5 Natural Proven-Effective Steps to Cure Endometriosis

How To Cure Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years (ie. ages 15 to 49). 

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells), similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in areas outside of the uterus including: fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines and other tissues lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs.

Over time, this displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would inside your uterus— it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. 

Since this displaced tissue has no way to escape your body, it becomes trapped. If endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may also form. The tissue surrounding these cysts may also become irritated, eventually developing more scar tissue and thick adhesions — abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can also cause pelvic tissues and other organs to stick to each other.

The result? Pain.

Endometriosis is primarily characterized by hormonal imbalances, high circulating estrogens and progesterones, pelvic pain—especially during periods and PMS. 

SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Symptoms of endometriosis range from mild to severe, and may include: 

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Pelvic pain, lower back and abdominal pain—especially before your period
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Excessive bleeding—both during and between periods
• Infertility or fertility problems 
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea 
• Abnormal amounts of reproductive hormones (often high estrogen, low progesterone)
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Low immunity
• Fluctuating blood pressures
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unwanted weight gain or difficulty losing weight

CAUSES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS 

Most medical literature states the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but researchers believe that certain genes predispose women to get the disease and have developed other theories to explain it.

Conventional Explanations of Endometriosis

Popular conventional medicine theories behind the cause of endometriosis include:

• “Retrograde” menstruation. In retrograde menstruation, menstrual blood containing thick endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. Researchers speculate that displaced endometrial cells then stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed over the course of each menstrual cycle. The problem with this theory is that more than 90% of menstruating women without endometriosis also have this, but typically their immune system id able to prevent cell tissue implantation and growth. (1)

• Translocation of cells. Other researchers believe that gut cells that line the inner side of the abdomen get displaced into endometrial cells, instead of where they should be (in the gut)—making these endometrial cells thicker.

• Embryonic cell overgrowth. This theory states that hormones, like estrogen, may transform embryonic cells — cells in the earliest stages of development — into endometrial 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.

• Immune system dysfunction. The immune system theory states that immune dysfunction makes the body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial tissue that’s growing outside the uterus.

Unfortunately, these theories leave patients with little hope—if any—that they can be in control of their health, prevent or cure endometriosis. 

Functional Medicine Explanations of Endometriosis

The functional medicine approach, on the other hand, looks at endometriosis a little bit differently. Functional medicine is a scope of practice in medicine and allied health that seeks first to understand the roots of disease and dysfunction—rather than just the symptoms. 

Functional medicine also views the body as a whole—not parts—so when seeking to understand what causes endometriosis looks to other systems in the body—outside the endometrial tissues and cells, and surrounding areas. 

There are two things that we know quite confidently about endometriosis:

1. It’s an inflammatory disease
2. It’s dependent on estrogen (ie. When estrogen is high and you have tissue overgrowth outside the uterus, you experience symptoms)

From a functional medicine lens, we must explore WHY this inflammation and hormone imbalance happening in the first place.

Current research points to several root causes including:

Gut Dysfunction

GI symptoms and endometriosis go hand in hand.  On top of endometriosis symptoms, many patients report experiencing IBS, constipation, bloating, allergies, skin conditions, metabolic dysfunction, blood sugar and/or hormonal imbalances regularly—all highly connected to gut health as well. In fact, research shows that 75-80% of endometriosis sufferers also have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) (2), and endometriosis is described as having similar features as colitis and Crohn’s Disease—or “irritable bowel disease.” (3, 4)

The gut is the gateway to health: 80% of your immune system and more than 50% of your hormones are produced in your gut. In addition, you have 100 trillion gut bacteria living inside you—10 times more bacteria than cells in your human body.

Your gut bacteria play a vital role in maintaining overall balance in your body. Hence, if or when your gut health is off, your body’s ability to fend off foreign invaders (immune system) and keep your hormones balanced also goes down. Hello inflammation and dysfunction! Gut bacteria have been shown to affect practically every modern chronic disease to date (5).

Endometriosis is no exception, and this may greatly explain why the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, constipation, bloating, and blood sugar imbalances are also common. Additionally, given that endometriosis is characterized by elevated estrogen, this points to poor liver function in the GI tract, since liver is the master clean sweeper of excess hormones in the body. If the liver and GI system is down, hormone imbalances are a given.

 A 2017 study review of 99 different studies on endometriosis and gut health in the Journal of Medical Research, found the most common themes amongst endometriosis sufferers were: gut bacteria imbalances within endometrium tissues, reduction of immune function and pathogenic bacteria triggering local tissue inflammation (6).

 Another study suggested that the health of the intestinal bacteria played a critical role in the development and progression of endometriosis (7).

While many people still believe endometriosis is greatly genetically based, genetics only “load the gun,” and gut health, environmental and lifestyle factors pull the trigger. The bottom line: If you have an underlying gut pathology, such as SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), fungal or bacterial infection, low stomach acid or intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), you’re more at risk for endometriosis—especially if you have genetics for it.

Cortisol Imbalance (Stress)

Endometriosis is characterized by hormonal imbalance. Hormones are chemical messengers that control every organ in the body. In particular, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are in charge of regulating a woman’s reproductive functions, such as her menstrual cycle and fertility. When imbalances occur, organs don’t receive the correct signals to function adequately, so hormonal disorders are more likely to occur as well (like endometriosis).

However, although many people think hormonal imbalances come AFTER a endometriosis diagnosis, often times hormonal imbalances set the stage for endometriosis from the beginning—making your body a prime candidate to succumb to the side effects of tissue overgrowth in endometriosis.

The biggest driver of them all? Cortisol (i.e. your stress hormone).

Stress is the #1 driver of all disease and dysfunction. The more stressed out your body is (physically and mentally), the more likely shifts and imbalances in estrogen and progesterone are likely to happen.

One study on the effects of stress in rats with endometriosis found that  prior exposure to stress increased both the number and severity of tissue overgrowth found in their pelvic area. Stress also increased colonic inflammation, gut motility, and numbers of mast cells that contributed to their condition. Researchers concluded that prior stress may contribute to the development and severity of endometriosis (8).

Another study found that in two groups of rats with endometriosis, the rats who were purposely subjected to physiological stress (overtraining exercise), versus rats who were not, had significantly more inflamed endometrial tissues than the rats with less stress.

Common stressors that often are overlooked, but that can trigger cortisol and hormonal imbalances include:

• • • Long term medication use
    • Birth control pills
    • History of C-section birth, formula fed and/or antibiotic use
    • Tap water and environmental toxins
    • GMO’s, pesticides and conventional meats/dairy
    • Poor diet
    • Overtraining 
    • Sedentary lifestyles
    • Lack of sleep
    • High caffeine, sugar or stimulant use
    • High screen exposure 
    • All work, not play, rest or leisure 
    • Lack of exposure to natural light and nature
    • Circadian rhythm dysfunction
    • Surgery and illness
    • Blood sugar imbalance and dysregulatoin 
    • Low fat diets
    • Low carb diets
    • Low protein/no protein diets

Ultimately, the body desires balance and when it gets out of balance, then hormonal imbalances are one of the first dysfunctions to arise. 

Toxic Burden

On the topic of hormonal imbalances and stress, environmental and toxic exposures are some of the top endocrine disruptors, with the majority of more than 80,000 approved chemicals unregulated and untested on humans—in everything from our skin care products, to makeup, household cleaners, hand sanitizers and more. Environmental toxins are believes to increase the risk of endometriosis by altering immune cells, hormones and cell growth factors. Common known endocrine disrupting toxins include:

• • PCB’s and dioxins. Found in pesticides in foods, conventional meat.
  • Flame retardants. Found in: Plastics, paint, furniture, electronics, food. 
  • Phytoestrogens. Found in: Soy & other foods.
  • Phthalates. Found in: Plastics, food packaging, cosmetics, cleaning agents. If a product has “fragrance” or “perfum” it probably has phthalates.
  • BPA. Found in: Plastics, food packaging, the lining of many food/beverage containers. 
  • UV Filters. Found in: Sunscreens, cosmetics.
  • Parabens. Found in: Wide range of products. Often in deodorants. Might also be in polyester fabrics.

Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity is defined as “an organism against its own healthy cells and tissues.” In other words, the body, or body cells, that “attacks itself.” 

In the case of endometriosis, studies reveal the presentation tissue-specific antibodies and inflammatory cytokines intertwined in the disease (9). What causes autoimmunity in the first place? While genetics do play a big role in your predisposition to develop an autoimmune disease, countless studies show that all autoimmune diseases share a common thread of leaky gut or intestinal permeability in their presentation. (10, 11, 12). 

DIAGNOSIS

Although the symptoms of endometriosis often speak for themselves, formal diagnosis is typically made through a combination of pelvic exam, ultrasound imagery, CT Scans or MRI scans, and laparoscopy—using a scope to look inside your abdomen. 

Of all methods, however, laparoscopy is the only current “official” method to confirm a diagnosis. 

TREATMENT: THE CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH

Conventional medicine currently states there is no known cure for endometriosis. Therefore, most treatment of endometriosis in conventional medicine focuses on managing the symptoms—primarily through NSAIDs and medications, including synthetic hormones to try to balance  the hormone imbalance. Surgery to remove endometriosis lesions and scar tissue may also be effective, but success rates are dependent on the extent of disease and a case-by-case basis. 

Unfortunately however, all of these methods only manage endometriosis; they do not reverse the condition. 

Many medicines, like synthetic hormones, steroids and NSAIDs, are not suitable for long-term use due to side-effects, including mood swings, further hormone imbalances, GI problems, toxic burden, liver overload and suppression of your body’s own hormone production. 

In fact, when you take synthetic hormones, the levels of those hormones go up in the bloodstream and your pituitary gland reduces your own internal production of that hormone, causing hormone resistance. Over time, the more these hormones are added to your blood, the more the receptors for those hormones become down-regulated. Eventually, you’ll need higher and higher doses to get the same effect you initially got from your original prescription—and the cycle continues. 

Additionally, pain killers, like Motrin, Aleve and Ibuprofen, do little to treat other symptoms that are part of endometriosis, such as fatigue, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, low back pain, ovarian mass, and a heavy flow during your period.

The bottom line? Conventional endometriosis treatment leaves patients with no other options other than to manage the symptoms and “deal with it.”

TREATMENT: THE FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH

Functional medicine is aimed at addressing the roots of disease rather than managing the symptoms. 

Lifestyle and nutrition interventions—aimed at healing the gut, addressing stress and bringing the hormones back to balance are typically used first before medications and surgical procedures. Treatment and remission of endometriosis is often achieved through the following approaches: 

1. Address Underlying Gut Pathologies & Hormonal Imbalances

Work with a functional medicine practitioner or other skilled practitioner to evaluate and address any underlying gut dysfunction (SIBO, leaky gut, fungal overgrowth), HPA Axis Dysfunction, blood sugar imbalances, toxic burden, or other conditions driving your body into a state of stress and inflammation in the first place. Lab testing may include things such as stool analysis, organic acids urine testing, comprehensive blood testing, and SIBO breath testing to get to the root of your disease triggers.

2. Eat Real Anti-inflammatory Foods

An anti-inflammatory diet can be tremendously beneficial in the early stages of iron overload—primarily because it is an anti-inflammatory diet that can help keep inflammation at bay. Opt for real, colorful foods including: 

• • • Clean Filtered Water
    • Sustainable proteins (wild caught, pastured poultry, grass-fed beef)
    • Fiber rich veggies (greens, broccoli, asparagus, summer squash, cauliflower, etc)
    • Fermented Foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled veggies, etc.)
    • Starchy tubers in moderation (potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, carrots). 1-2/day
    • Fresh fruits in moderation. 1-2/day.  
    • For at least 30 days, avoid inflammatory foods including: eggs/egg whites, nuts, seeds, grains, beans and legumes, conventional meat and dairy, nightshade vegetables
    • Avoid completely: packaged and processed foods, gluten, industrial seed oils, and added sugar/sweeteners

3. Love Your Gut

Since the gut is the gateway to health, love your gut bugs every day with these 5 daily habits:

• • • Take a soil based probiotic and prebiotic fiber (partially hydrolyzed guar gum, pectin, glucomannan) 
    • Add 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar to 2-4 oz of water at meals, and take 1-2 digestive enzymes as needed with meals
    • Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water daily
    • Eat lots of color at every meal (2-3 veggies, especially cooked, steamed and sautéed; and dark leafy greens)
    • Sip herbal tea (ginger, chamomile, dandelion)
    • Bonus: Love your liver! Add lemon to your water, sip low-sugar green juice and bone broth as snacks, and take a liver support enzyme with meals for 60-90 day

4. Address Stress

Assess what top stressors are driving your condition. Cut stress with several of these actionable stress-busters:

• • Sleep 7-9 hours
  • Get at least 30-60 minutes of sun exposure/light daily
  • Turn off screens 1-2 hours before bed (at least)
  • Refuse to overtrain
  • Move your body if you’ve been sedentary 3-5 times per week
  • Replace toxic beauty, cleaning and hygiene supplies gradually with toxin free versions 
  • Just say NO (to something)
• Use Natural Anti-Inflammatory Remedies to Subside Pain
  • • • • DHA/EFA Fish Oil
        • Magnesium 
        • Liposomal Curcumin
        • Zinc 
        • B Vitamins
        • Adrenal Adaptogen (Ashwaganda, Rhodiola)
        • Blend of Blood Sugar Balancing Herbs & Substances, such as: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chromium, Gymnema, Berberine, Banaba, Fenugreek, Ginseng, Tocopherols, Green Tea Extract (to balance blood sugar, associated with high cortisol)
           

Resources

1. Murray & Pizzorno. Endometriosis. 2012. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Atria Paperback. pp. 565.

2. Mathias, John R et al. 1998. Relation of endometriosis and neuromuscular disease of the gastrointestinal tract: new insights Fertility and Sterility , Volume 70 , Issue 1 , 81 – 88. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9660426 

3. Jess T, Frisch M, Jørgensen KT, et al Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease in women with endometriosis: a nationwide Danish cohort study Gut 2012;61:1279-1283.

4. Glover, L. E., Fennimore, B., & Wingfield, M. (2016). Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Influence and Implications in Reproduction. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 22(11), 2724–2732. http://doi.org/10.1097/MIB.0000000000000884

5. Zhang, Y.-J., Li, S., Gan, R.-Y., Zhou, T., Xu, D.-P., & Li, H.-B. (2015). Impacts of Gut Bacteria on Human Health and Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(4), 7493–7519. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijms16047493

6. Puca & Hoyne. 2017. Microbial dysbiosis and disease pathogenesis of endometriosis, could there be a link?  Journal of Medical Research. https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/microbial-dysbiosis-and-disease-pathogenesis-of-endometriosis-could-therebe-a-link.pdf 

7. Laschke, Matthias W. et al. 2016. The gut microbiota: a puppet master in the pathogenesis of endometriosis? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Volume 215 , Issue 1 , 68.e1 – 68.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.02.036. 

8. Cuevas, M., Flores, I., Thompson, K. J., Ramos-Ortolaza, D. L., Torres-Reveron, A., & Appleyard, C. B. (2012). Stress Exacerbates Endometriosis Manifestations and Inflammatory Parameters in an Animal Model. Reproductive Sciences, 19(8), 851–862. http://doi.org/10.1177/19337191124384433

9. Eisenberg et al. 2012. Is there an association between autoimmunity and endometriosis? Autoimmunity Reviews. 11 (11): 806-814.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568997212000195?via%3Dihub 

10. Megan Ciara Smyth; Intestinal permeability and autoimmune diseases, Bioscience Horizons: The International Journal of Student Research, Volume 10, 1 January 2017, hzx015, https://doi.org/10.1093/biohorizons/hzx015

11.  Mu, Q., Kirby, J., Reilly, C. M., & Luo, X. M. (2017). Leaky Gut As a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 598. http://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00598

12. Fasano, A. (2012). Zonulin, regulation of tight junctions, and autoimmune diseases. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1258(1), 25–33. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06538.x

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