Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory illness that affects many girls and women. It occurs when tissue that would ordinarily grow inside the uterus begins to grow outside of it, such as on the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This can cause significant pain and fertility issues. Endometriosis1 affects approximately 10% of women in their reproductive years.
Symptoms of endometriosis
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Beginning menstruation early in life
- Short cycles
- Infertility
- Having a close family member with endometriosis
What causes endometriosis?
Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes it, but it appears to be a combination of genetic, hormonal, immune system, and uterine lining abnormalities that interact in complex ways.
- During your menstruation, tissue flows backwards via the fallopian tubes.
- Cells break off and move to other organs.
- Genetics Environmental influences.
Some physical elements seem to have a role. Being born with a very high or low birth weight increases your chances of developing endometriosis later on. It’s uncertain whether being born preterm matters. Thinner women are more at risk, but the evidence2 on obesity is conflicting.
Diagnosis and treatment
Endometriosis is widespread, although it takes an average of 4-11 years to be identified. Examining a girl’s health history and performing a physical checkup can reveal clues that she may have it. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds and MRIs can also reveal lesions. However, the only way to tell for certain is through surgery. Blood tests are unreliable.
Treatment aims to alleviate pain, increase fertility, and prevent long-term complications such as scarring. Options include:
- NSAIDs for pain.
- Hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills
- Surgery to eliminate lesions.
- When endometriosis is suspected but not verified, doctors may use medical treatment as a diagnostic test and therapy prior to surgery. Birth control tablets, GnRH medicines, and progestins are commonly utilized.
Dietary and lifestyle modifications that can help
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, as diets high in inflammatory foods appear to raise risk.
- Engage in low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, and yoga. Take it easy during flare-ups.
- Meditation, massage, and therapy can all help you manage your stress. Reducing stress helps to reduce endo flares.
- Consume plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocados.
- Avoid processed meals, sweets, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Gluten-free diets may aid by lowering inflammation.
- Fasting can help by allowing the digestive system to rest before your period.
- Breastfeeding appears to reduce risk, most likely because it prevents menstruation.
- Omega-3 meals such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds provide healthful oils while omega-6 fats may exacerbate symptoms
- High-fat diets may exacerbate symptoms by increasing oxidative damage and inflammation.
- Prioritize your sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours per night. Inflammation increases when you don’t sleep enough.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Maintain a healthy weight, particularly by reducing excess belly fat. This fat produces more estrogen, which can aggravate endometriosis.
- Use mild, fragrance-free soaps in intimate regions.
- Use heat to relieve pain. Try heating pads or warm baths.
- Consult your doctor about any medications or supplements that may assist, such as NSAIDs, birth control pills, or vitamins.
In short, several lifestyle and dietary factors are likely to influence both your risk of getting endometriosis and the severity of your symptoms if you already have it.
Consistent use of these natural ways, together with correct therapy, may greatly improve your endometriosis management.
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