March is National Endometriosis Month. I'm delighted to share an article by my friend and colleague Dr. Amy Day who provides expert answers to your common questions, giving us important information about this condition which affects millions of women in the United States. Dr. Amy is also offering a free call to readers of the blog, check out the details at the end of this post.
Endometriosis, also known as “endo”, is a common condition that far too often goes undiagnosed. Women suffering from pelvic pain, infertility and immune dysfunction are told that the pain is in their heads or that it is normal for a woman to suffer.
Because March is Endo Awareness Month, let’s all get familiar with this condition so we can be on the lookout to help our girlfriends and sisters find doctors who care, diagnoses that are helpful and treatments that work!
Q: What exactly IS endometriosis?
A: This condition is named after the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus. Similar tissue can sometimes grow in the wrong places, outside of the uterus. However, this name is misleading since we now know that endo is a whole-body disease involving the immune and endocrine (hormone) systems, not just the pelvis.
The immune system is unable to control these implants and they release inflammatory chemicals that allow the tissue to grow and cause pain. The tissue is also affected by cycling hormones so every month it builds up and then bleeds. Unlike the menstrual flow, this blood has no way to exit the body, resulting in internal bleeding and pain.
Q: What causes endo?
A: The short answer is that we don't know. There are theories about retrograde (backwards flowing) menstruation bringing endometrial cells into the pelvis. Another theory is that the tissue moves through the lymph or blood to distant sites. There is a genetic link since the condition tends to run in families. And there is an embryonic theory that it happens when a baby girl is developing in utero.
We also know that there are links with environmental toxins. In fact, researchers use the chemical dioxin to create endometriosis in lab animals, in order to then do testing and learn about the disease. Dioxin is a byproduct of pesticide manufacturing, paper bleaching and waste incineration, so environmental exposure is a factor.
Q: How do I know if I have it?
At least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S. have endo. The most common symptom is pelvic pain either with menses, during sex, with bowel movements and urination or at any time of the month. About a third of women with endo have difficulties with fertility. Fatigue is very common and many women have other related conditions such as yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and chemical sensitivities.
At this time, the definitive diagnosis is made by laparoscopic (camera inserted through belly button) surgery. In practice, many women don’t want to have surgery and, fortunately, new diagnostic tests are being developed.
Q: If I or someone I know may have endo, what treatment options are available?
A: In conventional medicine, there are strong drugs with many side effects, and there is surgery. Additionally, there is a whole world of natural treatment approaches available to patients.
Dr. Amy’s treatment plans aim to ease inflammation, normalize immune response, reduce pain, balance hormones, optimize gut function, promote detoxification and support effective stress management. This can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle, appropriate diet and exercise, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines and, when needed, bioidentical hormones. This natural treatment approach is safe and appropriate even if the patient “just” has painful periods and hasn’t had surgery to diagnose endo.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: Always be willing to speak up about your symptoms and seek doctors who will listen to you. You can also check out the Endometriosis Association, consider becoming a member to stay informed.
As a personal gift to you check out the free recording “Dr. Amy's 3 Essential Secrets to a Naturally Pain-free Period.” You'll get valuable information and you will also learn more about Dr. Amy and her personal journey.
Dr. Amy is a woman with endo as well as a doctor who treats endo. Her journey has empowered her to learn the most effective natural treatment options for women with this complex condition. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Endometriosis Association, has a private medical practice in Berkeley, CA and offers telephone coaching and wellness support to women everywhere via her website www.DrAmyDay.com.