ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATMENT

Endometriosis Treatment: Naturally Reduce Estrogen to Improve Symptoms

Endometriosis affects more than 6 ½ million women in the United States, and almost 176 million women around the world. These figures mean that approximately 1 in 10 women will suffer from endometriosis during their reproductive years.

Endometriosis is a painful condition that can range from mild to debilitating. Sadly, endometriosis is also associated with an increased risk of infertility. It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of women who suffer from endometriosis will experience difficulty becoming pregnant as a result of their condition.

Unfortunately, there is yet no known cure for endometriosis. However, doctors do know that there exists a clear hormonal component to the condition. But the good news is that there are a number of medical treatments and natural steps women that women with endometriosis can take to ease their symptoms, as well as improve their chances of successfully conceiving a child.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease in which endometrial tissue that is supposed to be inside the female uterus grows outside of the woman’s uterus. And just like the lining inside of the uterus, this misplaced endometrial tissue bleeds during each menstrual cycle. However, the blood has no way to exit the body, and therefore becomes trapped inside the woman.

The result is pressure and pain that can range from tolerable to intense. Cysts, scar tissue and adhesions can also develop which also cause pain, heavy periods, and can potentially lead to infertility.

What Causes Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is believed to result from an excess of estrogen, which is one of the two main female sex hormones. A specific type of estrogen called ‘estradiol’ is what regulates how uterine tissue grows in the female body. When a woman’s levels of estrogen / estradiol are out of balance with another female sex hormone called ‘progesterone’ it can cause an overgrowth of endometrial tissue and endometriosis can develop.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

If a woman’s estrogen and progesterone are out of balance and she develops endometriosis, her symptoms may include just one, some, or all of the following symptoms:

• Very heavy or very light periods
• Intense pain in the abdominal area (especially during her period)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Unexplained or sudden weight gain (usually around the waist, hips & thighs)
• Benign (noncancerous) lumps in the breasts
• Cysts / Fibroids
• Fatigue / Low Energy
• Decreased sex drive
• Depression and/or Anxiety

Endometriosis Treatments

If you are experiencing any or all of the symptoms of endometriosis above, it is time to schedule an examination and consultation at AHA Women’s Health. Our skilled and caring OBGYNs can conduct an exam – as well as test your hormone levels with blood and/or urine tests to see if high estrogen levels are the likely cause of your endometriosis symptoms.

Your OBGYN will also manually feel the pelvis for abnormalities, such as cysts, or scars during your exam. If necessary, diagnostic procedures like a transvaginal ultrasound, an MRI, or a minimally-invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy can be conducted. These tests can identify the location and size of endometrial tissue, as well as locate any cysts and fibroids associated with endometriosis.

You and your OBGYN may choose to treat endometriosis with hormone therapy, including birth control pills, patches, or rings. In many cases hormone therapy is sufficient to restore estrogen and progesterone balance and reduce or eliminate the symptoms of endometriosis. Only in extreme or advanced cases of endometriosis do female patients need to undergo surgery to remove endometrial tissue growths.

However, drugs and/or surgery are not the only options for alleviating the painful symptoms of endometriosis. Making certain lifestyle and dietary adjustments can also help to restore healthy hormone levels – and reduce estrogen excess levels – to help manage the endometriosis symptoms.

Natural Endometriosis Treatment

The OBGYNs at AHA Women’s Health believe in empowering women to take control of their own reproductive health. So, below we have listed seven lifestyle steps our patients can take at home to help reduce estrogen levels and improve endometriosis symptoms.

#1. Eat a Plant Based Diet to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

Studies show that women who are vegetarians have 15%-20% lower estrogen levels than women who eat a meat-based diet. Even if you can’t give up meat entirely, try to make fresh fruits and vegetables the biggest portion of your daily diet!

#2. Increase Your Fiber Intake to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

A diet that is high in fiber will increase the amount of estrogen that a woman eliminates from her body. Eating plenty of fresh produce, avocados, and whole grains, can help your body retain less estrogen for a better hormone balance.

#3. Add Omega-3s to Your Diet to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

Foods like fish and flaxseed that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can help lower inflammation in the body – which can help reduce the pain of endometriosis. Salmon is a delicious choice for increasing your Omega-3 intake!

#4. Start Drinking Green Tea to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

Caffeinated beverages including coffee, tea, and colas can actually increase endometriosis pain. But green tea is rich in compounds called ‘polyphenols’ that lower estradiol levels.

#5. Eat More Soy to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

Soy-based foods – tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy milk and soy nuts – contain compounds called isoflavones. These also help women attain a better hormone balance, which reduces the symptoms of endometriosis.

Note: Talk to your doctor before increasing the amount of soy your diet. Soy is high in ‘phytoestrogens’ which can lower the risk of certain breast cancers but increase the risk of some other types.

#6. Maintain a Healthy Weight to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

We know losing weight is easier said than done. But being overweight can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase estrogen levels as well as trigger inflammation. We understand that it’s hard to lose weight, but it’s worth to get to a healthy weight to alleviate the painful symptoms of endometriosis.

If you would like to lose weight, discuss your weight loss goals with your OBGYN or nurse practitioner during your exam. She can help you on your weight loss journey!

#7. Manage Stress to Reduce Symptoms of Endometriosis

Finally, keep in mind that emotional stress can have a huge impact on your hormone balance. Stress causes the body to produce more cortisol and less progesterone. And lowered progesterone means too much estrogen – increasing the risk of endometriosis. So, try to find ways to reduce the stress in your life, such as meditation, working out, prayer, hobbies, going for walks, journaling, massages, etc.!

OBGYN Endometriosis Treatment | Dearborn, Livonia, Canton Area

If you are suffering from severe menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding or other symptoms of endometriosis, the skilled and compassionate OBGYNs at AHA Women’s Health are here to help you get relief.

With advanced diagnostic technologies and state-of-the-art treatments, we can help you identify the cause of your pain, and find the best treatment options for your condition.

You do not have to live with monthly pain and cramping! If you live in the greater Downriver, Canton or Livonia area, schedule an appointment at AHA Women’s Health in Dearborn or Lincoln Park, MI and take the first step toward living a pain free life!

Endometriosis Treatment | Dearborn, Livonia, Canton Area: 313.388.4247