Endometriosis is a complex disease in which tissue that looks like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing severe, life-altering pain and infertility. Unfortunately, endometriosis is prevalent as it is often poorly understood and affects women of any age, race, or socioeconomic status.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that roughly 10% or 190 million of women in reproductive age are affected by it across the globe. In the United States, it is thought to affect more than 11% of women aged 15 to 44. It is most frequent in women in their 30s and 40s.
Symptoms
Life Altering Pain
To understand better how endometriosis affects women we’ll dig deeper into its symptoms. As mentioned, Endometriosis could cause life-altering pain. Endometriosis tissue may emit hormones and chemicals that irritate adjacent tissue, causing it to release other chemicals that cause discomfort and/or pain. The pain is not only felt during the menstrual period but it could also be felt during or after sexual intercourse, during bowel movements, and during urinating. It can also cause pain in the intestines or lower abdomen.
The number, location, and extent of endometriosis lesions do not correlate with the severity of the discomfort. Some women have tremendous pain even if they just have a few minor lesions; others may have vast patches of endometriosis but have little pain. Some endometriosis lesions may develop into nodules or bumps on the surface of pelvic organs, or cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries over time.
After menopause, the pain associated with endometriosis may become less severe for some women. Hormone therapy, such as estrogen or birth control tablets, used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, can, however, prolong the pain and other symptoms.
Menstrual Period Irregularities
Women or girls with Endometriosis can also cause heavy periods, premenstrual spotting, and even bleeding in between periods. Having endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue starts to swell, before breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle, much like endometrial tissue would. What happens is that the tissue can’t leave the body becoming stuck. Endometriomas occur which are cysts that affect the ovaries with the disease. Scar tissue and adhesions form as the surrounding tissue becomes irritated.
Fatigue or Lack of Energy
In addition, women with endometriosis may experience fatigue or lack of energy. The body’s attempt to eradicate diseased tissue is the main cause of endometriosis-related fatigue. The tissue secretes cytokines, often known as inflammatory poisons, as part of the immune system’s fight against endometriosis. These bodily substances cause the weariness that patients experience.
Infertility
The most heartbreaking symptom of Endometriosis for some women could be the difficulties in becoming pregnant. Some 30%-50% of women with endometriosis can suffer infertility. However, most women with mild to moderate endometriosis are not affected by infertility as an estimated 70% of these women can get pregnant even without treatment. Endometriosis runs in families but so it could be genetic. To this day, no definite cure has been discovered for this health condition.
Natural Methods in Managing Endometriosis
Although no one is able to tell how to prevent it from happening, increased awareness, followed by early diagnosis and care, may help delay or stop the disease’s natural development and lessen the long-term impact of endometriosis and its symptoms.
Hormone treatment and surgery may not always be the best option as they can have side effects and can lack long-term benefits so many are choosing to tackle the battle with endometriosis the natural way, or through complementary alternative therapies that pair well with modern medicine. What’s important is you find the best method that is available and is suitable for you.
Here’s to name a few:
The Right Diet
Many women shared stories of successfully treating endometriosis by changing the way they eat. They took red meat, bread, caffeine, dairy, and wheat products out of their diet and cut down their sugar intake. Some also went cold turkey or eliminated sugar and other junk food from their diet.
Exercise
Not only does exercise boost your mood by the release of endorphins but it can also help with the relief of pain. It prompts the production of natural opioids-like chemicals that can help manage pain. Women who completed an eight-week specialized exercise program experienced a significant reduction in pain, according to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science in December 2017.
Acupuncture
Some women also resorted to acupuncture to deal with the debilitating pain and after a few sessions experienced healing from pain having their period come back to normal. Some even reported complete healing after 10 sessions.
Pelvic Massages
Massage can help relax and reduce inflammation in the pelvic muscles, resulting in less cramping. You may apply a few drops of high-quality lavender essential oil to the muscles and it will help them relax even more. Pelvic massages, however, should only be performed before the menstrual cycle as using them during your period can increase symptoms.
Turmeric
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory qualities that can aid patients suffering from endometriosis symptoms. It has even been shown in certain studies to be able to stop endometrial growth. Though you may want to consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner first to see if turmeric is right for you as if your body is more “heat-based” turmeric might not be suitable for your body.
Reiki, Intuitive Energy Healing To Support Endometriosis
Another natural way to manage endometriosis is through Reiki and Intuitive Energy Healing, which are natural energy healing methods. Reiki is a great approach for treating endometriosis symptoms in earlier stages (stage 1 or 2). It boosts the body’s natural ability to repair itself by applying channeled Universal energy into the body through a hands-on healing method that is safe for anyone of any age, in all conditions. Intuitive Healing is more effective for those who have severe endometriosis in later stages (stages 3 and up).
Intuitive Energy Healing can address chronic illnesses or pain that can be brought by endometriosis. I have worked with clients who have turned to Reiki and Intuitive Healing after years of pain. Pills and hormones have worn off their effects or have not been much of help and in some cases, caused debilitating side effects instead so they went far and beyond to look for ways to feel better.
Significant healing and change from the many side effects of endometriosis can be possible depending on how open you are to receiving the treatment. Coupled with other treatments against endometriosis we can manage this condition that continues to cause life-altering pain, constantly feeling sick, and difficulty in pregnancy, which could break the hearts and spirits of millions of women globally.
