Naturopath for endometriosis
The key things you need to know to manage your endo
Endometriosis as a naturopath, I’m most passionate about supporting clients who have this condition, it forms a critical portion of my clinical practice. In part because there is so much more research on the condition, which supports a naturopathic approach, but even more so because I struggled with endometriosis for many years myself.
I was diagnosed with endo when I was 17, after being admitted to the hospital several times with excruciating pain.
As a condition, it can lead to social withdrawal as well as an increase in depression and anxiety.
Unfortunately, some of the common solutions often presented are the pill or waiting to fall pregnant— not guaranteed that it won’t come back post-pregnancy, and removal of the excess endometrial tissue via a laparoscopy (invasive and traumatic and also not necessarily a permanent solution to the endometrial growths can come back months or years later).
I want to take the time in this post to take a closer look at endometriosis, some of the ways naturopathic medicine can help with the condition, and debunk the idea that it’s something you must learn to live with… It’s not!
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
This condition is often misdiagnosed. Many women have it and don't know it. Many women are diagnosed with PMS when in fact, they have endometriosis. Many of the women I see in the naturopathic clinic have had the symptoms of endometriosis for many years before they’re diagnosed. One research study revealed that it can take up to 10 years to receive and endometriosis diagnosis.
One point that must be made here is that you may be completely asymptomatic—- meaning you have little or no pain, but you're struggling to fall pregnant, and it may be due to endometriosis.
As a naturopath, I see patients diagnosed with PCOS, and it's important to know you can have both of these conditions concurrently. So getting the diagnosis right is essential so that you know what you're dealing with.
Pain is generally not a symptom of PCOS. You may experience some random pain which is ovarian in nature and usually associated with ovulation so mid-cycle. As often seen with endometriosis, PCOS doesn't cause severe pain during periods.
So getting a clear understanding of what is going on with your reproductive system is key, and this involves a whole lot of testing. Please seek advice and be sure to test and not guess. It can make a world of difference. To learn more about PCOS, please check out this post.
What is Endometriosis?
It is primarily an inflammatory disease. This is important because most people think it's a hormonal issue.
There is a hormonal component; however, much of the recent research shows that endometriosis, unlike PCOS and other reproductive disorders, is primarily inflammatory.
You have components of your immune system, including the Mast cells, Natural Killer Cells, Neutrophils, etc., which are all responsible for removing the unwanted endometrial fluid from around your uterus.
Women with endometriosis have fewer numbers of many of these cells. They also appear to have higher amounts of inflammatory markers.
Women who have endo have reduced natural killer cell activity, having higher cytokines; they have more elevated antibodies.
Very recently, the studies being published in medical journals are pointing to the potential involvement of the immune system in endometriosis.
One article states, "A dysregulated immune response facilitates the endometriosis progression (2017, Jclin Endocrinol Met)."
You can also check out - Immunological Aspects of Endometriosis a review 2015.
What causes endometriosis?
We’ve been asking this question for many years; however, we’ve had very little science to explain the causes of endometriosis, and it appears that there are several contributing factors.
A study conducted in Japan recently found contamination with gram-negative bacteria in the pelvis of women who had endometriosis. Could E. Coli be contributing to the inflammation?
Bacterial contamination hypothesis: a new concept in endometriosis…
Interestingly, it’s been thought that the common gut complaints of patients with endo is due to the presence of endometrial tissue around the bowel etc. However, there may be more to it than that.
How are these bacteria getting from the gut to the pelvis? Bacteria can move through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and the pelvis. I know that it sounds like something out of a Sci-fi movie, but it’s not uncommon to see a long-standing gut dysfunction that existed even before the endometriosis developing in some patients.
As a naturopath this is something I often question in our initial appointment to see if it’s a factor for you.
The traditional theory on the cause is that you have endometrial lesions present from retrograde menstruation—the flow back of menstrual blood into the uterus.
Then, add an immune system that is predisposed due to genetics or other factors, and this perfect storm results in the development of the condition.
In truth we still need more research to be conducted in this area but even without a clear understanding of all of the contributing factors, there us a lot you can do to manage the condition and reduce your symptoms.
can a naturopath help with endometriosis?
A question I get asked a lot…
I have many clients who’ve seen significant improvements in their pain and discomfort with endometriosis.
As far as protocols go, you need to be prepared to change your lifestyle and diet. We know that stress can play a significant role in endometriosis as can what you eat.
One of the most challenging aspects of reducing the symptoms associated with endometriosis is staying committed. You do need to stay the course with the diet and lifestyle modifications in order to see significant shifts in pain and inflammation.
So how does a naturopath help with endometriosis?
Individualised dietary support
Research shows that endo responds to a low FODMAP diet ( Judith S Moore,2016).
If you have long-standing digestive symptoms, we may need to assess for SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). Addressing this factor becomes key because it’s linked to endometriosis.
Removal of inflammatory proteins— A1 Casein cows dairy and gluten. Both of these increase intestinal permeability and can make your pain worse.
Are environmental toxins (mercury and others) an issue? These can cause severe health and hormonal imbalances, and testing and clearing these out of the body may be necessary. We can assess this through specific testing if necessary.
We may need to work to reduce histamine and mast cells. Too much histamine can stimulate oestrogen, so there are some issues here with some of my patients piling in the fermented foods, bone broths, and these superfoods, which are high in histamines.
As a naturopath, I take a very individualised approach. Understanding your individual drivers is key.
Some supplements that may support endometriosis
This post is not prescriptive or medical advice please speak to your medical advisors.
Zinc
Zinc deficiency and endometriosis one Italian study found that women with endo had lower zinc levels than women without the disease. Zinc deficiency causes oxidative stress as well. So it’s a vital mineral.
N-Acetylcysteine
A study of 95 women who were scheduled to have surgery for removal of endometrial plaques. 24 of the women in the study who took NAC cancelled their upcoming operation. It’s known to help with inflammation in the body significantly.
Selenium
Studies have found a lower level in women with endometriosis. Unfortunately due to over farming many soils are depleted so even if you’re eating fresh produce you may not be getting enough.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a master at reducing inflammation and supporting oxidative stress. Widely investigated, and there are a few studies that found curcumin regresses endometriosis.
Resveratrol
Studies have shown it has the potential to protect against endometriosis. (2017 resveratrol and endometriosis)
As I’ve mentioned this is not a script you should consult your health practitioner before you start taking anything.
As a practicing naturopath I commonly use herbal medicine to support my endometriosis patients both for symptom support as well as working to minimise some of the potential drivers.
How long do you need to see a naturopath for endometriosis?
This is dependent on your unique case and the severity of endometriosis. Generally, four to six sessions will keep you on track and may see a decrease in the amount of inflammation.
Some clients struggle to adhere to the diet or the lifestyle changes, and so need more consistent and regular support, if you’re hoping to fall pregnant in the near future, it may help to start with a pre-conception care program 6-12 months prior to when you’re hoping to conceive. If this is you please start sooner rather than later!
Endometriosis has been linked to infertility so getting the support you need sooner can get you further along with your family planning.
If you’ve been looking to fall pregnant for some time and haven’t been successful, please look to this as a potential causative factor. There is some research suggesting that it’s responsible for up to 25% of infertility. Of course, the best way to find out is to engage exemplary health practitioners and have the appropriate testing done.
Endometriosis and stress
This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning the impact of stress on the reproductive system and certainly on endometriosis.
For a deep dive into stress and the reproductive system, please check out this post.
Having a stress management plan and addressing your relationship with pain is an essential component of the treatment plan.
This can be successfully done through hypnotherapy, yoga, and meditation. Breathwork, time in nature, art and so on.
Working with practitioners who have some experience with endometriosis is a good start.
Endometriosis can wreak havoc on many parts of your life, with regular admissions to the hospital, reliance on pain killers and a whole lot of missing out on all the things you love. My experience with the condition was one of the driving factors behind my wanting to study to become a naturopath.
You can find me at The Armanda Clinic in Potts Point, I also conduct online appointments. Feel free to book a complimentary 15-minute call down below.