Michelle Blum is an online and Brisbane based Naturopath and Acupuncturist with over 21 years of experience, offering a natural, safe and holistic approach to managing and treating endometriosis

Endometriosis is a rather complex disorder with many different causative factors.

Whilst it can be very debilitating, some of the mainstream management strategies such as surgery and contraception are not always preferred options due to their unwanted risks and side effects.

There most definitely is a safe, natural and more holistic form of care for Endometriosis that may help with managing the symptoms and addressing the underlying mechanisms of action. This is where a naturopath comes in !

How does a naturopath treat endometriosis naturally ?

After having a very detailed chat about your Endometriosis condition and general physical, mental and emotional health, your naturopath may want to inspect any routine blood tests that your doctor or specialist may have already carried out. If these have not been done recently, then you may be assisted in getting these tests completed.

The next thing to address is a comprehensive hormone assessment which is done on very specific days of your menstrual cycle. The details and timing of these tests will be discussed with you in your first visit.

Other investigations might be carried out such as assessment of the gut or vaginal microbiome.

As Endometriosis is a rather complex condition, there may be more than one causative factor. The naturopathic approach to managing this condition is to ideally find the root cause of your symptoms and use a safe and natural treatment strategy.

Some of the naturopathic treatment aims for Endometriosis include the following:

• Identifying and treating hormonal imbalances

• Identifying and treating any disturbances in the gut or vaginal microbiome.

• Identifying and treating inflammation

• Reducing the pain and discomfort

• Addressing and treating any other problematic symptoms

  
  Some of the ways in which a Naturopath will treat endometriosis include:
  

• The use of herbal medicines

• The inclusion of nutritional supplements

• Certain dietary recommendations

• Stress management

• Specific life style interventions

• Acupuncture

  A naturopathic treatment plan for Endometriosis may involve the following :

  Dietary changes
  Reducing or eliminating potential allergens such as dairy and wheat is recommended for women with endometriosis. Both of which are known triggers of the inflammatory process, which can contribute to overall inflammation.

  
  Soy, citrus, red meat, and fish may also be problematic. In fact, a  2021 study found that patients who avoided or limited gluten, dairy, soy, sugar and coffee and included vegetables, ginger or fruit experienced relief from many of their symptoms .

Avoiding foods that are high in histamine is also recommended in the treatment of Endometriosis as these foods can promote unwanted oestrogen production, potentially worsening symptoms. Foods that are high in histamine include fermented foods, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables.

Increasing your intake of organic, whole foods such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, healthy fats and good quality protein is essential.

Eating brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower can assist with oestrogen detoxification which can be a treatment aim in Endometriosis.

Oestrogen detoxification targets the liver and bowels and foods such as beets, onions, garlic, dark leafy greens, and artichokes can be helpful.

Improving gut health
Dysbiosis (an imbalance of the microbiome) in the gut or genital microbiota is associated with endometriosis and infertility. This is discussed in detail in Michelle’s blog article Endometriosis Treatment.

Changes in the gut microbial composition can result in higher or lower levels of oestrogen, which in turn affects the menstrual cycle. Probiotics are already known to help alleviate symptoms of endometriosis, while a wholesome diet high in both Omega 3 fatty acids and probiotics is shown to improve the gut flora and help prevent various diseases and conditions such as Endometriosis.

Increasing exercise
Regular exercise can help balance hormones and reduce inflammation in women with endometriosis. Exercise is also shown to increase systemic levels of cytokines (proteins involved in cell signalling) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as reducing estrogen levels. In addition, regular physical activity can help to reduce both menstrual flow and ovarian stimulation, as well as reduce the action of oestrogen.
Being active also helps boost feel-good endorphins!

Endocrine disrupting chemicals

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) which are found in plastics and many household, cleaning and personal products can wreak havoc on the hormonal system.

You can read more about the negative impact EDC’s can have on Endometriosis on the blog page here.

What is the best treatment for endometriosis? 

Beginning your treatment for Endometriosis naturopathically is by far the least invasive and safest approach.

For many women, undergoing surgery to remove the problematic endometrial tissue can be a concern.

The other issue with surgery is that it is highly likely that your endometriosis will return, so it is definitely not a cure.

Many women do experience significant pain reduction when they are under the care of a naturopath. There are many very strong acting natural anti-inflammatories that can be used.

Whilst there are definitely no promises of curing your condition, there is a strong focus on pain management and reduction whilst the drivers of your condition are carefully considered.

For some women, having a laparoscopy to remove the tissue followed by naturopathic guidance to keep the condition under control is preferred.

Can a naturopath cure endometriosis?

While there is no cure for endometriosis, the right naturopathic treatment may significantly reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the condition.

Herbal remedies for endometriosis that a naturopath may use

Chaste berry (vitex), white peony, ginger, curcumin, chamomile, ashwagandha, and many other herbs all have potential benefits in relieving the symptoms of endometriosis. Some herbs can help to increase progesterone levels, while others reduce oestrogen, helping to balance overall hormonal levels.

Herbs can be very powerful and must be used correctly. A naturopath trained in herbal medicine can choose the right herbal formula to assist with your particular symptoms. 

How do you calm endometriosis inflammation with naturopathy ?

Inflammation is one of the main causes of pain in endometriosis. Managing inflammation is key to alleviating symptoms. There are several approaches to this.

Natural methods

Curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric and a major anti-inflammatory herb. Several studies have indicated that curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties that can help relieve the pain and inflammation of endometriosis. Curcumin decreases inflammation by inhibiting the expression and activation of inflammatory factors.

Omega 3
Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as those in fatty fish, avocado, nuts, flaxseed, and chia are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Numerous studies show that these fatty acids have antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. One study found that the survival of endometrial cells from women with endometriosis was significantly reduced when the women had high omega-3:omega-6 ratios. Note: it’s crucial that Omega 3 intake is properly balanced with Omega 6 - something that a qualified naturopath can help you with.  

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used to treat pain conditions for centuries. Studies show that it’s an effective and safe method of relieving pain caused by many hormone-related conditions such as endometriosis and dysmenorrhea. Acupuncture has been found to help shorten pain duration and improve overall wellbeing and quality of life in women with endometriosis-associated pain, although it’s most effective when treatment is received on a regular basis.

Supporting the gut
The gut flora plays a crucial role in maintaining hormone production and regulating overall homeostasis. It is also a key regulator in many inflammatory conditions. Studies show that an imbalance of bacteria in the uterine environment triggers the inflammation that occurs in endometriosis, and that endometriosis may also lead to gut dysbiosis by impairing gut function through cytokine activity.
Dysbiosis can occur due to a combination of increased pathogenic microorganisms and/or loss of probiotic bacteria. This may contribute to endometriosis onset and its progression. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that Lactobacillus probiotics can be effective in reducing endometriosis-associated pain in women.

What vitamins treat endometriosis? 

Just to be clear: vitamins are best sourced from a wholesome, balanced diet. Eating plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables will help supply your body with these nutrients in their natural form, which helps to ensure proper absorption. 

However, if your diet isn’t perfect or you have malabsorption issues, supplementation can help fill any nutritional gaps. 

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant - one of the most important in the human body. It helps fight free radicals that can contribute to inflammation, and may help in alleviating the inflammation associated with endometriosis. Vitamin C supplementation was also found to significantly reduce the volume and weight of endometriotic cysts when taken in a dose-dependent manner.

Vitamin E
As another major antioxidant, Vitamin E is often combined with Vitamin C for maximum benefits. Some research has suggested that vitamin C + E can be used together to neutralize oxidative damage in endometriosis and protect cells against damage caused by oxidative stress.

What foods worsen endometriosis? 

Poor diet can cause - and worsen - any health condition. In the case of endometriosis, some of the most serious triggers are certain dietary fats. 

A 2010 prospective study found that intake of palmitic acid (a saturated fatty acid present in meat and dairy) and trans fat was linked to an increased risk of endometriosis, while total fat consumption did not result in the same risk. One study found that every one percent of energy derived from trans fats rather than from any other type of fat led to a significantly higher risk of endometriosis.

Artificial trans fats are the most hazardous to health. These fats are present in commercially baked goods such as cakes, biscuits, pastries, pies, and pizza; microwave popcorn, fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts; margarine, and coffee creamer. 

Foods high in palmitic acid include palm oil, shortening, unsalted butter, lard, beef tallow, pork,  fattened beef, and cottonseed oil. Red meat is also associated with increased risk of endometriosis. 

Reducing these fats while boosting intake of dietary fiber has been shown to reduce estrogen concentrations by around 10-25 percent.

Does endometriosis go away with pregnancy?

While it’s true that doctors once recommended that women get pregnant to ‘cure’ their endometriosis, this is not really the case. 

Menstruation ceases during pregnancy, which means a woman may experience less pain from her endometriosis. However, it’s also just as possible for pregnancy to worsen endometriosis-related pain due to extra pressure on inflamed pelvic nerves. 

Some research suggests that endometriosis is also associated with an increased risk of early miscarriage and complications such as the rupture of ovarian cysts and/or the uterus, and bleeding from endometriosis lesions or surgery. 

What happens if you ignore endometriosis?

If untreated, endometriosis can have a serious impact on quality of life. 

Medical reviews have suggested that endometriosis can adversely affect your participation in daily life including social activities, relationships, physical and sexual function, work, study, mental health, and overall well-being. These daily challenges may even end up limiting life goals in educational opportunities, career choices or advancement; forming stable relationships, and starting a family. 

Endometriosis can continue throughout life, with symptoms shown to occur from puberty through to menopause. 

Getting the right help is crucial. To minimize the negative impact of endometriosis on one’s life, early diagnosis and effective treatment is essential. This should go hand-in-hand with comprehensive, long-term care from a qualified practitioner specialising in women’s health. 

Find out how a naturopath can help with your endometriosis

As a Naturopath and Acupuncturist based in the Brisbane south suburb of Moorooka, I have worked with hundreds of clients over the past 20 years to help improve their health and wellbeing.

If you would like to discuss how I could help you in any of the areas listed above please click the Book Now button below. I look forward to hearing from you.