Hormone treatments are used to suppress the normal menstrual cycle, which in turn stops or slows endometriosis growth and in some women are effective in reducing endometriosis-related pain.
Hormone treatment. The aim of hormone treatment is to limit or stop the production of oestrogen in your body, as oestrogen encourages endometriosis tissue to grow and shed. Limiting oestrogen can shrink endometriosis tissue in the body and reduce pain from endometriosis.
As endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, chronic condition, symptoms typically disappear after a person goes through menopause. However, for some people, symptoms may continue.
The first treatments for endometriosis tend to be anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) and hormone therapy. Hormone therapy tries to slow the growth of endometrial tissue and prevent new implants from forming.
Retrograde menstrual flow is the most likely cause of endometriosis. Some of the tissue shed during the period flows through the fallopian tube into other areas of the body, such as the pelvis. Genetic factors. Because endometriosis runs in families, it may be inherited in the genes.
Hormones such as estrogen may transform embryonic cells — cells in the earliest stages of development — into endometrial-like cell implants during puberty. Surgical scar implantation. After a surgery, such as a hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells may attach to a surgical incision.
Omega-3 fats can calm inflammation from endometriosis. Good food sources of omega-3s include: Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna. Nuts and seeds, like walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed.
Endometriosis flare-ups are periods of worsened pain and other symptoms that hormonal changes and increased inflammation trigger in the body. These triggers can occur with stress, lack of sleep, alcohol use, and inflammatory foods.
Endometriosis can affect women across all ethnic backgrounds and at any age, but it most commonly affects women during their reproductive years between the ages of 25 and 35.
Postmenopausal endometriosis can start to progress more than 10 years after menopause in the absence of estrogen intake or of a systemic increased production.
Omega-3 fatty acids, taken as a supplement or eaten in oily fish, linseeds, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds and walnuts, are often recommended in endometriosis management as they are thought to reduce inflammation and help with chronic pain symptoms.
“Exercise is not a cure for endometriosis, but it can certainly help with some of the pain and mood changes that are associated with it.” The mood-boosting effect of exercise is especially important because depression and anxiety sometimes occur along with endometriosis.
However, excision of endometriomas has been clearly shown to negatively impact ovarian reserve and number of oocytes retrieved for in-vitro fertilization. Medical shrinkage of endometriomas appears to be a viable option for women interested in avoiding surgery for endometiomas.
"Dairy products containing growth hormones and antibiotics can also worsen endometriosis symptoms." “Avoid soy foods when possible as they can be estrogenic,” Hartung said. “Estrogen can cause the uterus to thicken and can trigger endometriosis to grow.”
“Women with endometriosis should avoid fatty foods, such as red meat and [high-fat] dairy foods that may be high in PCBs and dioxins, to reduce their exposure to these estrogenic pesticides,” adds Shepperson Mills. Use organic food whenever you can, or peel fruits and vegetables, she recommends.
Chronic stress accelerates the development of endometriosis.
Vitamin D deficiency has been strongly linked to endometriosis. Research has shown that not only do low levels contribute to the development of the disease, but also its severity, and even the size of endometriomas, though this is now being debated.
The endometrium is the inner lining of your uterus. This tissue is what you shed during a menstrual period. Think of endometrium as layers of tissue that build up along the inside lining of your uterus. When you have a period, these layers fall away from the walls of your uterus and leave your body.
Endometriosis is an idiopathic condition, meaning there is no known cause. There are also no specific ways to prevent endometriosis. However, being aware of the symptoms and whether you could be at higher risk can help you know when to discuss it with a doctor.
Rapidly doubling endometrioma. An endometrioma can double its size within 2 weeks under special conditions.