Functional medicine is an incredibly successful solution to treating the root causes of endometriosis. We identify and correct any nutritional deficiencies, balance hormones, and improve gut health to optimize women’s overall wellbeing while relieving symptoms.
The most widely prescribed treatment for pain relief is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Hormonal treatments may make periods shorter, lighter and more regular.
Diet and Lifestyle
Endometriosis is an inflammation of tissue outside the uterus that can be caused by several factors. These include a family history of the condition, genetics, immune dysregulation and dietary factors. Furthermore, sedentary lifestyles, high exposure to oestrogen mimickers and lack of exercise may all play a role.
Functional medicine approaches differ from traditional medical treatments in that they address the cause of symptoms rather than just treating symptoms. A functional medicine doctor will evaluate your diet, lifestyle, sleep habits and stress levels to uncover what’s causing your discomfort so you can start healing from within.
A diet rich in nutrient-dense, whole foods can provide the body with essential support to reduce inflammation and balance hormones. Furthermore, it will promote a healthy microbiome and lower excess oestrogen levels that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Consuming long-chain omega 3 fatty acids such as cold-pressed flax seed oil, chia seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts can reduce inflammation and help you feel better. Additionally, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake along with whole grains will boost antioxidant levels.
Foods rich in anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, magnesium, selenium and zinc can be beneficial for relieving endometriosis symptoms of inflammation. Furthermore, you can incorporate cruciferous vegetables like turmeric, garlic, ginger or mushrooms that possess anti-inflammatory properties into your meals to further combat this condition.
Diindolylmethane (DIM), found in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, is an effective oestrogen metaboliser which aids the elimination of excess oestrogen from the body. Furthermore, DIM supports the liver’s detoxification pathways which may reduce inflammatory reactions while supporting healthy oestrogen metabolism.
Other nutrients that can support the body in its efforts to balance oestrogen include N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and phytoestrogens such as soy. A low-FODMAP diet may also aid in relieving symptoms by restricting GI triggers like gluten and refined sugars which make the body more sensitive to oestrogen levels.
A balanced diet and a supportive healthcare team are the keys to successful endometriosis treatment. A team consisting of a nutritionist, gynaecologist and pelvic therapy practitioner can work together to identify your symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan that is effective.
Nutritional Supplements
A holistic doctor can suggest the correct supplements to increase immunity and reduce inflammation. They may also suggest herbs that ease pain such as melatonin or curcumin.
Vitamin B6 is a widely recommended nutritional supplement for women with endometriosis, as it may help to reduce period pain severity and intensity. However, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm if this can actually reduce endometriosis-related pain and inflammation.
Functional medicine for endometriosis recommends a diet rich in fibre. This will aid with increased nutrient absorption from food and promote better bowel health. Furthermore, it has been known to decrease inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels.
Dietary intervention trials have demonstrated that certain dietary modifications can have beneficial effects on women suffering from endometriosis-related symptoms, such as pain and quality of life. While most of these studies were small and only showed a reduction in symptoms, they offer hope to those seeking natural solutions for managing their condition.
Increase the intake of plant-based foods and reduce animal product consumption, particularly saturated fats, gluten-rich items, and processed meats. These changes can be combined with other aspects of a functional medicine approach like exercise, sleep management and stress management to reduce inflammation in the body.
Some dietary supplements, such as Omega 3 fatty acids and acetyl L-carnitine can also reduce inflammation and support a healthy inflammatory response. They may also boost your immunity while supporting gut health.
Other dietary recommendations are to reduce sugar and alcohol consumption, and limit caffeine as much as possible. Doing this will improve symptom control and help avoid potential complications like headaches, depression, weight gain or blood clots. Furthermore, maintaining the balance of nutrients such as vitamins A, D and E is essential for overall wellbeing.
Hormonal Support
Hormones play a vital role in our bodies, controlling major processes like growth and development, metabolism, fertility, libido, mental health – you name it! They originate from our endocrine glands – pituitary, pineal thyroid adrenal thymus pancreas testes & ovaries – and travel throughout the bloodstream. When these hormones become out of balance it can lead to various symptoms.
One of the most effective ways to support a healthy endocrine system is through diet. Included in this are omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol (an antioxidant found in grape skin), vitamin C and zinc.
Another nutrient that may be beneficial is L-carnitine, an amino acid. However, it’s important to be aware that L-carnitine may exacerbate endometriosis symptoms in some individuals; thus, a cautious approach should be taken.
Other dietary choices can also be beneficial, especially when combined with supplementation. A diet rich in whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables combined with lean protein helps reduce inflammation and support hormone balance.
It is also essential to limit sugar in your diet, as too much can disrupt hormone balance and lead to endometriosis. Switching to a healthier sweetener can help improve hormone health while decreasing its detrimental effect on reproductive systems.
Eating nutritiously, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep are all excellent methods for relieving stress and strengthening your immune system. Doing so may reduce the inflammatory response associated with endometriosis, thus decreasing your likelihood of developing it.
Additionally, taking a high-quality multi-nutrient supplement can be beneficial. These usually combine various herbs and botanicals for hormone balance, such as reishi mushroom, chaste tree berry, ashwagandha, black cohosh root and schisandra berry.
It is essential that you get the nutrients your body requires, such as B vitamins, vitamin C and certain minerals. Any dietary supplement designed to support hormone balance should be free from synthetic hormones and artificial preservatives.
Supportive Measures
Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive disorder that arises when endometrial-like tissue forms outside the uterus. It causes intense pain, infertility, and organ dysfunction; symptoms range from heavy periods to pelvic discomfort during intercourse.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects around 10% of reproductive age women worldwide and can be difficult to diagnose. It typically takes 6-10 years for symptoms to manifest, so many patients have been living with their condition without realizing it for some time.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to manage your symptoms and support your body. Functional medicine can provide invaluable assistance by addressing the underlying cause of endometriosis.
Diet and lifestyle are crucial components of treatment, as these can greatly impact the severity of your symptoms. A nutritious, supportive diet should be the goal; one that’s low in processed foods, sugar, and synthetic oestrogens (PCBs, plastics, detergents).
Hormonal support is also essential, as this can play an important role in managing your symptoms. Utilizing hormonal supplements to balance your hormones may make the symptoms of endometriosis much more bearable.
Another factor that may be beneficial is sleep. Lack of or inadequate quality sleep can lead to stress, which increases the risk for endometriosis. If possible, aim for at least 7-8 hours of rest each night; this will help regulate your body’s stress response and lower pain thresholds.
Acupuncture is a widely used treatment for endometriosis and often successful at alleviating its symptoms. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and boost energy levels alike.
Acupuncture can be an effective pain treatment for women with endometriosis. As part of your treatment plan, you may need to have regular acupuncture sessions.
Endometrial cancers may require surgery, which includes the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries (total hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or TH/BSO). Lymph nodes from the pelvis and para-aortic region may also be removed (pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection or sampling). Finally, tissues are tested to see if cancer has spread elsewhere in the body.
For more information or if you would like to discuss treatment and management with Dr Stavy then please contact us via email:info@drstavy.com