Did you know that there is a 7-10 year delay between onset of endometriosis symptoms and diagnosis?
Painful periods are often not discussed as they are seen to be a "normal" symptom. Just because painful periods are common, they are not normal.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a full body condition and occurs when endometrial-LIKE tissue grows outside of the uterus - they can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments around the uterus, the urinary structures (bladder, urethra), digestive tract, lungs, heart, and central nervous system.
These endometriomas are hormonally active as well, build up and bleed along with the regular menstrual cycle, causing irritation and inflammation to the local structures and potentially the formation of scar tissue/adhesions.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Symptoms can include:
painful periods (debilitating, missing activities, not well managed with pain meds)
sometimes periods are heavy with clots and some might have bleeding between periods or longer periods
some have nausea and fainting with their periods
painful sexual intercourse
chronic pelvic pain, painful urination or bowel movements
IBS-like symptoms (particularly around ovulation and menstruation)
trouble getting pregnant
history of cysts on the ovaries
Are there any consequences of endometriosis?
This can progress to chronic pelvic pain, higher correlation with autoimmune diseases, central pain sensitization, bowel obstructions, and potentially infertility.
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
The current gold standard for diagnosis and treatment is laparoscopic or exploratory surgery, where the tissues are removed and sent off to a lab to be assessed and staged for severity. Although they are now exploring diagnosis through ultrasound. Otherwise, the pill is commonly recommended, usually a daily progestin and this can be significantly helpful.
Lesions can return even if you’ve had the removal surgery done.
Will endometriosis impact my fertility?
Some with endometriosis have been able to conceive without assistance, but others may need assistance through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Some aren't considering children now, but may freeze their eggs as endometriosis can impact egg quality. If you’re hoping to conceive in the future, it’s important to let your doctor know so that you can have a plan in place for the future and know all your options.
How does naturopathic medicine support endometriosis?
As an ND, I like to help patients manage symptoms while they’re waiting for diagnosis, surgery, or fertility treatments. I like to recommend nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement additions to help:
Manage the severity of ovulation and/or period pain
Reducing heavy, clotty flow (if applicable)
Manage IBS-like symptoms (alternating constipation and diarrhea, significant bloating) that can occur around ovulation and period (or even outside of this)
Reducing pain with urination and bowel movements around your period
Managing chronic constipation that can occur as a result of adhesions on the digestive tract
Providing options for chronic fatigue and chronic pain
Supporting you throughout your fertility journey
Monitoring for and managing autoimmune concerns
Support mental health while you navigate the medical system before diagnosis or during your fertility journey
If this sounds like you, talk to your healthcare provider about your options. If you have and experienced medical gaslighting…I’m sorry. Our threshold for diagnosing endometriosis needs to be lower and many people struggle in silence.
I’m accepting new patients in Ontario. Free consults available and services/lab tests are covered by extended health benefits!