Endometriosis is not caused by retrograde menses ("backflow menstruation) – many women have backflow but only some develop Endo. Researchers remain unsure as to the exact causes of Endo, but recent studies indicate that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may be contributing factors to the development of the disease.
There is NO CURE for Endometriosis, including hysterectomy. Endometriosis implants produce their own estrogen synthesizing enzyme, called Aromatase, which allow it to thrive despite medically suppressed hormones or following hysterectomy. There are treatments, however, they remain extremely limited and often carry significant side effects. The best treatment is believed to be surgical excision of all disease from all locations – this is different from the typical ablation or vaporization that most gyn surgeons perform, which offer very little – and temporary – relief. See http://www.centerforendo.com and http://www.endometriosistreatment.org for a complete and detailed look at excision surgery.
Alternative therapies do exist to help Endo. They include:
Shiatsu: a Japanese finger-pressure technique similar to massage, Shiatsu stimulates Ki (which is the same as Chinese Ch’i) to balance freeflow and thereby eliminate pain. For more information, contact the Shiatsu Therapy Center at 916/453-1770 and/or the Ohasi Shiatsu Institute at 212/684-4190.
Naturopathy: "Nature Cures." Healing methods often include combinations of fasting, vitamin and mineral therapy, color therapy, colonics, hydrotherapy, herbs, breathing exercises, physical exercise, massage, joint manipulation, and acupuncture, among others. Contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at 206/323-7610 for more information.
Biofeedback: altering of body processes such as heart rate, muscle activity, skin temperature, and brain wave activity. This is done through the use of electrodes attached to the skin which convert minute physiological, chemical or electrical changes into auditory or visual signals. Please contact the American Association of Biofeedback Clinicians at 312/827-0440 for additional information.
Osteopathy: Osteopaths believe pain be relieved by correcting structural problems through the manipulation of muscles, ligaments and bones. You can reach the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians & Gynecologists by calling 313/332-6360 for more details.
Homeopathic therapy: Homeopaths stimulate and bolster healing mechanisms within the body through minute doses of natural remedies that would in healthy persons, produce the symptoms of Endo. Homeopaths believe "like cures like." Treatments can take up to a year and include remedies made from natural substances like minerals, salt and herbs. Common treatments for Endometriosis pain include thuja and sepia. You can learn more by contacting the International Foundation for Homeopathy at 206/324-8230.
Chiropractics: differs from osteopathic treatment in that Chiropractors believe the disease can be relieved by correcting dislocations (subluxations) in the musculoskeletal system alone. Areas concentrated on include primarily the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine area (which also has beneficial effects on the immune system, long thought to be involved in the basis of Endometriosis). For more information, call the American Chiropractic Association at 800/986-4636.
Acupuncture: insertion of thin needles at various points in the skin. Is said to bring relief to women suffering from Endo pain, menstrual cramping, and post-op pain as well. According to Chinese philosophy, good health results as a balance and freeflow of Ch’i through "the meridians," while illness is an imbalance, stagnation, or an obstruction of Ch’i in a "meridian." Placement of the needles on the various points linked by the meridians is believed to restore the balance and flow of Ch’i. This might help eliminate symptoms and reduce pain. In "Endometriosis: A Natural Approach," author Jo Mears noted that some researchers believe that "Endometriosis is a ‘blood stagnation condition.’ The acupuncturist tries to get the blood and energy flow moving again by using the spleen meridians and liver points, all of which are found in the legs, feet and toes." Other researchers believe that acupuncture releases endorphins, a natural painkiller produced by the body. Call the American Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine at 415/776-0502 for further details.
TENS electrotherapy: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is a small machine which conducts an electric current through electrodes placed on the painful areas. When it is successful, pain relief is often very quick. Ask your doctor for more information on obtaining a TENS unit.
Bach Flower: Remedies originated by Dr. Nelson Bach. The basis for this treatment is that every disorder arises from inner imbalances that can be cured by nature through healing plants, sunlight, spring water and fresh air. Applications include gentian, crab apple and pine. For more info, contact the Bach Flower Program at Bo 0185, Baldwin, NY, 11510.
Exercise: While not necessarily an "alternative" treatment, exercise is a demonstrated stress reliever, pain reducer, and depression fighter because it stimulates the release of endorphins, natural painkillers.
Aromatherapy: Using essential oils extracted from plants. Some oils have been found to have anti viral, anti fungal and even antibacterial properties. Effective oils in Endometriosis relief include sage, cypress, fennel, bergamot and geranium. For more information, contact the American Alliance of Aromatherapy, Box 309, Depoe Bay, OR 97341.
Reflexology: Similar to acupuncture’s meridian theory. Reflexologists believe that the entire body is represented by points within the foot. These points are massaged, thereby stimulating a reflect action in the corresponding tissue or organ. Endometriosis treatment involves points which, in particular, help uterine cramping. You may contact the International Institute of Reflexology at PO Box 12642, St. Petersburg, FL 33733.
Herbs: Herbalists believe this form of treatment works because of the impact selected remedies have on excess levels of estrogen. Because the liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen, it has been suggested that a weakness in the liver may be indirectly involved in the flare of Endometriosis and if treated, can have a relieving effect on symptoms. A Naturopathic physician in Canada reported the cases of 15 women with Endo who were treated with an herbal preparation known to stimulate liver function – dandelion, beet leaves, cascara and Uva ursi. After several months, 12 of the 15 women were symptom-free. Various herbs said to be helpful in relieving Endo pain include: Blue Cohosh, Cranberry, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Peppermint, Valerian, Dong Quai, False Unicorn, Evening Primrose Oil, Chasteberry/Vitex, Black Cohosh, Uva Ursi, Couchgrass, Red Raspberry, Yam, and White Willow. Check with a licensed professional as to dosing, interactions and regimens. Contact the American Botanical Council at 512/331-8868 for more information.
Diet & Nutrition can be very helpful as well. I recommend getting a copy of Dian Shepperson Mills’ book, "Endometriosis: Healing Through Nutrition." It provides excellent advice on how to approach symptom relief through the dietary approach. Good luck and feel better!
I don’t think there are any. It is caused due to back up of the blood while you are on your period and a Doctor can remove it but that means surgery etc.It depends on how bad it is . Some have just slight endometriosis and some have it bad. They can go in and remove it and use a scope to burn it which saves you from taking all the female organs out if it is a mild problem.Removal of all the female parts is radical and should be done only when necessary.
There are many of herbal remedies that can be used for treatment, however, they should be prescribed based on individual case.
There is also homeopathic remedies, that work beautifully, but again, they have to be prescribed by someone who knows how to diagnose and treat endometriosis.
Naturopathic medicine is the best way to go.
If you ever decide to do surgery, be prepared for removal of your female organs, which creates artificial menopause, often premature.
You can find a naturopath in area near you, if you do online search.
Another option-acupuncture.
I have had endo since I was a teenager (over 20 years ago). I don’t like to take pain medication (but with endo sometimes the pain is too intense) and what I have found works is massage and acupuncture. The massage therapist massages your stomach area and the acupuncturist puts needles throughout the body targeting the pelvic region and these two treatments have helped me a lot.
I also like using a heating pad on my back and a hot water bottle on my stomach for some relief during my period.
I hope you find some good info to help you deal with this.
Endometriosis is not caused by retrograde menses ("backflow menstruation) – many women have backflow but only some develop Endo. Researchers remain unsure as to the exact causes of Endo, but recent studies indicate that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may be contributing factors to the development of the disease.
There is NO CURE for Endometriosis, including hysterectomy. Endometriosis implants produce their own estrogen synthesizing enzyme, called Aromatase, which allow it to thrive despite medically suppressed hormones or following hysterectomy. There are treatments, however, they remain extremely limited and often carry significant side effects. The best treatment is believed to be surgical excision of all disease from all locations – this is different from the typical ablation or vaporization that most gyn surgeons perform, which offer very little – and temporary – relief. See http://www.centerforendo.com and http://www.endometriosistreatment.org for a complete and detailed look at excision surgery.
Alternative therapies do exist to help Endo. They include:
Shiatsu: a Japanese finger-pressure technique similar to massage, Shiatsu stimulates Ki (which is the same as Chinese Ch’i) to balance freeflow and thereby eliminate pain. For more information, contact the Shiatsu Therapy Center at 916/453-1770 and/or the Ohasi Shiatsu Institute at 212/684-4190.
Naturopathy: "Nature Cures." Healing methods often include combinations of fasting, vitamin and mineral therapy, color therapy, colonics, hydrotherapy, herbs, breathing exercises, physical exercise, massage, joint manipulation, and acupuncture, among others. Contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at 206/323-7610 for more information.
Biofeedback: altering of body processes such as heart rate, muscle activity, skin temperature, and brain wave activity. This is done through the use of electrodes attached to the skin which convert minute physiological, chemical or electrical changes into auditory or visual signals. Please contact the American Association of Biofeedback Clinicians at 312/827-0440 for additional information.
Osteopathy: Osteopaths believe pain be relieved by correcting structural problems through the manipulation of muscles, ligaments and bones. You can reach the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians & Gynecologists by calling 313/332-6360 for more details.
Homeopathic therapy: Homeopaths stimulate and bolster healing mechanisms within the body through minute doses of natural remedies that would in healthy persons, produce the symptoms of Endo. Homeopaths believe "like cures like." Treatments can take up to a year and include remedies made from natural substances like minerals, salt and herbs. Common treatments for Endometriosis pain include thuja and sepia. You can learn more by contacting the International Foundation for Homeopathy at 206/324-8230.
Chiropractics: differs from osteopathic treatment in that Chiropractors believe the disease can be relieved by correcting dislocations (subluxations) in the musculoskeletal system alone. Areas concentrated on include primarily the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine area (which also has beneficial effects on the immune system, long thought to be involved in the basis of Endometriosis). For more information, call the American Chiropractic Association at 800/986-4636.
Acupuncture: insertion of thin needles at various points in the skin. Is said to bring relief to women suffering from Endo pain, menstrual cramping, and post-op pain as well. According to Chinese philosophy, good health results as a balance and freeflow of Ch’i through "the meridians," while illness is an imbalance, stagnation, or an obstruction of Ch’i in a "meridian." Placement of the needles on the various points linked by the meridians is believed to restore the balance and flow of Ch’i. This might help eliminate symptoms and reduce pain. In "Endometriosis: A Natural Approach," author Jo Mears noted that some researchers believe that "Endometriosis is a ‘blood stagnation condition.’ The acupuncturist tries to get the blood and energy flow moving again by using the spleen meridians and liver points, all of which are found in the legs, feet and toes." Other researchers believe that acupuncture releases endorphins, a natural painkiller produced by the body. Call the American Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine at 415/776-0502 for further details.
TENS electrotherapy: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is a small machine which conducts an electric current through electrodes placed on the painful areas. When it is successful, pain relief is often very quick. Ask your doctor for more information on obtaining a TENS unit.
Bach Flower: Remedies originated by Dr. Nelson Bach. The basis for this treatment is that every disorder arises from inner imbalances that can be cured by nature through healing plants, sunlight, spring water and fresh air. Applications include gentian, crab apple and pine. For more info, contact the Bach Flower Program at Bo 0185, Baldwin, NY, 11510.
Exercise: While not necessarily an "alternative" treatment, exercise is a demonstrated stress reliever, pain reducer, and depression fighter because it stimulates the release of endorphins, natural painkillers.
Aromatherapy: Using essential oils extracted from plants. Some oils have been found to have anti viral, anti fungal and even antibacterial properties. Effective oils in Endometriosis relief include sage, cypress, fennel, bergamot and geranium. For more information, contact the American Alliance of Aromatherapy, Box 309, Depoe Bay, OR 97341.
Reflexology: Similar to acupuncture’s meridian theory. Reflexologists believe that the entire body is represented by points within the foot. These points are massaged, thereby stimulating a reflect action in the corresponding tissue or organ. Endometriosis treatment involves points which, in particular, help uterine cramping. You may contact the International Institute of Reflexology at PO Box 12642, St. Petersburg, FL 33733.
Herbs: Herbalists believe this form of treatment works because of the impact selected remedies have on excess levels of estrogen. Because the liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen, it has been suggested that a weakness in the liver may be indirectly involved in the flare of Endometriosis and if treated, can have a relieving effect on symptoms. A Naturopathic physician in Canada reported the cases of 15 women with Endo who were treated with an herbal preparation known to stimulate liver function – dandelion, beet leaves, cascara and Uva ursi. After several months, 12 of the 15 women were symptom-free. Various herbs said to be helpful in relieving Endo pain include: Blue Cohosh, Cranberry, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Peppermint, Valerian, Dong Quai, False Unicorn, Evening Primrose Oil, Chasteberry/Vitex, Black Cohosh, Uva Ursi, Couchgrass, Red Raspberry, Yam, and White Willow. Check with a licensed professional as to dosing, interactions and regimens. Contact the American Botanical Council at 512/331-8868 for more information.
Diet & Nutrition can be very helpful as well. I recommend getting a copy of Dian Shepperson Mills’ book, "Endometriosis: Healing Through Nutrition." It provides excellent advice on how to approach symptom relief through the dietary approach. Good luck and feel better!
One could also ask what is a search engine?
I don’t think there are any. It is caused due to back up of the blood while you are on your period and a Doctor can remove it but that means surgery etc.It depends on how bad it is . Some have just slight endometriosis and some have it bad. They can go in and remove it and use a scope to burn it which saves you from taking all the female organs out if it is a mild problem.Removal of all the female parts is radical and should be done only when necessary.
Pregnancy is the only one I’ve ever heard of.
There are many of herbal remedies that can be used for treatment, however, they should be prescribed based on individual case.
There is also homeopathic remedies, that work beautifully, but again, they have to be prescribed by someone who knows how to diagnose and treat endometriosis.
Naturopathic medicine is the best way to go.
If you ever decide to do surgery, be prepared for removal of your female organs, which creates artificial menopause, often premature.
You can find a naturopath in area near you, if you do online search.
Another option-acupuncture.
I have had endo since I was a teenager (over 20 years ago). I don’t like to take pain medication (but with endo sometimes the pain is too intense) and what I have found works is massage and acupuncture. The massage therapist massages your stomach area and the acupuncturist puts needles throughout the body targeting the pelvic region and these two treatments have helped me a lot.
I also like using a heating pad on my back and a hot water bottle on my stomach for some relief during my period.
I hope you find some good info to help you deal with this.
koala bear fur, goat eyes, chameleon feces, and the most commonly used: splooge