Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects 10
– 15% of all menstruating
women.
The lining of the uterus is called the
endometrium. Each month this
is shed in the form of a period. Endometriosis occurs when stray
fragments of this lining find their way into the pelvic cavity and attach
themselves to various organs and tissues. These endometriosis growths are still
influenced by female hormones, and continue to bleed each
month. Bleeding into the
abdominal cavity causes scarring, adhesions and severe
pain.
There is compelling evidence that endometriosis may be
an autoimmune disease, and sufferers are at increased risk of other
autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid
arthritis.
Symptoms of endometriosis
include:
*PAIN.
Be suspicious of periods which suddenly become painful. Pain on intercourse, or during
bowel motions is also common.
*Infertility
*Lethargy
*Heavy and painful
periods
*Abnormal bowel motions during
periods
*Unexplained exhaustion and
lethargy
Treatment
TCM understand endometriosis as resulting from a
blockage or stagnation of the flow of qi and blood in the
abdomen. Chronic blood
stasis can result in “masses” in the abdomen such as fibroids, cysts or
endometriosis. Blood stasis
often occurs as a result of long term qi imbalance, especially affecting
the kidney and liver
meridians.
Women with endometriosis can benefit greatly from a
long-term commitment to TCM treatments. There are no quick, overnight “fixes”
with this condition, and treatment often involves several months of
regular acupuncture, along with herbal and nutritional medicine; dietary
change; exercise and stress
management.
Women usually begin to notice an improvement by the
time of their third menstrual cycle after starting treatment (sometimes
earlier). Improvement is
usually noticed as increased energy and a more regular and less painful
period.
Naturopathic recommendations
include the use of magnesium and essential fatty acid supplements and a
diet low in animal protein, alcohol, caffeine, sugar etc. Changing estrogen metabolites through
diet and nutritional medicine also helps to reduce the ongoing
stimulation of endometrial growths. A gut and liver detoxification protocol
is also recommended to improve breakdown and excretion of estrogen
metabolites.
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