Endometriosis

Endometriosis. What is it?

It is the condition associated with estrogen dominance. We talked about estrogen dominance in my earlier post https://smartanutrition.co.uk/estrogen-dominance/. It affects approx 10-15% of women aged 25-45 and approx 30% of them are infertile as the result of it.

It is a condition when your uterus lining grows outside your uterus in places such as: your ovaries, bowel, bladder, abdomnen, vagina, fallopian tube or other parts of the body. The problem is this tissue growing outside your uterus may bleed during menstruation just like tissues in the uterus causing lots of pain, inflammation and cramps.

What are the causes?

Unfortunately they are not fully known. There are a few theories though, One is blaming bleached tampons with pollutant residues as the cause, but it has yet to be proven, and there are obviously potential genetic factors.

How can you help yourself to reduce the risk?

• Stress management – whatever relaxes you. It could be yoga, music, walking, books etc. Stress is generally bad for our hormone balance
• Minimise your intake of hydrogenated fat (trans fats) such as chips, crisps, cakes, cookies etc. Ditch those bad foods as soon as you can, or eat only sparingly….if you really have to! There are plenty healthy alternatives available. If you struggle for choices just drop me a line.
• Add iron to your diet
• Eat a diet containing up to 50% raw fruit and vegetables
• Reduce coffee consumption. Studies have shown that drinking more than two cups of coffee a day may Increase estrogen levels in women. Hence it could also lead to problems such as endometriosis.

Useful nutrients:

vitamins B, Zinc, vitamin E, C, Magnesium, Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), Iron if anaemia is present due to increased blood loss.

The importance of hormone balance cannot be ignored! There are some natural ways to balance your hormones and reduce estrogen levels – see my earlier post https://smartanutrition.co.uk/foods-for-estrogen-dominance/.

What are the symptoms?

If you suffer from symptoms such as period cramps and pain, infertility, pain during intercourse, pre-menstrual spotting, irregular periods, excessive menstrual flow, constipation, bladder problems, fatigue or nausea – please see your GP. The only way to diagnose it is by laparoscopy.

Unfortunately there is no medical cure for this condition but with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices it may be less severe and not disrupting your life too much. Other treatments include pain relief, drug treatment or surgery.

Good luck! If you need any help you know where to find me.