Endometriosis
is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your
uterus the endometrium grows outside your uterus (endometrial implant).
Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, bowel or the tissue lining
your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond your pelvic region.
In
endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally
would it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because
this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When
endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form.
Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and
adhesions abnormal tissue that binds organs together.
The primary
symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with your menstrual
period. Although many women experience cramping during their menstrual period,
women with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that's far worse
than usual. They also tend to report that the pain has increased over time.
Signs and symptoms
Painful
periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend
several days into your period and may include lower back and abdominal pain.
Pain with
intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
Pain with
bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms
during your period.
Excessive
bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding
between periods (menometrorrhagia).
Infertility.
Endometriosis is first diagnosed in some women who are seeking treatment for
infertility.
Other
symptoms. You may also experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or
nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
The severity
of your pain isn't necessarily a reliable indicator of the extent of the
condition. Some women with mild endometriosis have extensive pain, while others
with advanced endometriosis may have little pain or even no pain at all.
Endometriosis
is sometimes mistaken for other conditions that can cause pelvic pain, such as
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts. It may be confused with
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes bouts of diarrhea,
constipation and abdominal cramping. IBS can accompany endometriosis, which can
complicate the diagnosis.
Causes
Although the
exact cause of endometriosis is not certain, several possible explanations
include:
Retrograde
menstruation. This is the most likely explanation for endometriosis. In
retrograde menstruation, menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows
back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of
the body. These displaced endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and
surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed
over the course of each menstrual cycle.
Embryonic
cell growth. The cells lining the abdominal and pelvic cavities come from
embryonic cells. When one or more small areas of the abdominal lining turn into
endometrial tissue, endometriosis can develop.
Surgical
scar implantation. After a surgery, such as a hysterectomy or C-section,
endometrial cells may attach to a surgical incision.
Endometrial
cells transport. The blood vessels or tissue fluid (lymphatic) system may
transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body.
Immune
system disorder. It's possible that a problem with the immune system may make the
body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial tissue that's growing outside
the uterus.
Endometriosis
can cause pain sometimes severe especially during your period. Fertility
problems also may develop. Fortunately, effective treatments are available.
Remedies for Endometriosis
1. Castor
Oil
An age-old
effective remedy for endometriosis is castor oil. Castor oil helps the body get
rid of excess tissues and toxins. It should be used at the beginning of the
menstrual cycle, when cramping is first noticed. This will help reduce the
severity of symptoms throughout the cycle.
Mix eight
drops of lavender essential oil and one-fourth cup of castor oil.
Soak a
washcloth in this mixture, fold it and heat it in the microwave until it is
comfortably warm. Place the warm cloth directly on your lower stomach.
Put a piece
of plastic on top of the cloth and place a hot water bottle on top of that.
Use the pack
once a day for 30 to 60 minutes.
Rinse off
the oil with lukewarm water after each application.
Note: Do not
use this remedy during menstrual flow.
2. Sitz Bath
A contrast
hot and cold sitz bath is often recommended by naturopathy practitioners for
reducing symptoms of endometriosis. The hot bath will help relax the pelvic
muscles, in turn reducing cramping and pain. The cold bath will help reduce
inflammation and alleviate pain.
Fill two
large bathtubs, one with warm water and another with cold water.
Add 10 drops
of rosemary essential oil or lavender essential oil to each bath and stir well.
Sit in the
tub with hot water up to your waist for three to five minutes.
Then sit in
the tub of cold water up to your waist for one minute.
Repeat for
two to five rounds.
Do this
three to four times a week.
Note: Avoid
this remedy during menstruation.
3. Pelvic
Massage
Massaging
the pelvic area and lower abdomen with an essential oil like lavender or
sandalwood will help a lot to relax and soothe minor pain associated with
endometriosis.
Lie on the
bed and stretch out your body.
Rub some
essential oil on your stomach.
Gently
massage in a rotating pattern for five to 10 minutes.
Do this once
daily.
Note: Do not
do this massage during your menstrual cycle.
4. Flaxseed
Flaxseeds
are also very beneficial in the treatment of endometriosis. The antioxidant and
omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds help slow the growth of abnormal endometrial
tissue. Plus, flaxseeds help the body eliminate harmful toxins.
Soak three
to four tablespoons of flaxseeds in one cup of water overnight. Strain and
drink the water the next morning. Follow this remedy daily until your symptoms
subside.
You can also
add ground flaxseeds to yogurt, smoothies, soups and salads.
5. Turmeric
This amazing
spice has a natural component known as curcumin that has strong
anti-inflammatory benefits and hence can be used to treat endometriosis. It has
also been shown to have anti-endometriotic property.
Bring two
cups of water to a boil and add one teaspoon each of turmeric powder and ginger
powder and one tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice. Drink this solution
once daily until you get rid of the problem.
You can also
take turmeric capsules (300 mg) three times a day.
Note: Avoid
turmeric remedies if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
6. Wild
Asparagus
Wild
asparagus or shatavari in Ayurveda, which is rich in folic acid, can help treat
anemia as well as endometriosis caused by a deficiency of folic acid. Plus, it
has vitamin E that helps alleviate pain, particularly cramps.
Mix one
teaspoon of wild asparagus powder in a glass of warm milk.
Drink it two
times daily until you feel better.
7. Ginger
Ginger
slices
Ginger is a
strong anti-inflammatory herb that reduces inflammation and relieves menstrual
cramps. It also relieves the nausea that can occur with endometriosis. Plus, it
plays a major role in clearing the liver of excess toxins.
Boil one
tablespoon of grated ginger root in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain,
add honey and drink two or three cups of this herbal tea daily.
You can even
chew fresh ginger pieces several times a day to recover quickly.
8. Chamomile
Chamomile
tea
Chamomile
has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation as well as
swelling often associated with endometriosis. It also acts as a natural
diuretic to help flush out the bladder.
REMEMBER
Several
factors place you at greater risk of developing endometriosis, such as:
One or more
relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis
Any medical
condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body
History of
pelvic infection
Uterine
abnormalities
Endometriosis
usually develops several years after the onset of menstruation (menarche).
Signs and symptoms of endometriosis end temporarily with pregnancy and end
permanently with menopause, unless you're taking estrogen.