Are There Holistic Treatment Options For Endometriosis?
For many women of reproductive age, taking on endometriosis can feel like an uphill battle. Between a lack of understanding of the condition and conventional treatments that ignore root causes, many women feel like they have to relent to a lifetime of painful symptoms.
As a functional medicine expert, I’m here with some hopeful news.
There are many natural endometriosis treatments out there that can improve your symptoms and even slow the progression of your condition. It’s about finding the right combination of strategies for your unique health case.
A Brief Overview Of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue that resembles the lining of your uterus, or endometrium, grows outside of your uterus where it doesn’t belong. This endometrial tissue, or lesions, can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvic area.
Excess endometrial cells can become irritated, inflamed, and painful during hormonal shifts like your period. Over time, this can cause scar tissue formation, increase your risk of cysts and adhesions, and affect your fertility.
Endometriosis at any stage can cause severe pain, impact your mental health, and make it hard to get through daily tasks. Additional symptoms of endometriosis include:
Researchers believe a combination of factors, including genetics, age, and hormone imbalances, causes endometriosis.
8 Natural Remedies To Help With Endometriosis
I can’t promise that you can cure endometriosis naturally, as there is no true cure for the condition. Finding the right holistic treatment for endometriosis can dramatically reduce the side effects associated with more conventional medical treatments.
It can also help you feel like you’re taking back control of your health and well-being.
1. Make Changes to Your Diet
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, so it makes sense that lowering inflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet can help alleviate related symptoms. (1) An anti-inflammatory diet eliminates most excess sugar, gluten, red meat, processed foods, and industrialized seed oils.
Instead, fill your diet with minimally processed whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids from healthy fats in fish and olive oil, and clean carbohydrates with little to no excess sugar. Eat lots of leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits like berries for an endometriosis detox and immune system boost.
I’ve also seen success with intermittent fasting in patients battling hormone-related conditions. (2) During a fast, your body triggers cellular processes that can potentially reduce overall inflammation. Intermitting fasting may also help your body regulate insulin and estrogen.
Intermittent fasting may balance these hormones and reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance, a common issue in endometriosis. Fasting for endometriosis also promotes autophagy, the body's process of clearing out damaged cells, which may help prevent further tissue growth.
2. Manage Your Stress Levels
Stress is a cause and effect of many chronic health problems, including endometriosis. (3) Multiple studies have found that women with more severe endometriosis pain have higher levels of stress and increased risk of depression and anxiety. (4)
Integrating daily stress management techniques like meditation, breathwork, yoga, and journaling can help bring you back to the present moment. Practice the art of saying “no” to more than you can handle, and consider adding supplements to balance high cortisol levels.
3. Take Specific Supplements And Herbs
Natural supplements and herbal remedies for endometriosis can be a solid addition to an individual’s treatment. Supplements for endometriosis target inflammation, pain, or hormonal imbalances that aggravate symptoms.
My favorite supplements include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Diindolylmethane (DIM)
- Zinc
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
- Curcumin (turmeric extract)
Packed with pure turmeric extract, The Curcumin supports your body’s fight against inflammation for better cognitive, cardiovascular, and hormonal health.
Herbal medicines can also be helpful in relieving menstrual pain, managing stress, and reducing inflammation. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Vitex: Commonly known as chasteberry, this herb is a common treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause symptoms. (5) Its effects on balancing hormones may help reduce endometriosis symptoms like painful periods.
- Ginger: This one is a known nausea treatment, but it’s also linked to anti-inflammatory effects and natural pain-relieving properties.
- Green tea: Active compounds in antioxidant-rich green tea may help reduce the growth and spread of endometrial tissue, reduce oxidative stress, and combat inflammation. (6) Added caffeine can give you an energy boost when a lack of sleep gets you down.
- Chamomile: Typically enjoyed as a tea, chamomile reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation for reduced stress. Chamomile also supports better sleep.
- Evening primrose: This flowering plant is sold as evening primrose oil for hormonal regulation and symptom relief from breast tenderness, mood changes, and cramping. (7)
- Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb can lower cortisol levels associated with a higher risk of endometriosis flare-ups. (8)
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4. Get Quality Rest
For those with endometriosis, poor sleep can mean the difference between a day with intense symptoms and a day without. Studies show poor sleep quality is directly associated with bladder pain, depressive symptoms, and a lower quality of life. (9)
The pain associated with endometriosis can further perpetuate fatigue, insomnia, and poor sleep quality, putting you in a vicious cycle. (10) I know it can feel impossible when a condition is behind your sleep issues, but try your best to cultivate a better nighttime routine.
Support your body’s own melatonin production by limiting blue light exposure before bed, testing out blackout curtains, and sipping on melatonin-rich tart cherry juice.
5. Use CBD Oil
CBD oil isn’t as well-researched as oral cannabis for pain relief and anxiety reduction, but the studies out there show it may have a positive effect on reducing inflammation and tissue growth. Researchers think this may be thanks to its antiangiogenic effects. (11)
Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation. In the context of endometriosis, new blood vessels help sustain abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterus. Obstacles to this process may reduce the size and spread of endometrial lesions.
6. Try Wild Yam Cream
Progesterone cream derived from wild yam has shown promise as a natural treatment for hormonal imbalances. Wild yam contains diosgenin, a plant-based compound similar in structure to progesterone.
Studies show it may help balance estrogen levels by providing a natural source of compounds that mimic the hormone and act as a mild anti-inflammatory. (12) Both are linked to reduced menstrual cramps and better overall reproductive health.
Much like CBD oil, it may also boast some antiangiogenic effects to help stop the formation of new blood vessels within the endometrial tissue. (13)
7. Exercise Regularly
You may not feel like doing much when you’re dealing with chronic endometriosis pain, but low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling can directly improve your symptoms. Gentle exercise can reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and alleviate pain.
Physical activity also releases endorphins, your body’s natural pain relievers. If lower back pain is at the top of your symptoms, you may want to try yoga. Studies show a regular yoga habit is great for reducing chronic pain, stress, menopausal symptoms, and depression risk. (14)
LISTEN: Menstrual Cycle, Menopause & Hormone Replacement Therapy Myths & Truths | Esther Blum
8. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a popular therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a variety of women’s health problems, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and endometriosis. The goal of treatments is targeted pain management.
Studies show that acupuncture has a positive effect on overall pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation, compared to other common forms of pain relief. (15)
Acupuncture may also affect inflammation, muscle tension, stress, and blood flow, all important to alleviating chronic pain from endometriosis.
Holistic Versus Conventional Treatment Options
Conventional interventions for endometriosis-related pain include over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, hormone therapy, and contraceptives to control estrogen levels.
In severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a laparoscopy to remove endometrial growths or a hysterectomy if all else has failed.
In functional medicine, the goal isn’t just to manage symptoms but to dramatically improve your quality of life. With my patients, I take a holistic approach to endometriosis that may include natural pain relief, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments with fewer side effects.
Seeking Help From A Functional Medicine Expert
Thankfully, there are many ways to treat endometriosis without the need for surgery or other invasive therapies. Functional medicine takes a multifaceted approach and aims to identify and address the root cause behind your endometriosis.
Natural tools that account for the many mental and physical triggers that can contribute to endometriosis are the best way to support long-term endometriosis relief and overall wellness.
If you’re ready for a different approach, schedule a telehealth consultation. We can create a customized plan of action to improve your quality of life.
- Habib, N., Buzzaccarini, G., Centini, G., et al. (2022). Impact of lifestyle and diet on endometriosis: a fresh look to a busy corner. Przeglad Menopauzalny, 21(2), 124-132.
- Tewani, S., Sharma, H., Tewani, G.R., et al. (2023). The long-term impact of therapeutic fasting on primary dysmenorrhea in young female adults: a randomized controlled trial. Cureus, 15(7), e41437.
- Reis, F.M., Coutinho, L.M., Vannuccini, S., et al. (2020). Is stress a cause or a Consequence of endometriosis? Reproductive Sciences, 27(1), 39-45.
- Casalechi, M., Vieira-Lopes, M., Quessada, M.P., et al. (2021). Endometriosis and related pelvic pain: association with stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology, 73(3), 283-289.
- Rafieian-Kopaei, M. & Movahedi, M. (2017). Systematic review of premenstrual, postmenstrual and infertility disorders of vitex agnus castus. Electronic Physician Journal, 9(1), 3685-3689.
- Hazimeh, D., Massoud, G., Parish, M., et al. (2023). Green tea and benign gynecologic disorders: a new trick for an old beverage? Nutrients, 15(6), 1439.
- Mahboubi, M. (2019). Evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil in management of female ailments. Journal of Menopausal Medicine, 25(2), 74-82.
- Mikulska, P., Malinowska, M., Ignacyk, M., et al. (2023). Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)-current research on the health-promoting activities: a narrative review. Pharmaceutics, 15(4), 1057.
- Arion, K., Orr, N.L., Noga, H., et al. (2020). A quantitative analysis of sleep quality in women with endometriosis. Journal of Women's Health, 29(9):1209-1215.
- Facchin, F., Buggio, L., Roncella, E., et al. (2021). Sleep disturbances, fatigue and psychological health in women with endometriosis: a matched pair case-control study. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 43(6), 1027-1034.
- Okten, S.B., Cetin, C., Tok, O.E., et al. (2023). Cannabidiol as a potential novel treatment for endometriosis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiangiogenic effects in an experimental rat model. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 46(5), 865-875.
- Zeng, M., Zhang, L., Li, M., et al. (2018). Estrogenic effects of the extracts from the chinese yam (dioscorea opposite thunb.) and its effective compounds in vitro and in vivo. Molecules, 23(2), 11.
- Mazzio, E., Almalki, A., Darling-Reed, S.F., et al. (2021). Effects of wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa) extract on the gene expression profile of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cancer Genomics Proteomics, 18(6), 735-755.
- Ravins, I., Joseph, G., & Tene, L. (2023). The effect of practicing "endometriosis yoga" on stress and quality of life for women with endometriosis: AB design pilot study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 29(3), 8-14.
- Giese, N., Kwon, K.K., & Armour, M. (2023). Acupuncture for endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integrative Medicine Research, 12(4), 101003.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but medications and natural remedies that target hormonal imbalances and inflammation can reduce further endometrial growth. These can include dietary and lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and supplements.
Endo bloat, or endo belly, is a result of bloating and abdominal discomfort from the presence of endometrial tissue in the pelvic area. It’s typically more pronounced during menstrual cycles when cramping and other gastrointestinal symptoms are more common.
Naturopaths emphasize holistic approaches to conditions like endometriosis. That may include herbal remedies, acupuncture, gentle exercise, and nutritional counseling to support an anti-inflammatory diet.
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BY DR. WILL COLE
Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum.
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