Endometriosis
1 in 10 women may suffer from endometriosis yet over 50% of those women may not know they have it.
It typically takes 7-10 years to get a diagnosis and there is currently no cure.
What is endometriosis?
So, what is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when cells, similar to those found in the lining of the womb, occur in other areas of the body.
It is not yet known why this happens, but hormones and environmental toxins are thought to play a part.
There is also some scientific evidence to suggest that there could be links to autoimmunity and genetics too.
Endometriosis cells are commonly found in the pelvic cavity, around the bowel, bladder and ovaries.
More rarely, they have also been found in the lungs and even in the brain.
These cells follow the reproductive cycle and bleed during menstruation. However, there is nowhere for the blood to be released, and therefore this can cause pain and inflammation.
Other symptoms can include: heavy periods, fatigue, vomiting, fatigue, painful sex, bladder and bowel problems and difficulty conceiving.
Conventional treatment is over-the-counter or prescription pain relief.
The contraceptive pill, the coil or other hormone treatments are also sometimes prescribed.
Nutritional Therapy and Endometriosis
In my experience, diet and lifestyle changes along with targeted supplementation can support the management of symptoms.
