Endometriosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Support

Many women experience menstrual pain, but with endometriosis , this goes beyond normal. It's a condition in which tissue resembling uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, for example, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines. This can lead to inflammation, adhesions, and chronic pain.

Endometriosis affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age , with a peak between the ages of 25 and 35. Symptoms are often severe and significantly impact quality of life.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Symptoms vary from woman to woman and depend on the location of the tissue. Possible symptoms include:

• Severe menstrual pain
• Irregular or heavy periods
• PMS symptoms (migraine, breast tenderness, mood swings)
• Abdominal and back pain
• Pain during urination, defecation or intercourse
• Fatigue
• Reduced fertility

Because the symptoms are so diverse, it often takes years before a diagnosis is made.

The role of hormones

A key feature of endometriosis is a hormonal imbalance. Estrogen dominance (too much estrogen) and progesterone deficiency or resistance are often present. This can be caused by:

• Chronic stress (progesterone is converted into cortisol)
• Reduced liver function (which means that estrogen is broken down less effectively)
• Use of the contraceptive pill
• Influences from diet and environment (xenoestrogens)

A healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone is crucial to reduce symptoms.

Treatment and natural support

Medical treatment for endometriosis ranges from pain medication and hormone therapy to surgical procedures. These are often intensive and do not always provide lasting relief.

From an orthomolecular perspective, the focus is on reducing inflammation, supporting the liver, and restoring hormonal balance. This can be achieved through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation:

• Diet : Choose anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, onions, garlic), fruit, olive oil, oily fish, nuts, and seeds. Avoid highly processed foods, alcohol, and high sugar intake.
• Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) : have anti-inflammatory properties and support hormonal balance.
• DIM (from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables) : helps break down excess estrogen.
• Vitex Agnus Castus (monk's pepper) : supports natural progesterone production and reduces PMS symptoms.
• NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) : supports the liver and can reduce endometriosis tissue.
• Turmeric (curcumin) : strong anti-inflammatory, regulates the immune system and hormones.

Finally

Endometriosis is a complex condition that often has a significant impact on daily life. While there's no simple solution, diet, lifestyle, and natural supplementation can help reduce symptoms and strengthen hormonal balance. It's important to take symptoms seriously and seek professional help promptly.