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Endometriosis
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Endometriosis - a condition where endometrial cells grow elsewhere in the abdominal cavity; commonly found in/or on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, pelvic floor, uterus and/or peritoneum.
Symptoms can include- uterine pain and lower back pain prior to and during menstruation, as well as intermittent pain throughout the whole menstrual cycle, painful intercourse, excessive bleeding and passing of large clots, nausea, vomiting and constipation during menstruation and can cause infertility. In some cases where menstrual bleeding is heavy iron deficiency is common - iron deficiency must be diagnosed by your GP.
The endometrial cells grow and fill with blood in the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) when estrogen is the dominant hormone. After ovulation if an ovum is not fertilised the endometrial cells begin to die off and the excess blood and uterine lining break down and are shed through menstruation.
The endometrial cells in other areas also grow and fill with blood during the follicular phase, but unlike the uterine cells have no way of being expelled from the body. The surrounding tissues absorb the excess blood in these areas.
The process of bleeding through absorption can be a very slow and painful process. Sometimes the excess blood accumulates in cysts or sacs, which on occasion burst causing extreme pain.
Many women find their symptoms improve during pregnancy - due to a lower estrogen level relative to high progesterone levels and the hormonal cycle is broken. Pregnancy can cause permanent or temporary relief.
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There are several theories - reflux menstruation where menstrual fluid backs up into the fallopian tubes and causes endometrial cells to implant themselves and grow.
Another theory is that endometrial cells spread to other parts of the body via the blood and lymphatic system. Some research suggests endometriosis is related to an inability to absorb calcium.
Natural Treatments for Endometriosis that may help to keep this condition under control.
Vitamin E - gradually increase dose from 400 iu - 1000iu daily
Vitamin K - 200mcg daily
Essential Fatty Acids - 1500mg daily
Iron - If deficiency is diagnosed
B Complex plus Extra B5 - 100mg 3 times daily Extra B6 - 50mg 3 times daily
Vitamin C plus Bioflavonoid - 2000mg 3 times daily
Zinc- 50mg daily
Calcium - 1500mg daily
Magnesium - 1000mg daily at night
Kelp - 1500mg daily
Wheat germ oil
Multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
Moderate daily exercise like walking, and stretches or yoga is beneficial.
Lowering the level of estrogen in the body may help to suppress the symptoms of endometriosis ask you GP about natural progesterone creams (if estrogen dominance is recognised)
Herbs Alfalfa, garlic, astragalus, goldenseal, red clover, burdock root, dong quai, red raspberry leaf, and nettle.
Dietary recommendations
Diet should consist of at least 50% raw fruit and vegetables, lots of green leafy vegetables, whole grain products, wholemeal bread and flour, whole wheat, raw nuts and seeds, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, fresh juices, pure distilled water, herb teas - lemon balm tea
Avoid
Alcohol, caffeine, animal fat, butter, dairy products, fried food, junk food, fast food, pre-packaged food, red meat, salt, sugar, refined or white bread and flour products, additives and chemicals.
Avoid medications, and use pads instead of tampons or meds during menstruation.
Other websites that offer a natural approach to treating endometriosis www.endo101.com
Medical treatments
Medical treatments such as Danazol (Danocrine), Nafarelin or leuprolide (lupron) have shown to not only improve symptoms but also in 85 - 89% heal and shrink the growths. There are side effects associated with these medications, which usually disappear once treatment ceases.
Surgical treatments
Dr David Redwine suggests that if both typical and atypical lesions are removed surgically 75% of patients can experience a complete recovery from this condition. More information on Dr Redwines treatment of endometriosis can be obtained by writing to
Endometriosis Treatment Program St Charles Medical Centre 2500 NE Neff Road BEND OR 97701 - 6015 USA
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