Alternative Remedies to Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common medical condition affecting 10-15% of women of childbearing age. It is a chronic and painful disorder that can alter a woman’s quality of life and ability to have children. 

What is endometriosis? 

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. When this happens, the endometrial tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the abdominal cavity, or other places in the pelvic area. In some severe cases, it can grow behind the reproductive system. While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage symptoms. 

What are the signs and symptoms of endometriosis? 

Symptoms vary between women. In some cases, endometriosis is asymptomatic and is only discovered because of an infertility struggle. However, common symptoms include the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea or pain during bowel movements 
  • Painful periods
  • Lower back and/or pelvic pain
  • Constipation
  • Infertility
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Nausea
  • Heavy or excessive menstruation 

What are alternative remedies to endometriosis? 

While endometriosis can be treated with hormone therapy, surgery, and pain medication, it is a difficult condition to treat — and symptoms can often return, even after surgery. Because of this, many women turn to alternative remedies to manage their symptoms, focusing on lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and an “endometriosis diet.” 

What is an endometriosis diet? 

  • Consume more omega-3 fatty acids – Women with endometriosis often need to consume higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation in the body. Add more wild Alaskan salmon, trout, sardines, and anchovies to your diet. Look specifically for wild-caught fish. In addition to eating more fish, some women with endometriosis need extra omega-3 supplementation, so talk to your doctor about adding a fish oil supplement with EPA and DHA. 
  • Avoid sugar and other processed foods – Focus on adding fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains to your diet. Sugar and processed foods increase inflammation in the body, thus exacerbating symptoms. 
  • Try an anti-inflammatory diet – As you eliminate highly processed, greasy, and sugary foods, replace them with fatty fish, herbs and spices that fight inflammation (like turmeric), beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Many of these foods are packed with antioxidants too, giving your body an extra boost of health.
  • Eat less red and processed meats – This includes hot dogs, bacon, pepperoni, salami, sausage, and some deli meats. Instead, try lean meats, fish, and beans as your protein. 
  • Avoid trans-fats – This includes shortening, hydrogenated oils, and partially hydrogenated oils.

What herbs can I use as an alternative remedy to endometriosis? 

  • Circumin –  As the primary active ingredient in turmeric, circumin is a powerhouse supplement. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Circumin can be found as an over-the-counter supplement. 
  • Ginger – Known to lessen the severity of menstrual-related symptoms, there is also evidence suggesting that ginger can reduce endometriosis pain. Ginger tea is also helpful for easing nausea. 
  • Chamomile – Studies have suggested that the consumption of chamomile can reduce PMS symptoms and even slow the growth of endometrial cells. Plus, sipping chamomile tea is a soothing act in itself. 
  • Motherwort – Known to soothe cramps and ease menstrual pain, motherwort also eases feelings of anxiety and encourages relaxation during intense menstrual pain.

Schedule a consultation with us today

If you think you might be suffering from endometriosis, we are here for you. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we’ll help you navigate your options and live your best life, no matter what time of the month it is.