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| Endometriosis Epidemic
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The Endometriosis Association states it is extremely rare that a woman in
this day and age should ever need a hysterectomy for endometriosis, no
matter how severe. Yet, three out of four gynecologists I saw said, "You
have already had your children, so if we find that you have extensive
endometriosis, the best option is to perform a hysterectomy."
This was in response to yet undiagnosed severe pelvic pain.
The thought of a hysterectomy in my mid thirties sent me searching for the
cause for the intense pain I was experiencing. All my symptoms seemed to
point to endometriosis. Finally, the fourth doctor I visited discussed
diagnosis and treatment options with me without mentioning hysterectomy as a
"cure." That was five years ago and now I am still free of endometriosis.
Careful Diagnosis
Pelvic examinations by a highly skilled gynecologist may disclose nodules or
lesions on the ovaries but ultrasound tests rarely confirm endometriosis.
The only way to know for certain is through a procedure called laparoscopy.
This surgery, performed under general anesthetic, involves inserting a
light-containing telescope through a small incision in your navel and
another one or two small incisions along the bikini line for the
instruments.
Remember, a laparoscopy is only as good as the surgeon who performs the
exam. To remove all the endometriosis tissue requires a physician who is
committed to biopsying and getting rid of all suspicious abnormalities.
Endometrial tissue can look like tiny blueberries or black spots, white,
yellow or red-like cysts varying from tiny bluish or dark brown blisters to
large chocolate cysts up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Only biopsy can
confirm which tissue is truly endometriosis.
It is not uncommon for endometrial cells to grow on the ovaries, the
fallopian tubes, the pelvic ligaments, the outer surface of the uterus,
bladder, the large intestine and the covering of the abdominal cavity. Women
are often misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, bladder infections,
appendix attack, "just" PMS or painful cramps. But you know your body better
than anyone. If you feel bad, something is wrong!
What Causes Endometriosis?
Until recently, the most widely accepted theory to explain the cause of
endometriosis was that of retrograde menstruation. Supposedly, tiny
fragments of normal endometrial tissue (from the lining of the uterus)
travel up the fallopian tubes and take residence in the abdominal or pelvic
cavity. Here this tissue acts as it would in the uterus in accordance with
the monthly menstrual cycle. The blood often cannot escape, however, and
causes the formation of deposits.
Our Immune System is the Key
New research points to a glitch in the immune system. Dr David Redwine,
world renowned expert and director of the Endometriosis Institute of Bend,
Oregon, believes that some women are born with abnormally located
endometrial cells and that something goes astray with the immune system,
causing the cells to become active. Exciting research into plant fats or sterols and sterolins, as they are commonly known, has shown us the balancing the immune system so that it functions properly will also repair the abnormality in the endometrial tissues and allow the body to heal itself.
Natural Progesterone for Endo
High doses of natural progesterone cream have been used to successfully as part of a treatment program for endometriosis. Progesterone limits the endometrial tissue build up caused by estrogen. By preventing the monthly release of blood in the endometrial islets, the inflammation that previously flared each month will subside, allowing the healing forces of nature to return these abnormal endometrial tissues to normal.
Take high doses (40-60mg daily) of progesterone cream for day 5-28 (or whenever your normal cycle ends) of the menstrual cycle (work in conjunction with your medical doctor when using high doses of any hormone natural or otherwise). Lorna's favorite progesterone cream is ProgestaCare by Life-Flo Health Care Products. ProgestaCare supplies 15mg of natural progesterone in a wonderful pump bottle that dispenses exactly the amount you need without the mess of trying to spoon out and measure your cream.
Excerpted from What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Premenopause
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Environmental Pollutants Linked to Endometriosis
Convincing evidence has linked organochlorine exposure to the development of
endometriosis. Carolyn De Marco, in her book Take Charge of Your Body,
states that dioxins are a group of 75 chemicals used to make PVC plastics
(our drinking water runs through pipes made from PVC in our homes),
solvents, pesticides, refrigerants and in the pulp and paper industry. These
same chemicals also persist in the fats of meat and dairy products. Women
should refuse to use bleached paper products. This includes toilet paper,
sanitary napkins and especially tampons. Do not use plastic containers to store food either. Emphasize whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cut down on fats from milk and meat products. Try to buy organic foods whenever possible.
The Hormone Connection
Because of the hormone connection, medical therapy for endometriosis has
concentrated on altering a woman's hormonal chemistry with drugs. These
drugs include Danazol and gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) such as
Nafarelin and birth control pills. Sometimes these drugs are successful in
controlling the symptoms of endometriosis but not without side effects. Oily
skin, acne, decreased breast size, growth of facial hair, weight gain and
depression are symptoms. Some cause menopausal symptoms like hot flashes,
decreased bone density, vaginal dryness and decreased libido. None of the
drugs cures the disease. After the drug is stopped, the endometriosis
symptoms return. A holistic approach to treatment wherein the body heals
itself is more effective and safer.
The mainstay of any endometriosis treatment is a diet that decreases the
amount of circulating estrogens in the bloodstream to the point where the
endometriosis symptoms subside but not so far as to cause pseudo-menopause.
A vegetarian diet containing no more than 20 to 25 grams of fat a day and
eliminating all dairy products works well. The fat you do eat should come from organically grown nuts and seeds and their oils. Look in the refrigerator at your health food store. Many women get relief by simply
removing dairy products. I was one of those people. I had to eliminate all dairy products to obtain maximum relief.
Supplementing the diet with vitamins and minerals is essential. A high
potency B-complex supplement will help ease symptoms of PMS and balance
hormonal states, elevate mood and control fluid retention. Cold-pressed oils
containing gamma-linoleic acid or GLA are important both as a possible pain
inhibitor and immune strengthener. GLA may offset the symptoms of
prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are involved with uterine
contractions producing menstrual cramps. Take one tablespoon a day of fresh
flaxseed oil and one capsule of vitamin E. A multi-mineral supplement
containing magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, zinc, iodine, potassium and
sodium is required. Calcium is a muscle relaxant and calms nerves.
Of all the vitamins, vitamin C is the most important. Vitamin C is known to
help the body fight off the effects of environmental toxins. Until the facts
are out on dioxins, a divided daily dosage of 4,000 mg should help combat
environmental pollutants. Beta-carotene will strengthen your immune system
which is especially important when dealing with endometriosis. Take 10,000
units a day.
Herbs Help Too
Herbalist Rosemary Slick developed a special endometriosis tea formula to
strengthen the liver, which plays an essential role in hormonal regulation.
She recommends that women with endometriosis drink three to four cups per
day of this tea for four to six months. The most effective herbal treatment
for endometriosis act to reduce estrogen levels and regulate hormonal
activity. They work by affecting the liver, which is largely responsible for
converting the active ovarian estrogen (estradiol) into a safer form
(estriol). I also used the tincture Vitex (commonly known as Chaste Tree berry) as directed on the bottle to eliminate my endometriosis.
Endo-Tea
3 parts dandelion root
3 parts wild yam root
2 parts burdock root
2 parts pau dčarco bark
1 part vitex berries
1 part Oregon grape root
1/2 parts dong quai root
Sassafras, cinnamon, orange peel and ginger to taste
Combine herbs. Fill a large pot with four cups of cold water. Add four to
six tablespoons of the herb mixture. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Strain.
Be Good to Yourself
Reducing stress in your life, especially the self-inflicted type, is
essential. Working women are the most vulnerable to endometriosis. If you
have a laparoscopy to remove endometriosis but do nothing to change your
lifestyle, the endometriosis will be back. Rest, relaxation and knowing when
to say "no" are important to your health.
Pain Relief
Castor oil packs are excellent at controlling pain. Take six pieces of flannel soaked in castor oil (damp but not dripping) about the size of the area you want to treat. Cover these flannel pieces with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to the lower abdomen for 30 to 45 minutes several times a day. This will not only relieve pain but also improves immune function in the pelvic area. Endometriosis is an insidious disorder but it can be cured forever if you examine your stress level, the types of environmental toxins you are exposed to and improve your nutrition. I cured my endometriosis and you can too.
Seven Early Warning Symptoms of Endometriosis
- Menstrual cramps that increase in severity
- Intermenstrual pain, usually at mid-month
- Painful intercourse or dyspareunia
- Infertility of unknown origin
- You feel like you have bladder infections but the test results are always negative
- Pelvic pain that is all-encompassing
- History of ovarian cysts
Recommended Reading
Take Charge of Your Body
by Carolyn DeMarco
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