National Endometriosis Awareness Month
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells are cells that are shed each month during menstruation. In endometriosis, endometrial cells attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that has reproductive and health consequences. A great number of Black women are affected by endometriosis. The Endometriosis Association suggests that endometriosis, which is symptomatically characterized by pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, has often been misdiagnosed in black women as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) a sexually transmitted disease.
Endometriosis is most likely to affect you if you are in your reproductive years. Most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed if you are aged 25-35 years old. However, endometriosis has been reported in girls as young as 11 years of age.
The exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and have no symptoms. Endometriosis is estimated to affect from 3% to 18% of women in the United States.
It is estimated that 20% to 50% of women being treated for infertility have endometriosis, and up to 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain may be affected with endometriosis.
A study by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reported that 40% African American women who were told they had PID in reality had endometriosis.
Endometriosis is also among the leading causes of infertility in Black women (NIH, DHHS, CDC, NIAID).
Natural Remedies for Endometriosis
The standard care plan tends to involve:
Hormone treatments (including birth control)
Surgery
Pain medicine
But treating this health issue can be hard and may cause unwanted effects.
For these and other reasons, many women seek natural ways to support or replace the standard treatments prescribed by their health care providers.
We will discuss common natural treatments women may add to their care plan, such as:
Eating plan changes
Herbs
Lifestyle changes/ Holistic health care
Isoflavones May Ease Symptoms
Estrogen is a female hormone that controls the normal growth of the endometrium. An imbalance in this hormone can worsen pain and other symptoms caused by lesions.
A group of plant-based compounds called isoflavones may help ease symptoms of endometriosis by blocking aromatase. This is an enzyme that converts androgens (male hormones) to estrogens.
Rich sources of isoflavones include:
Celery
Parsley
Soybeans
Chickpeas
Fava beans
Pistachios
Peanuts
Likewise, an organic compound called indoles may slightly counter the effects of estrogen.
Indoles can be found in foods such as:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Bok choy
Low-Fat Diet May Lower Risk of Toxins
Some studies suggest that being exposed over time to certain toxins may raise the risk for endometriosis and worsen its course. Toxins such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) stored in animal fats can be passed to humans through the foods they eat and drink.
Cutting back on foods high in saturated fats may help lower this risk.
Some studies have shown that a higher intake of red meat can raise the risk of endometriosis, while a higher intake of fresh fruits and vegetables can lower risk.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Helps Ease Swelling
Endometrial cramps and pain are largely caused by a class of complex fatty acids known as prostaglandins.
Some of these fatty acids ease swelling while other promote it. Too much of one type or too little of the other can incite pain. The body converts omega-3 fatty acids into the types of prostaglandins that quash pain and swelling. Omega 3s may also keep the types that boost swelling from forming.
Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish such as:
Salmon
Mackerel
Sardines
Anchovies
A higher intake of omega-3s can sway the balance of prostaglandins in favor of the ones that temper swelling.
This action is mostly due to a nutrient found in fish oil known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Research outcomes remain split when it comes to EPA's merits, but some studies have shown that omega-3s help lower the risk of this health issues by close to 50%.
Resveratrol May Quell Pelvic Pain
Resveratrol is a nutrient mainly found in berries, nuts, and grape skins.
It may help quell symptoms by blocking aromatase and the COX-2 enzymes that cause swelling and pain.
Studies have shown that this nutrient may greatly reduce pelvic pain and menstrual cramps.
Adding resveratrol to the care plan seemed to improve pain better than just using hormone treatment alone.
Chamomile Helps Calm Cramps
Chamomile has long been used as an herbal aid to calm the body and mind.
These same effects may help ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and endometrial pain and cramps.
Chamomile contains an isoflavone known as chrysin. A 2019 in vitro study found that chrysin prompts apoptosis (cell death) in uterine tissues that have grown out of control. The study notes that chrysin found in chamomile and other substances (such as honey) may one day lead to novel drugs for endometriosis. It remains to be seen whether stronger studies can replicate or improve upon these results in humans.
Turmeric Helps Control Free Radicals
Turmeric contains a nutrient known as curcumin that may help keep swelling and free radicals in check in women with endometriosis.
In vitro studies have shown that curcumin can slow endometrial cell growth by keeping the body from making estradiol. This is the strongest of the three types of human estrogen.
Further research may be able to pinpoint whether oral intake of turmeric can produce the same health outcomes in women with this health issue.
While generally regarded as safe, the FDA warns that some imported turmeric supplements were found to contain high levels of lead. To ensure safety, only buy supplements certified by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or Consumer Lab.
Summary
For some women, standard treatments may not be enough to manage endometriosis symptoms such as pain. In this case, these may involve eating low-fat foods and using various herbs and nutrients to curb or keep symptoms at bay. It may also involve holistic health care methods such as acupuncture, massage, and TCM.
Although these and other natural treatments may help endometriosis symptoms, it is vital to your health to use these modes of care with caution and with your health care provider's guidance.
The care plan for endometriosis involves a tailored approach that factors in the types of treatment you prefer and your health status.
Share your desire to integrate natural modes of treatment with your health care provider.
Seek guidance from your provider but also conduct thorough research of your own before trying out any new treatment.
Bear in mind that the natural approach may not be the safest or best treatment choice for your health needs.
Making a well-informed choice can help you optimize your care plan and safeguard your health.
