What is endometriosis?

Posted: August 27, 2024
Irina Fink
Irina Fink

Naturopath

From puberty to the menopause, we welcome it every month anew: the period. If they didn't exist, humanity wouldn't exist. This natural process is nothing short of a miracle. Nevertheless, for some of us, periods also mean complications. There is a disease that often goes undiagnosed but is very common - endometriosis.

 

Perhaps you have already noticed one or more of these symptoms:

  • Severe, often cramp-like pain during your period
  • Heavy and irregular periods or bleeding between periods
  • Frequent, recurring pain in the lower abdomen, especially in the second half of the menstrual cycle
  • Abdominal and back pain that radiates into the legs
  • Pain during gynecological examinations
  • Pain during and after sexual intercourse
  • Pain during urination or bowel movements

If you know these symptoms, it is quite possible that you are suffering from endometriosis. You are not alone!

➤ 10-15% of all women between puberty and menopause are affected by endometriosis!

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful disease with proliferating tissue outside the uterus. The ovaries, intestines and pelvic tissue are often affected by this proliferating tissue.

The tissue is similar to the lining of the uterus and is rebuilt every month during the female cycle and shed again during the period. However, unlike the lining of the uterus, this detached mucous membrane cannot simply be shed, but remains in the body.

This results in inflammation, bleeding, adhesions and cysts. Those affected usually experience very severe pain and heavy periods, which can indicate the disease. This pain is far more severe than that of a "normal" menstrual period.

No one knows the exact cause of endometriosis, but hormonal imbalances (such as high oestrogen levels) and genetic predisposition play a major role in its development, according to experts.

There is nothing you can do about your genetic predisposition, but you can do something to restore the hormonal balance in your body.

 

➤ Endometriosis is the second most common gynecological disease!

 

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Still a mystery for most doctors

Although endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological disease, it is often not even recognized by specialists. This is because the appearance of endometriosis is extremely varied. Severe menstrual pain and the like are often dismissed as women's problems and not taken seriously.

If it is detected, the standard procedure is to try to suppress menstruation and slow down the growth of these cells. This is usually done with hormonal treatment (contraceptive pills) or even pregnancy is advised. The removal of an ovary or uterus is then seen as the final solution.

The risk of unrecognized endometriosis:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Scarring and adhesions on the uterus, ovaries, etc.
  • Bleeding in the abdominal cavity
  • Infertility

➤ Endometriosis is diagnosed in up to 70% of all infertile women!

What helps?

To get rid of endometriosis lesions, a laparoscopy is usually performed to diagnose and surgically remove them. However, studies have shown that surgery is rarely effective and is highly controversial. Endometriosis can also return after an operation.

Pain therapies, hormone therapies and drug treatments are also prescribed, but these can also have many side effects and risks.

In comparison, many sufferers have positive experiences with complementary medicine, i.e. acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine (phytotherapy). In phytotherapy, there are several plants that can provide relief from endometriosis, such as monk's pepper and lady's mantle.

  • Monk's pepper has been used for over 2500 years for many gynecological complaints. The plant ensures that the right hormones are produced in the right quantities. This is why monk's pepper is also used for infertility, PMS and endometriosis.
  • Lady's mantle is not considered a woman's best friend for nothing. The plant has many benefits, especially when it comes to inflammation, infertility or menstrual problems. Lady's mantle also helps to harmonize the hormonal balance.

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4 simple steps to improve endometriosis that you can incorporate into your everyday life:

  1. Relax: Stress hormones lead to a hormonal imbalance, which can promote the development of endometriosis. Tension in the abdomen also has a negative effect. Try massages, acupuncture or medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements to combat stress (e.g. Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea or vitamin B complex).
  2. Get moving: Regular and gentle exercise through walks or yoga is ideal as it gets the body moving.
  3. Targeted nutrition: In recent years, nutritional approaches to endometriosis have been investigated. As the disease is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant diet is recommended (e.g. with omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin).
  4. Natural pain therapy: There are many plants that have a natural pain-relieving effect, such as lady's mantle, monk's pepper, evening primrose oil or cannabidiol (CBD oil)

Don't just dismiss your regular severe pain during your period, take it seriously! Consult your doctor or alternative practitioner and make sure you are informed about natural alternatives.

 

Sources (in English):

Küpelli Akkol, E., Demirel, M. A., Bahadir, A. O., Süntar, I., ERgene, B., Ilhan, M. et al. (2015, September). Phytochemical analyses and effects of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in rat endometriosis model. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 292(3):619-28, doi: 10.1007/s00404-015-3665-6

Wieser, F., Cohen, M., Gaeddert, A., Yu, J., Burks-Wicks, C., Berga, S. L. et al. (2007, September-October). Evolution of medical treatment for endometriosis: back to the roots? Human Reproduction Update, 13(5):487-99, doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmm015

Van Die, M. D., Burger, H. G., Teede, H. J. & Bone, K. M. (2013, May). Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Medica, 79(7):562-75, doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327831  

Ibrahim, N. A., Shalaby, A. S., Farag, R. S., Elbaroty, G. S., Nofal, S. M. & Hassan, E. M. (2008, April). Gynecological efficacy and chemical investigation of Vitex agnus-castus L. fruits growing in Egypt. Natural Product Research, 22(6):537-46, doi: 10.1080/14786410701592612 

Milewicz, A., Gejdel, E., Sworen, H., Sienkiewicz, K., Jedrzejak, J., Teucher, T. & Schmitz, H. (1993, July). [Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study]. Arzneimittelforschung, 43(7):752-6