Treatment for endometriosis will usually be medications or surgery, depending on the severity of the symptoms and whether or not pregnancy is an option in the future. Usually, surgery will only be the last option, and medications will be tried first.

Medication

Typically for controlling the pain, over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen, including Advil or Motrin, will be recommended; however, if these do not control the pain and cramps, other, stronger medications may be prescribed. You should not exceed the maximum daily dose recommended by the manufacturer of the pain relief pills.

Hormone supplements

This can be effective in relieving or even eliminating the pain associated with Endometriosis, and this is because the rise and fall of the hormones during the menstrual cycle can cause the endometrial to thicken, break down, and bleed.

Birth Control pills are one method that may be tried and is often successful. Hormonal birth control contraceptives can help by making the menstrual flow lighter and shorter, especially during continuous cycle use. This has been found to lessen or eliminate mild to moderate Endometriosis pain. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone can also be prescribed. This blocks the production of certain hormones and prevents menstruation. This will cause endometrial implants to shrink and can force Endometriosis into remission for the treatment period and sometimes several years after treatment has stopped.

This treatment can cause artificial menopause, and with that comes specific side effects such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness; however, taking a low dose of estrogen may lessen these side effects. It is commonly believed that if this treatment does not stop the pain, then Endometriosis is probably not the cause of your symptoms. Another similar hormonal treatment is Danazol. It also stops the production of ovary-stimulating hormones and prevents menstruation.

Elagolix

The formulation of the GnRH antagonist known as Elagolix has been studied since 2008 as a potential target for endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It binds competitively to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland and results in negative estrogen regulation. Like some other endometriosis treatments, such as GnRH agonists, Elagolix depends on suppressing ovarian estrogen production through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Unlike injected GnRH agonists, Elagolix is an oral formulation that exerts almost immediate action, does not present an initial pituitary exacerbation, and suppresses estrogen depending on the dosage. As an oral formulation, Elagolix can be discontinued more quickly in the case of intolerance to the drug. The typical use of leuprolide acetate for suspension of deposit (Lupron Depot®) is six months (longer if additional norethindrone is used).

Orilissa

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug Orilissa that could make life with endometriosis easier for more than 10 percent of women who live with the painful and sometimes debilitating condition.

One of the treatment goals is to try to break this cycle by using drugs that reduce inflammation or the presence of estrogen. In the past, birth control pills that maintain a woman’s estrogen levels were used to reduce the hormone level, or Motrin and Advil, which are anti-inflammatory drugs.
Another treatment option is to prevent the body from making so much estrogen in the first place – a method previously done by injecting Orilissa, the newly approved drug by the FDA and made as a daily pill.

Conservative surgery.

This is where only the endometrial growths, scar tissue, and adhesions are removed, and the reproductive organs are left alone. This is an option if pregnancy is an option for the future. Often laparoscopic surgery is used for this procedure, although sometimes traditional abdominal surgery will be required.

A second surgical option that may be considered, especially if pregnancy is not an option, is a total hysterectomy. The uterus and the cervix are removed, as well as both ovaries. Hysterectomy alone is not a real option as the estrogen produced by the ovaries can stimulate Endometriosis that may remain, and the symptoms would also remain. This surgical option is usually used as a last resort only, especially during the reproductive years.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a health disorder that occurs when the cells from the uterus grow in places outside of the uterus where they do not belong. Specifically, when a woman has her period, instead of these cells being passed out, they implant themselves in areas such as the ovaries, rectum, or other areas of the pelvic region.

Endometriosis is a disease that usually affects only women. Women who suffer from endometriosis experience many symptoms, including fatigue, pelvic pain of differing severity, heavy menstrual periods, painful sexual intercourse, lower back pain, painful bowel movements and urination, abdominal bloating, and infertility.

It can be gleaned that endometriosis may be one of several body infirmities signaling a hormonal imbalance experienced by women of varying ages – from their 20s to their 40s and beyond.

Some women afflicted with endometriosis tend to be susceptible to other ailments. A survey of more than 3,500 members of a reputable association in the US grappling with endometriosis revealed that 20 percent of the female survey respondents were suffering from some other illness, and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia, were common, along with autoimmune inflammatory diseases which occurred in numerous cases. There was also a higher incidence of allergies and asthma experienced by women with endometriosis than by the general US population. These survey findings indicate that endometriosis is strongly linked to autoimmune disorders. Bolstering the immune system is, therefore, crucial.

What causes endometriosis?

The causes of endometriosis are unknown, but a few widely accepted theories exist. If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, you may have questions about its causes and problems.

Possible causes of endometriosis

Shedding of uterine lining cells

It is believed that during the monthly period when the uterine lining is shed, some of these cells travel up the fallopian tubes rather than being expelled through the cervix and out of the vagina. These cells are then thought to implant themselves into the endometrial cavity, attaching themselves to various organs such as the ovaries, abdominal cavity, and fallopian tubes.

Growth of endometriosis cells

Another theory is that endometrial cells grow and develop within the uterus as the conditions are perfect. The rich blood supply and supply of nutrients can help the tissue to develop rapidly.

Hereditary theory

There can be a family tendency to develop endometriosis, and it is thought that baby girls may be born with rogue stray cells within the abdominal cavity.

The environment

Women exposed to environmental toxins are thought to have a greater risk of developing endometriosis and other disorders. Some of these toxins are known to contribute to hormonal imbalances within the body, which, in turn, are thought to be a cause of endometriosis. These toxins and chemicals can come from pesticides, food additives, and common household substances such as soft plastics, aerosols, detergents, and cosmetics.

Disorders of the liver

The liver is responsible for the breakdown and excretion of hormones and other substances, thus regulating the levels within the body. It is believed that a buildup of certain hormones can contribute to imbalances within the body which are thought to be possible causes of endometriosis.

Treatment can be tricky because of the range of possible causes for this condition. Unless the root cause can be eradicated, then it is likely that the condition will return, even following surgery or hormonal treatments.

Symptoms of endometriosis

The symptoms of endometriosis involve severe pain, especially during monthly periods, and the pain is far more severe than the typical pains associated with periods.

Other endometriosis symptoms include

Menorrhagia or excessive bleeding
Bleeding in between periods
Pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements.
Dull, heavy feeling along the pelvic area and lower back that can occur anytime, without warning. In some women, the condition is experienced throughout the day.
Because the endometrial tissue can become attached to non-reproductive organs such as the large intestine or bladder, abdominal swelling can occur. These women can also experience painful bowel movements, urination, rectum bleeding, and nausea or vomiting before their period begins.
Fatigue is a primary symptom of endometriosis. The constant pain and discomfort combined with the body’s fight to rid itself of the trapped menstrual fluid cause extreme exhaustion. As the endometrial tissue grows and expands in the abdominal cavity, it causes more significant fatigue. Women who suffer from endometriosis also run a greater chance of getting chronic fatigue syndrome.

Endometriosis may also decrease fertility in women and is more common in women without children. Approximately 1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis.

Endometriosis and infertility

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs in women during their reproductive age. Endometriosis and infertility are most likely associated with each other due to the effect or contribution of the disease to infertility. In this condition, the endometrial tissue surrounding the uterus’s lining grows and reaches its outer part. This progressive condition may also infect the other parts of reproductive organs, mainly in the abdominal, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Studies show that 40%-50% of infertile women do have endometriosis. Infertility is one of the effects of endometriosis. It is a progressive condition that could cause abnormal and painful menstruation and painful sexual intercourse. Endometriosis and infertility is not hopeless case. Do not fear that you cannot have or bear any child anymore. Treatment and medication are always available.

Complications associated with endometriosis

Complications include:

Infertility can affect 50 percent of those with the condition.
Increased risk of developing ovarian cancer or endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma
Ovarian cysts
Inflammation
Scar tissue and adhesion development
Intestinal and bladder complications

It is essential to see a healthcare provider about symptoms to avoid future complications.

Natural treatment for endometriosis

Natural treatment for endometriosis is another option for endometriosis that has been proven effective in reducing the symptoms of endometriosis.

Natural treatment for endometriosis has been proven to be helpful in the treatment of endometriosis. Listed below are the most common, effective, and safe natural remedies for endometriosis:

Home remedies for endometriosis – most common natural treatment for endometriosis

Home remedies for endometriosis can help ease the symptoms without causing any side effects. Some home remedies for endometriosis are listed below:

Reduce any form of chemical intake. The best way to reduce chemical intake is to reduce animal fat, fish, and red meat intake. The accumulation of fat can lead to this horrid disease. Eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits.
The use of progesterone cream helps in reducing the growth of the endometrial tissues. Apart from reducing growth, this is also helpful in reducing the pain and the cramps experienced during menstruation.
The use of omega-3 fatty acids has been proven helpful to people who suffer from endometriosis. These are available in the form of capsules and should again be taken with assistance from a physician concerning the schedule.

Herbs for endometriosis – effective and safe natural treatment for endometriosis

Herbs for endometriosis represent the category of natural remedies for endometriosis that are available in most health stores; they are inexpensive, and most importantly, they do not cause any side effects. Certain medicinal herbs can be used to control the symptoms of this condition. Some of these endometriosis herbs contain natural elements similar to the synthetic hormones used for treating endometriosis.

The followings are some of the herbs for endometriosis that can be used to control the symptoms of endometriosis;

Dandelion Tea

This herb is essential because it helps to suppress the pelvic pain usually experienced by those suffering from endometriosis.

Colic Root

This herb helps to suppress the pain originating from a bowel movement. It also reduces the painful cramps associated with menstruation, particularly for women suffering from endometriosis.

Vitex Agnus Castus

This particular herb performs a multipurpose function. It helps to treat various kinds of reproductive problems in women and also helps to reduce the pain and cramping symptoms that generally accompany endometriosis.

Black Cohosh

This herb for endometriosis can help with endometriosis. They help maintain the estrogen level. This hormone causes endometriosis when it is abnormally produced in the body.

Flaxseed

This herb is rich in lignans believed to help control endometrial cancer.

Acupuncture for endometriosis – ancient Chinese natural treatment for endometriosis

Acupuncture practitioners promote acupuncture for endometriosis as a natural treatment for endometriosis that is less risky and less costly. It also has no side effects other than the drugs and surgery recommended by conventional medicine.

If you decide to try acupuncture for endometriosis, plan for the initial course of treatment to last six to eight weeks, with visits once or twice a week. After the first phase, your practitioner might switch the regimen to two weeks a month. Commonly, you would be told to expect results in three to six months.

Your acupuncture practitioner would also recommend nutritional therapy that could include herbal formulas.

Yoga for endometriosis – ancient Indian natural treatment for endometriosis

Yoga provides a form of exercise that focuses on easy-to-do poses and breathing. It is a great routine to implement if you suffer from Endometriosis, as yoga for endometriosis shows you how to slow down and feel more powerful and in control of your life.

Emotions are eased through a focus on breathing and balance movements. Physically it helps with digestion and loosening tense muscles throughout the body while also building inner core strength. Because of these recognized benefits, yoga has been widely used to help women with Endometriosis. Specific poses can alleviate the immediate pain of muscle tension within the lower abdominal area.

Homeopathy for endometriosis – #1 natural treatment for endometriosis

Homeopathy for endometriosis works holistically and does not lead to any side effects commonly endured in conventional therapy. Homeopathy assures you a complete regain of health and does not support the toxic suppression of any disease.

Moreover, homeopathy for endometriosis helps in preventing the relapse of the condition. Homeopathic remedies for endometriosis provide complete holistic well-being to the patient by boosting immunity and assisting recovery most safely and naturally.

Listed below are homeopathic remedies for endometriosis

Sepia:

One of the leading homeopathic remedies for endometriosis with irregular menses.

Nux Vomica:

This homeopathic remedy for Endometriosis is ideal for irregular and painful menses with marked pain in the pelvis and constant urging for stool.

Murex:

Effective homeopathic remedy for Endometriosis of chronic type with excruciating periods and breast pain during menstruation.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is a serious condition that not only diminishes the woman’s quality of life but also causes problems in the organs in the abdomen when the endometrium grows over them. Thus, endometriosis is not a disease that can be ignored. Unless the woman receives proper treatment, the symptoms of endometriosis that she is experiencing will only get worsen. It’s up to a woman what kind of treatment to choose (allopathic or naturopathic), but either way, she has to see a well-trained physician and discuss her best options.

If you are looking for a natural treatment for endometriosis, consider seeing an integrative medicine practitioner.

The medical director of the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic, Victor Tsan, MD, works the first ten years of his medical career in OBGYN. He knows and understands the pathology of endometriosis from his 40+ years of academic and clinical experience.

To see Dr. Tsan for evaluation and treatment, contact our clinic at (267) 284-3085 and schedule your appointment.