Endometriosis awareness
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. But for those living with this condition, endometriosis exists well beyond just a month - more so in the moments between moments of every single day, and mostly in silence. It’s constantly recognising there is not enough research, not enough knowledge, not enough effective treatment, not enough awareness for a condition that alters your daily experience in this world. I see so much courage!
For some clients I have seen this means a myriad of extreme symptoms in the week prior to their menstrual bleed, extreme pain during their bleed, and extreme fatigue in the week after - there is one week in a month they may feel okay. Sometimes there is loneliness as the people around them don’t understand what endometriosis is - guessing it’s “just a period thing”. There is shame and guilt for speaking about their pain constantly. For others it may be chronic digestive pain, nausea, and constipation for days on end. I have heard many times the medical system has just “gone silent” on them, although this isn’t the case for everyone.
Awareness month offers hope that we can move forward in EVERY month, with greater compassion and be more understanding of what living with endometriosis might feel like. As the spotlight shines brighter, hope builds for a clearer path and more supportive households, workplaces, friendships, and communities, for those we know and for those we don't know, living with endometriosis.
*This is a very small snapshot of a complex condition that can present in many ways. If you recognise any of these symptoms in yourself, please connect with a healthcare provider.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining is found in areas outside of its usual location within the body, including the bowel and bladder. The most frequent sites include the uterus, the ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Like the lining of the uterus, this displaced endometrial tissue responds to hormonal fluctuations that typically occur during the menstrual cycle, leading to its shedding or bleeding. When this occurs, the inflammation cascade begins, and the blood which is trapped in the abdomen, is highly irritating to the nerves. In addition, the lesions of tissue can cause adhesions, which are bands of connective / scar tissue that bind together pelvic structures, decreasing the amount of space in the pelvis and causing severe pain. These lesions can also grow their own blood and nerve supply, leading to their proliferation.
Symptoms of endometriosis
Pain - during the menstrual bleed, or throughout the cycle
Heavy periods
Short, long, or irregular menstrual cycles
Digestive discomfort (bloating, diarrhoea, constipation)
Chronic nausea, vomiting
Pain with sex
Pain with urination and bowel movements
Mid-cycle spotting
Trouble falling pregnant
The flow on from these symptoms: fatigue, emotional distress, mental health struggles, loneliness, insomnia, low vitality.
This is not a textbook condition. People may experience all, or some of these symptoms to varying degrees.
Cause of endometriosis
Researchers and medical professionals have not yet found a definitive cause to this complex condition. Some theories include:
Retrograde mensuration
Strong genetic link
“Immune dysfunction” - similar to autoimmunity, the immune system is attacking “self” and overreacting to the out-of-uterus tissue and causing chronic systemic inflammation
The “bacterial contamination theory” is a growing theory that states the presence of a bacterial toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the pelvis could be an initiating factor in the immune dysfunction of endometriosis. LPS has likely appeared from vaginal or intestinal dysbiosis
It is not a hormonal condition, although it is exacerbated by hormonal imbalances. Estrogen strongly stimulates endometriosis lesions and can be highly inflammatory
Image sourced from Pinterest.
Nutritional support for endometriosis
Food can reduce inflammation and assist with balancing hormones through supporting the body’s detoxification pathways:
Anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit
Flaxseeds - freshly ground
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage
Fresh ginger and turmeric
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, tuna, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and avocado
Avoid cow’s dairy
Avoid gluten
Avoid all processed foods
Opt for spray-free/organic foods and low-tox cosmetics, household cleaners, and packaging to decrease estrogen load.
Herbs and supplements for endometriosis
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
Zinc
Vitamins B6, E, A and C
Omegas
Magnesium
Resveratrol
Melatonin
Curcumin
Ginger
Dong quai
Cramp bark
Peony
Consult with a practitioner before consuming any of these herbs or supplements.
Find out more
Endo What? Film - available online
Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden
Hormone Intelligence by Aviva Romm
On Health Podcast by Aviva Romm
Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle by Ruth Trickey
The Cycle Endometriosis Podcast