Today we are seeing unprecedented levels of endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, and other hormone-related issues. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and unfortunately, it affects 1 in 10 women worldwide. However, there are simple methods that have been shown to stop the pain and address the root causes of endometriosis.
The first step in diagnosing endometriosis is noticing symptoms. The most common endometriosis symptoms include menstrual pain, painful intercourse, pelvic pain, difficulties getting pregnant, and irritable bowel symptoms. A doctor will usually perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound. Although ultrasounds do not always distinctly show endometriomas, they do often show ovarian cysts which is a related symptom. A more invasive diagnosis option is laparoscopy, where a doctor makes an incision in the stomach to check for signs of endometriosis.
Endometriosis looks like little dark spots known as lesions on the endometrium. Prolonged exposure to estrogen turns on an enzyme called cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is the source of the lesion pain common in patients with endometriosis. "Endometriotic lesions have high cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis compared with the normal endometrium…High concentrations of COX-2 lead to high cell proliferation, a low level of apoptosis, high invasion, angiogenesis, EMS-related pain, and infertility" (Int J Biol Sci-Fi). The prolonged exposure to estrogen does not just come from the ovaries, but also other cells in the body which can make their own estrogen and excite the endometrial tissue. Furthermore, if progesterone production is impaired, this may further exacerbate the imbalance of estrogen.
Endometriosis News recently stated, "In endometriosis, increased inflammation and the release of inflammatory cytokines partly result from altered progesterone production…Since endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, treatment approaches still rely on mechanisms to suppress estrogen action."
When treating endometriosis it’s key to acknowledge factors at play so that the root cause of prolonged estrogen exposure can be addressed.
-Addressing diet is key to balanced sex hormones. Adequate protein consumption so that the liver can detox estrogen may help.
-Reducing stress may help to alleviate endometriosis because prolonged stress can have an estrogenic effect on cells.
-Supporting progesterone with bioidentical progesterone. Progesterone opposes estrogen and has been shown to solve many of the symptoms of endometriosis.
-Certain estrogen-lowering vitamins like Vitamin E may help. One study showed vitamin E "significantly reduced aromatase expression, suggesting reduced estrogen synthesis" (The FASEB Journal).
-Low thyroid can cause estrogen excess and should be addressed. If needed, a natural desiccated thyroid may help alleviate symptoms.
-Herbs that support progesterone may help. Chamomile extract has been shown to have an anti-estrogenic effect. In one
study, "chamomile extract was
shown to stimulate osteoblastic cell differentiation and to exhibit an anti-estrogenic effect, suggesting an estrogen receptor-related mechanism (
67)" (Mol Med Report).
-Working closely with a provider that understands the true causes of endometrial and ways to support the body to overcome the symptoms can be helpful.