Progesterone is the World’s Best Kept Hormone Secret
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue lining of the uterus spreads to other parts of the body. Symptoms of endometriosis are not always apparent and can go undetected for long periods of time. When symptoms do present themselves it is in the form of pain, scarring, menstrual problems, and difficulty conceiving. While conventional treatment includes surgery and the use of hormone substitution drugs, there are effective natural alternatives for endometriosis which include diet, herbs, supplements, and the use of bioidentical hormones.
With endometriosis, the lining of the uterus that should have been eliminated during menstruation can attach to varied body parts. It can entwine around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and intestines, and in some cases can travel to distant areas such as the lungs.
Endometriosis usually involves premenstrual and menstrual pain that intensifies each month. Bleeding can be heavy during menstruation, together with spotting or bleeding between periods. Pain during intercourse is common. Other areas that may be effected are the stomach and lower back.
Natural medicine considers endometriosis to be a hormone related disease. Either the body is producing too much estrogen, too little progesterone or testosterone, or the liver is not breaking down estrogen that needs to be eliminated and is instead recycling it. Therefore, emphasis on natural treatments for endometriosis is placed on hormone balancing, and supporting the liver and digestive system with the proper nutrients, supplements and herbs.
The following natural treatments are used to combat endometriosis:
*Use of natural feminine support products such as Fem Support.
* Hormone testing and balancing with bioidentical hormones.
* Cutting back on animal fats, especially high-fat dairy, red meat and fish. These animal fats can contain dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) which have been associated with endometriosis.
* Foods that help in the balancing and metabolic processing of estrogen, such as the cruciferous vegetable family that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.
* Flavones from such excellent sources as celery and parsley.
* Flaxseeds, which are high in lignans and fiber.
Studies have indicated that Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial. However, because of the dioxins and PCB’s that can be found in fish, it is preferable to take an Omega 3 supplement that contains a minimal amount of these environmental chemicals, such as Omega Plus.
Excess cortisol also plays an important role in the progression of endometriosis. Prolonged stress leads to the elevation of this hormone. It is important to eliminate unnecessary stress or relieve and learn to cope with the stresses brought on by day-to-day life. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and breathing exercises are effective in developing these coping mechanisms.
Herbs and supplements recommended for stress relief include:
* Ashwagandha
* B vitamins
* Vitamin C
* Zinc
* Calcium and magnesium.
Magnesium is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium. Supplements should provide a calcium/magnesium ratio of 2:1 or 3:1.
Other beneficial supplements include vitamin E, folic acid, and selenium.
Herbs that support the liver and digestive system are:
* Goldenseal
* Dandelion
* Artichoke
* Milk thistle (the active compound is silymarin)
* Burdock.
Witch hazel improve pelvic circulation.
Ginger tea may be effective in relieving the nausea associated with endometriosis.
Hydrotherapy is also recommended by many alternative practitioners.
Instead of relying on pain relieving drugs, there are natural alternatives that will relieve pain, such as crampbark, black haw, valerian, and wild yam.
