Endometriosis & Infertility

What exactly IS endometriosis (aka endo)?

Endometriosis is when the endometrial lining of the uterus is OUTSIDE of the uterus. It still thickens and bleeds just like the endometrial lining on the inside of the uterus does. This tissue can be found anywhere in the body however, it is commonly found around the fallopian tubes and ovaries. As well as in and around the intestines. This is where the problems occur.

Endometriosis can only be diagnosed with laparoscopic surgery. However, you don’t need a diagnosis to know that you have painful cramping during your period. The symptoms that can be caused by endometriosis are vast. There are even plenty that are seemingly unrelated. Some women have symptoms but, do not have painful periods. That can lead to the assumption that they must not have endo. This is only ONE of the things that make this issue such a challenge to learn to live with.

Here’s the good news:
There ARE natural options to help you decrease and even remove these annoying-debilitating symptoms from your life. So let’s dig in!

First and foremost – what you eat definitely does matter. I know I know, I’m always talking about food. This will most likely not be the last time either. Endo already causes irritation and inflammation within the body. So eating any foods that are triggers for you personally can exacerbate the signs. Learning the foods that your body is sensitive to can take some time and dedication. But, no doubt, it will be totally worth it. Foods such as nightshades, nuts, and grains can be a great place to start. And knowing the clients that I work with who are experiencing pain from endo, they are pretty much willing to try ANYTHING!

Aside from foods that are triggers for you personally; you can work to remove other known inflammatory foods such as dairy, gluten and sugar. Also eating as organic as possible will help to reduce toxins in your body that are known irritants. I know this can seem overwhelming. Start slow. Make a list of recipes and a plan for snacks. Make a grocery list and do the prepping. All the preparedness can make the difference for success or just more frustration.

Secondly – Move your body. The physical health of your body correlates to good flexibility and also good blood flow. No need to develop a strenuous workout routine, you can if you want to, but just simply walking will make a difference.

Another awesome option is supplements. There are four supplements in specific that have been scientifically proven to help to heal endometriosis.

These supplements are:
1) Melatonin – great for a pain reducer.
2) NAC – helps to detoxify the body
3) Pine Bark – another great pain reducer.
4) Ginger – helps to reduce inflammation

It is never a good idea to just take supplements willy nilly. Be sure to do some more digging and inform yourself about when to take these supplements and how much to take. For more information about these natural and helpful supplements you can check out AvivaRomm.com and search ‘endometriosis’. This has been a great resource for me in my personal life for ALL things related to women’s health.

Overall, one of the very best things you can do for yourself is to become your own advocate. Don’t give your power away to medical practitioners or anyone else. Your health care providers should be on your team. If it ever feels like you are not being heard or being offered options and ideas that you would truly want to incorporate into your life and you truly believe to be the best option for your body, keep searching until you find those who align with your views. You know your body better than any other person. You just need to tune in. You got this lady!

Baby dust!