That’s how many American women suffer from endometriosis…and the rate continues to rise.
According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, women with endometriosis suffer from symptoms for at least 10 years before receiving the correct diagnosis. Scientists still don’t completely understand how endometriosis develops. The most widely accepted view is that it’s caused by retrograde (backwards) flow of blood during menses…up and out the fallopian tubes and into the abdomen and pelvis (instead of flowing out of the uterus into the vagina).
What happens when the cells that normally line the uterus end up in the abdomen or pelvis? They turn to the ‘dark side’ and become ‘rogue’ cells.
Endometriosis cells are NOT normal cells. Unlike the normal cells that line the uterus, endometriosis cells don’t play by the rules. They:
This means that endometriosis can be very difficult to control…so a comprehensive approach to treatment is essential.
There are TWO main factors that fuel the growth of endometriosis cells: Estrogen and inflammation.
Conventional medical treatment mainly focuses on getting the estrogen under control…usually with some type of oral hormone, like birth control pills. However, it never addresses the inflammatory component of endometriosis which equally contributes to the disease process. So, unless estrogen dominance and inflammation are BOTH corrected, women will continue to have problems. In fact, even birth control pills will eventually quit working.
The next conventional medical treatment? A complete hysterectomy.
But…a complete hysterectomy, especially if done in women 40 years of age or younger, has its own laundry list of associated health risks, including an increased risk of heart disease.
Here are some eye-opening facts about endometriosis:
There is good news for women who suffer from endometriosis. Your lifestyle has a huge impact on this disease…which means you can proactively improve your condition without necessarily having to use prescription drugs.
Here are some of the other things a woman can do to control her endometriosis:
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Fat cells not only produce extra estrogen, they also produce at least 32 different types of chemicals that increase inflammation.
2. Add Bioidentical Progesterone
Unlike the progestins found in all forms of birth control and in the Mirena IUD, progesterone is the natural biochemical equivalent. Progestins and Progesterone are NOT the same. Most conventional doctors are unfamiliar with how to prescribe bioidentical progesterone for women with endometriosis. It is very important that women work only with someone who has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complexity of endometriosis and the proper use of progesterone in this condition.
3. Supplement with Potent, Natural Anti-inflammatories
Research has shown that Omega 3, Quercetin, Curcumin, and Vitamin D are just a few of the supplements found to be useful in controlling endometriosis.
4. Maintain Optimal Gut Health
Much of the estrogen produced by the body is eliminated through stool. Therefore, constipation can indirectly create estrogen dominance. The bacteria living in the colon are also important for the proper metabolism and disposal of estrogen. In addition, studies have shown that an unhealthy gut ‘microbiome’ can actually fuel endometriosis. Taking a broad spectrum, pharmaceutical grade probiotic can help to mitigate this problem.
5. Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet
Foods that contain sugar, artificial sweeteners (like high fructose corn syrup), and trans fats generate significant amounts of inflammation. Additionally, all meat, except wild caught fish and lamb, have high levels of arachidonic acid which is a very potent inflammatory chemical. Elimination of alcohol and caffeine are also important in reducing inflammation.
