Endometriosis is when the tissues of the endometrium lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the inner mucosal lining of the uterus. In women with endometriosis the displaced tissues function and are influenced by hormones just as a normal endometrium would. This means that these displaced tissues go through the same cycle that any endometrium would; the tissues build up as the body approaches ovulation, then begin to break down when ovulation does not occur and then the displaced tissues bleed during menses. When the endometrial lesions bleed, the blood accumulates locally and triggers inflammation and pain. Over time this may cause the development of adhesion.
Endometriosis may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, ligaments or other areas in the abdominal cavity. Rarely the endometrial cells will attach to other areas in the body including the lungs and nasal cavity. If adhesions develop, this may cause internal organs to become stuck to other internal parts of the body and may even cause displacement of organs and other tissues.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Heavy menstruation with pain, large clots, long or abnormal length of cycles
- Lower abdominal pain, back pain, burning pain over the site
- Frequent or constant pain all month long
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Painful during bowel movement or urination
- Rarely bleeding after intercourse, bowel movement, or urination
- Dysmenorrhea
- Ovarian swelling
- Swollen abdomen
- Infertility
Endometriosis can have a huge impact on fertility, being blamed for 35-50% of fertility issues in women. This is two to three times the rate of infertility in the general population. The same mechanisms that lead to the formation of endometriosis may also disrupt reproductive function. Watch these videos to learn what can you do and how can we help you treating Endometriosis:
Risk Factors
There are a variety of risk factors for the development of endometriosis. Here are the main risk factors:
- Too much estrogen/too little progesterone
- Genetic predisposition
- Too much conventional meat
- Radiation and EMF’s
- An abnormality in the immune system
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Benign uterine fibroids
At Reproductive Wellness, San Diego’s leading Acupuncture and Functional Medicine Clinic, endometriosis is a common condition treated by our specialists. Once our patients are assessed, a customized plan is created to address the underlying cause which takes into account your long term goals. Endometriosis is range from a mild to severe form and treatment can vary greatly based on this. You can rest assured that our recommendations will take into account diet, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle changes, herbs/supplements and acupuncture.
Do you have questions after reading this article? Please let us know! Leave a comment below, we would love to give you some answers!
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Dear Mark,
I’m 40, trying to conceive and just been diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis. I have followed all your suggestions regarding diet changes and am looking for advice on supplements. I am taking a iron and vitamin D and complex B supplement as advised my my Dr. I have purchased Femmenescence Harmony and wondered if this is ok instead of the Pro? I did it before seeing your video above! Also, I’m aware of taking too many supplements and wondered if it’s ok to take them all at the same time, including the ones you suggested on your video above.
Any help will be really appreciated.
Many thanks
Christina