What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.
This tissue is still affected by hormonal changes, and since it does not belong anywhere else besides the uterus, creates an inflammatory response, causing pain. Endometriosis is wildly undiagnosed and is just now being recognized as an autoimmune condition. 1 out of 10 reproductive women globally suffer from endometriosis and many of those continue to go undiagnosed. Today, we go over frequently asked questions about endometriosis and how acupuncture can help.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Endometriosis?
While the symptoms of endometriosis can vary, here are some of the most common ones:
Severe pain during menstruation or ovulation
Pain during intercourse
Low back pain during menstruation
Painful bowel movements during menstruation
Infertility
Pelvic pain
Do you see a theme here? Endometriosis can not only be incredibly painful but can also seriously impact someone’s life.
How Do You Get Endometriosis?
The causes of endometriosis are not certain; however, the most widely accepted belief is that it is genetic as it often tends to run in families. Here are some other possible explanations from the medical world:
Immune system disorder
Retrograde menstruation
Endometrial cell transport
Surgical scar implantation
Can You Take a Test to See if You Have Endometriosis?
Yes and no. There is no simple test to confirm endometriosis. Traditionally, a laparoscopic biopsy is performed, which is the same procedure to remove the tissue, so they are often done at the same time. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive.
Does Severe Period Pain Mean You Have an Advanced Case of Endometriosis?
Unfortunately, pain is not directly correlated to the severity of endometriosis. Surgery is the only way to classify the severity of this disorder. There is no correlation between how much the amount of endometrial issue that exists outside the uterus to the level of pain a person may experience. A mild case can be a 9 out of 10 pain level. Pain levels vary according to tissue location.
What Treatments Can Be Used to Treat Endometriosis?
Mainstream treatment for endometriosis consists of hormone therapy (birth control). If a person’s hormones are regulated and suppressed, the idea is that this will create less pain. This does not reverse the disorder; it is simply an option to reduce pain.
Now that endometriosis is being viewed as an autoimmune condition, treating it is easier. There is a lot that medical doctors and health practitioners do not know about this disorder, but what we do know is that it responds well to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices. This is where acupuncture comes in.
Can Acupuncture Help Endometriosis?
Acupuncture can help endometriosis as treatments can regulate your menstrual cycle. Some of the common women’s health issues that acupuncture can treat are:
Endometriosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Infertility
Chronic miscarriages
Irregular or lack of menstruation (Oligomenorrhea or Amenorrhea)
Too long or too short menstrual cycle
Painful (dysmenorrhea), heavy, or large clotting with your cycle
Headaches before, during, or after your period
Bloating or fatigue
Heavy sensations in the body or uterus
Acne
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Acupuncture can reduce the pain associated with endometriosis and improve the overall circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid in your body. Acupuncture treatments also reduce stress, which is crucial for the maintenance of any autoimmune condition.
Which Foods Should You Avoid to Help Treat Endometriosis?
The following foods may have a negative impact on your endometriosis:
A diet high in trans-fat, heavily fried and processed fast food
Excessive red meat consumption of commercial grade meat
Gluten
Dairy
Alcohol
Caffeine
Essentially, any inflammatory food could make your inflammatory condition worse.
Which Foods Should You Eat to Improve Endometriosis?
It is essential to eat a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet that is full of vitamins and minerals. This includes the following:
Fibrous foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
Iron rich foods, such as dark leafy greens (kale, collards, spinach), broccoli, beans, nuts, and seeds
Foods that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, chia and flax seeds
Antioxidant-rich foods found in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, berries, and beets
Strive for an anti-inflammatory diet and you will feel an improvement.
Does Exercise Help with Endometriosis?
Sometimes exercise can be the most painful and difficult thing for a person who suffers from endometriosis to do but it is essential to your health and wellbeing. Endometrial tissue can cause organs to stick together causing more pain and immobility. It is important to move your body in any way that feels good.
Are you or someone you love currently struggling with endometriosis? Contact us online today or call 619-356-1225 for support.