Lets talk Endometriosis
Despite the prevalence of this condition, the main pathogenesis is still yet to be understood. What we do know is that endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is multifactorial and distinguished by the presence of endometrial like tissue outside the uterus. High levels of oestrogen influence these ectopic cells to proliferate (multiply) and gets encapsulated by our bodies natural immune defense mechanism, creating inflammatory cysts that can cause internal damage, scar tissue and abdominal pain.
Think gut, not just hormones
It's estimated that approximately 1 out of 10 women will experience endometriosis during their reproductive years and around 90% of women will have gut symptoms and concerns.
The most suggestive symptomatology is as follows:
Chronic menstruation pain
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Pain during ovulation
Pelvic pain
Lower back pain
Nausea, diarrhoea can be experienced whilst menstruating
Increased pain with sexual activity
Maternal link with endometriosis
Infertility '
Depression, irritability, feelings of overwhelm, tearful, ‘everything is too much’ or having sensations of having a ‘short fuse’ are also very commonly associated endometriosis.
If this sounds like you, there's some ways to get to the bottom of it and to get yourself feeling better all month long, as chronic period pain is not normal ladies.
A few considerations that can cause more harm than good
Over consumption of soy based products.
Soy can aggravate and affect soy receptor sites causing further influence to endometrial lining and symptoms. It can be hidden in so many of our foods so look out for soy protein isolate, textured soy protein commonly found in plant based meat alternatives alongside tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk.
Coffee
This not only can influence our stress hormone cortisol, but also hormones like testosterone, DHEA and sex binding globulin (SHBG), which is all influential in fertility.
Sugar
Simply put, its highly inflammatory and is an immune depressant, two things we do not want in the mix with endometriosis
Deep fried foods
Trans Fats aggravate inflammation through increasing inflammatory markers in the system.
Some helpful naturopathic tips
Anti inflammatory foods
Think Meditarian lifestyle with healthy essential fatty acid consumption through nuts, seeds, avocado and wild caught fish alongside eating abundant fresh organic/pesticide free vegetable and fruit
Supporting liver function & clearance
This can be done through vegetables like; beetroot, dark leafy greens, carrots, garlic, artichoke and lemons.
Healthy oestrogen clearance for happy hormone metabolism.
Healthy gut health
As said earlier, bacterial dysbiosis or gut microbiome imbalance is a very much often linked with this condition and so many of our hormones are metabolised through our gut.
Lastly, I recommend seeking support through a naturopath. There is a number of evidence supporting herbs and nutrients that naturopathic practitioners prescribe to support your symptoms and long term reproductive health.
