Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. The diagnosis of endometriosis is often made clinically based on history, with women reporting dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and fertility issues. Endometriosis can sometimes be detected on transvaginal ultrasound. However, definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopy with biopsy.
Approximately 10% of women are affected by this condition. Risk factors include an affected first-degree relative, no previous use of oral contraceptive pills, history of Graves disease, and history of inflammatory gynecologic disease[1][2]
There are many theories regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The most commonly accepted theory is that endometriosis is caused by retrograde reflux of menstrual tissue through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis. Endometriosis involves overproduction of local estrogen from increased aromatase activity, and pain results from the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and development of lesions near nerve fibers.[3]
Conventional treatment approaches depend on whether future fertility is desired. Options include anti-inflammatory approaches such as NSAIDs and medical suppressive therapies including hormonal contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. If painful symptoms persist, surgical intervention includes ablation or excision of the endometriomas or hysterectomy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reviews these interventions in their guidelines for the management of endometriosis.[3]
Despite a lack of research on integrative approaches to treating endometriosis, they offer potential benefits with limited risks and should be considered.
1. Prevention
There is not much evidence for interventions to prevent the development of endometriosis. For women at increased risk due to an affected first-degree relative, consider increasing dairy intake and encouraging breastfeeding, if applicable. Women in the Nurses Health Study who ate three or more servings of dairy per day were 18% less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis.[4]. Evidence suggests that breastfeeding may be protective.[5]
2. Inflammation
Reduce inflammation with an anti-inflammatory diet. Consider anti-inflammatory botanicals such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa), in addition to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation of 1,000-2,000 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily if dietary intake is inadequate.
3. Estrogen Dominance
Consider lifestyle changes to decrease estrogen dominance in the body, because estrogen has been shown to support the growth of endometrial tissue. Approaches include a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, omega-3 supplementation, avoidance of xenoestrogens, and promotion of a healthy intestinal microbiome. For more information, refer to Estrogen Dominance Whole Health tool.
4. Botanicals
Note: Please refer to the Passport to Whole Health, Chapter 15, Complementary Integrative Health: Dietary Supplements for more information about how to determine whether or not a specific supplement is appropriate for a given individual. Supplements are not regulated with the same degree of oversight as medications, and it is important that clinicians keep this in mind. Products vary greatly in terms of accuracy of labeling, presence of adulterants, and the legitimacy of claims made by the manufacturer.
Botanicals may help improve the symptoms of endometriosis, because they are often used in dysmenorrhea. Although only small studies support their use for endometriosis, many women may prefer a trial due to their low risk and rare side effects.
- Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) is used to treat menstrual irregularities, including menometrorrhagia. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it has effects on multiple neurotransmitters and hormones, including a progesterogenic effect on the endometrial lining.[6] The typical dose is 20-240 mg per day of crude herb. It is generally well tolerated; side effects include headache, gastrointestinal disturbance, acne, and rash.[7]
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) may be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory activity. Ginger is often used to decrease heavy menstrual flow. Ginger dose is typically 1-4 gm per day of dried powder or 100 mg per day of ginger root extract.[8] Turmeric dose is typically 500 mg twice daily.[9][10]
5. Muscle Tension and Chronic Pain
Chronic muscle tension may contribute to pain. Consider recommending regular movement, stretching, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and even targeted pelvic floor physical therapy. Use of heat, such as placing a castor oil pack over the pelvis for 20-30 minutes, may increase blood flow and improve pain.[11]
6. Acupuncture and Acupressure
Using acupuncture and acupressure may help with the symptoms of dysmenorrhea experienced in endometriosis. Data is inconclusive because of the limitations of many research studies. Meta-analysis of higher-quality studies suggests that acupuncture and acupressure is effective for treatment of dysmenorrhea and improves pain compared to placebo in endometriosis.[12][13][14]
7. Other Healing Approaches
A systematic review of the research for mind-body therapies in the treatment of endometriosis found no conclusive evidence, although suggested that many interventions show promise in treating symptoms.[15]
Author(s)
Endometriosis was written by Anne Kolan, MD (2014, updated 2020).
