps provide the body with adequate antioxidants to help the immune system function better
- Increase intake of fibre - studies show that a diet rich in adequate soluble and non-soluble fibre helps to remove any excessive levels of eostrogen and this may assist with reducing symptoms of endometriosis. Aim to have 30g of fibre each day, but if you have not been recently eating many foods high in fibre, start adding a few more fibre-rich foods in your diet each day, slowly, a little at a time and build up to an adequate supply. Psyllium is an excellent fibre which is well tolerated in most people and it also helps to ensure the gastrointestinal system is functioning correctly and in a healthy manner
- Pain medication - make sure to take some pain medication to reduce level of pain (which is due to inflammation because of the endometrial implants) and visit your doctor to discuss further treatment if pain is unbearable even despite using pain relief
- Reduce alcohol intake - if you drink a lot of alcohol it can worsen the inflammation and pain you experience. While it may seem that alcohol provides a certain numbness and reduction of pain symptoms in the short term, over the longer tem it will make your condition much worse, so try to limit your alcohol intake to the standard recommended at the very most (1 standard drink 4-5 nights a week)
- Rest - if you are in pain, especially during menstruation, it is important just to rest as that is the most appropriate way to help your body recover more quickly from the pain
- Try acupuncture - several studies show that acupuncture may be a more safer and effective way to treat pelvic pain associated with endometriosis than medications (that are not without possible side effects and complications, especially in the stronger painkiller categories). Talk to your doctor about trying acupuncture for your pain symptoms
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< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > Last reviewed: 11 January 2010 || Last updated: 11 January 2010
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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.
