What is Endometriosis? Adenomyosis?
Periods are NOT supposed to be debilitating.
Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are conditions that affects millions of women worldwide, but diagnosis can be challenging.
Written by Rebecca
Updated from a blog post written for Orchid Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
This article is for educational purposes. The information is not meant to diagnose or treat a medical condition and does not replace the advice or care of your physician. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your health and care plan.
Endometriosis is characterized by endometrial-like tissue (tissue similar to that lining the uterus) that has grown or migrated outside the uterus and attached itself to other organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, rectum, or bladder. Adenomyosis is a similar condition, but instead of tissue migrating outside of the uterus, it grows deep into the muscular wall of the uterus causing thickening and enlargement. This tissue can can restrict the function of those organs and cause pain (with menstruation, bowel movements, urination, or intercourse), digestive issues and bloating, abnormal bleeding (bleeding between periods, heavy periods or even rectal bleeding with periods in those with endometriosis), and anemia as a result of heavy bleeding.
Symptoms are often written off as “normal”. These, however, can be signs of this underlying imbalance that can cause significant distress throughout the month and increase the risk of infertility and anxiety or depression.. While imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, may visualize these conditions, a definitive diagnosis can often be challenging and may require a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy during which a fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to look for (and remove if mild to moderate) scar tissue and endometrial masses.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis can occur together in the body or independently of one another. Between 20 and 40% of women with infertility have one or both of these conditions. As mentioned above, endometriosis can attach to the fallopian tubes, impairing their function and preventing the eggs fertilization and transport after ovulation or increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In addition, both endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic inflammatory conditions that target the reproductive system and can result in reduced implantation rates, increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased egg quality (endometriosis).
Management from a Western medicine perspective includes managing pain, lowering hormone levels with hormonal contraceptives or injectable medication, or surgical procedures to remove tissue or even hysterectomy. When looking at it through the lens of Chinese Medicine, endometriosis does not have one individual diagnosis. We look at each patient to assess the quality of the their blood, the state of their digestion, and resulting inflammation that may be present from lifestyle/dietary habits and treat to improve the symptoms of the condition, but also work to limit the progression and minimize the long-term affects of endometriosis.
Some things that can support the body in calming the symptoms/progression include:
Toxins: Avoid environmental toxin exposure whenever possible. Avoid plastic food containers and water bottles, BPA-lined cans and credit card paper, non-stick pans, health and body care products that contain synthetic fragrances or other harsh chemicals such as bleached tampons, toxic household cleaners, dryer sheets and fragranced laundry soap, and non-organic food. Check out the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to look up ingredients in your personal care products.
Diet: Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet is important to reduce inflammation and improve overall nutrient absorption. We also look at food triggers that may be contributing to underlying inflammation or estrogen-dominance in the body and would suggest reducing/omitting sugar, trans fats, processed foods, gluten, dairy, alcohol, and/or caffeine. Foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc) are often a helpful addition as they can help the body process and reduce estrogen levels. Also be sure to include ample fiber in your diet along with Omega-3 fatty acids.
Exercise: Regular exercise is so important for blood circulation and studies have shown it can reduce menstrual pain. We encourage patients to refrain from too strenuous of exercise during their periods or from doing any inversions while bleeding.
Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that high levels of stress can have a detrimental effect on the symptoms of endometriosis and advance its progression. Taking time to relax, meditate, breathe, practice yoga, or walk in nature can be helpful tools to manage stress. We also encourage patients to practice saying no to things that don’t serve them and looking at ways to bring more joy and connection into life.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can alleviate pain and reduce inflammatory markers in the body resulting in improved function and fertility (in many cases) by improving blood flow, regulating hormones, and stimulating endorphins (our feel-good hormones).
Herbs/Supplements: Herbs and supplements can assist in supporting hormonal imbalances commonly seen with these conditions while reducing pain and preventing further growth (or regrowth) of unhealthy tissue. Supplementing with iron may be important if you are experiencing heavy periods and anemia. I suggest a liquid, non-constipating iron such as Floradix or Gaia Plantforce.
Mayan Abdominal Therapy: Mayan Abdominal Therapy is a form of abdominal massage that can help to move the uterus and other organs into proper alignment to help reduce menstrual pain, correct a tipped uterus, and loosen adhesions or scar tissue to improve blood flow.
Heating Pads/Castor Oil Packs: The use of heat can reduce pain during the period and we often recommend adding in castor oil packs between periods (between period and ovulation when trying to conceive) to help to detoxify the body while improving circulation and reducing masses.
Have you been diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis? No diagnosis, but suffer from pelvic pain or pain related to your menstrual cycle? You are not along and there is support. Talk to your doctor or reach out with questions!